Strokestown & Rathcroghan
Roscommon
About This Route
Roscommon holds two of Ireland's most significant heritage sites - Strokestown's Famine Museum, where the tragedy becomes achingly personal, and Rathcroghan, the ancient capital of Connacht. This route connects them through the quiet heart of rural Ireland.
Why This Route?
Strokestown and Rathcroghan reveal Irish history:
- Strokestown Park - Famine Museum of international importance
- Rathcroghan - Celtic royal site, Connacht's ancient capital
- Roscommon Town - Norman castle and abbey
- Quiet countryside - Heart of rural Ireland
- Year-round interest - Indoor attractions for any weather
The Route
Strokestown
The town built by one family:
Strokestown Park House
Palladian mansion with:
- Original furnishings
- Landlord's archive (key to Famine story)
- Walled garden restored
- Ornamental lake
National Famine Museum
Ireland's most important Famine exhibition:
- Documents from the estate archive
- Personal letters and records
- Eviction notices
- Emigrant stories
- Deeply moving experience
The Town
Ireland's widest main street:
- Planned estate town
- Georgian character
- Traditional shops
Tulsk
Home of Rathcroghan:
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre
Introduction to the sacred landscape:
- Exhibition on Celtic history
- Guided tours available
- Maps for self-guided exploration
- Connection to Irish mythology
Rathcroghan Complex
150+ archaeological sites including:
- Rathcroghan mound (royal inauguration site)
- Oweynagat cave (entrance to underworld)
- Ring forts and burial mounds
- Connacht's ancient capital
Cruachan Aí (Rathcroghan)
The complex was:
- Capital of Connacht in myth and reality
- Where Queen Maeve ruled (Táin Bó Cúailnge)
- Inauguration site of Connacht kings
- Active ceremonial centre for 2,500+ years
Roscommon Town
The county capital:
Roscommon Castle
Norman fortress (1269):
- Impressive ruins
- Twin-towered gatehouse
- Free access
Dominican Friary
13th-century ruins with:
- Carved tomb of Felim O'Conor (died 1265)
- Atmospheric setting
Castlerea
Western market town with:
- Clonalis House (O'Conor Don seat)
- Suck River
- Traditional character
Clonalis House
Home of the O'Conor Don:
- Descended from Ireland's last High Kings
- Archives and heirlooms
- Tours by arrangement
Return via Elphin
Through Oliver Goldsmith's birthplace.
National Famine Museum
Why It Matters
The Strokestown archive survived intact:
- Rent rolls and accounts
- Eviction orders signed
- Correspondence with agents
- Lists of tenants shipped to Canada
The Tragedy
In 1847, landlord Denis Mahon evicted 3,000 people and chartered ships to Quebec. He was assassinated within months.
The Experience
Allow 2+ hours. Prepare for an emotional visit.
International Famine Memorial
The grounds connect Strokestown to global famine issues.
Rathcroghan
Historical Importance
This was Connacht's Tara:
- Royal inaugurations
- Assemblies
- Religious ceremonies
- Mentioned in early Irish texts
Oweynagat Cave
"Cave of the Cats":
- Entrance to the underworld in mythology
- Samhain (Halloween) connections
- Accessible with guide (muddy, narrow)
- Birthplace of Medb's warriors
Visiting the Sites
Many sites are in farmland:
- Ask permission
- Follow Visitor Centre guidance
- Some roadside, some require walks
Practical Tips
- Famine Museum - Allow 2+ hours; emotionally demanding
- Rathcroghan tours - Book guided visits in advance
- Oweynagat - Muddy and tight; not for claustrophobics
- Strokestown - Combined tickets for house and museum
- Clonalis - Check opening arrangements
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
