Roscommon

Roscommon is a destination in Connaught, Ireland.

Roscommon is the county town of County Roscommon, a market and service centre in the heart of Ireland. It has a ruined castle, a county museum, and several historic churches. The town is well positioned in the centre of the province, within easy reach of the Shannon, Lough Ree, and the Sliabh Bán and Arigna mountains.

The most practical way to reach Roscommon is by car, with good road connections from the surrounding area. Regional bus services may also serve the town, though schedules can be limited on weekends. The nearest airport is typically Shannon (SNN) or Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), depending on the specific location.

Roscommon is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car or bicycle is recommended.

In town

Town centre stands on the former highway north to Tulsk and Boyle, now bypassed to the east by N63. The best of it is The Square where the street divides around Harrison Hall to reunite in front of the facade of the Old Gaol.

The Old Gaol in The Square is now a modern shopping centre, and the facade is all that remains of the 18th century original. In the 1790s this had a female executioner, Elizabeth Sugrue or "Lady Betty". Her life and deeds are embellished by folklore, but Sir William Wilde (Oscar's father) collected the tale not long after her reign. She supposedly murdered a man not recognising him as her long-lost son, and was about to be hanged for this with 25 other offenders but the hangman was ill. She volunteered to replace him and her career was launched, as were the 25 other wretches. In 1822 the gaol became a lunatic asylum and in 1833 a Lazaretto, a quarantine confinement for those with dangerous diseases such as smallpox. Sometime after 1840 the building was converted to residential and commercial use.

Roscommon County Museum ,

The Square ,

☏

+353 90 662 5613 .

M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM .

The Museum and tourist information centre are in a fo

Omniplex Cinema is on the retail park east side of town, junction of N61 and N63.

Roscommon Arts Centre stages various live events. It's on N61 east side of town.

Roscommon Golf Club is 500 m south of town on Golf Links Road. Blue tees are 6069 m, par 72.

Roscommon Leisure Centre is on St Coman's Park, 200 m west of The Square. It has a 25 m pool, gym and fitness classes. It's open M-F 06:30-22:00, Sa Su 10:00-17:00.

Roscommon Racecourse ,

Racecourse Road F42 V052 ,

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+353 90 662 6231 ,

[email protected] .

Flat and National Hunt (jumps) races are held May-Sept on an oblong right-handed track of 2 km (1 mile 2 furlongs). There are 9 meetings a year: the main flat race is the Lenebane Stakes in July, while the main jumps event is the Kilbenet Novice Chase in late Sept.   ( updated Nov 2025 )

Gaelic games are hurling and Gaelic football. Roscommon's county team play at Douglas Hyde Park (capacity 30,000) 400 m east of town along N61. The town club Roscommon Gaels play at Lisnamult, 500 m southwest of the centre past the railway station.

Mote Park is a pleasant forest area with walking and cycling trails. It's 5 km southeast of town on N61, ta

Forte on Castle St is open daily 3-11PM.

Jackson's ,

The Square F42 H968 ,

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+353 90 666 5599 .

Daily 10AM-10PM .

Restaurant with modern European and oriental menu, also has rooms.   ( updated Nov 2025 )

Gleeson's is on The Square, see Sleep.

Zaiqa on The Square is open M-Sa 4-11PM, Su 3-10PM.

The Pantry on The Square is open M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-4PM.

Regan's ,

The Square F42 VY62 ,

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+353 90 662 5339 .

Daily 12:30-8:30PM .

Gastropub and restaurant, reliable good quality.   ( updated Nov 2025 )

Rogue & Co on Main St is open M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 10AM-3PM.

Lana is a chain Thai / Chinese on Main St open daily 1-10PM.

Peppermill ,

Golf Links Rd ,

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+353 90 663 4980 .

M-Sa 9AM-5PM .

Smart clean place for Irish and European cuisine.   ( updated Nov 2025 )

In The Square are Regan's (above), JJ Harlows and The Brewery.

Along Castle St going north are Doorly's Corner House, Murray's, The Jailhouse, Hollywood Bar, Coachman's Inn (below), Rockford's Nightclub and Nancy's Bar.

South of The Square are Down The Hatch, Foxes, Clancy's and Railway Bar.

Coachman's Inn ,

Castle St F42 XY47 ,

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+353 87 206 3386 .

Good scores for comfort and service.

B&B double €100 .   ( updated Nov 2025 )

Tatlers Guesthouse is on Court View in town centre.

Abbey Hotel ,

Galway Rd F42 F992

( opposite railway station ),

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+353 90 662 6240 .

Convenient mid-range place, friendly service but some facilities tired.

B&B double €130 .   ( updated Nov 2025 )

Gleeson's ,

Market Square F42 WA22 ,

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+353 90 662 6954 .

19th century townhouse hotel with good restaurant.

B&B double €120 .   ( updated Nov 2025 )

Hannon's Hotel ,

Athlone Rd F42 PH33 ,

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+353 90 663 7644 .

Mid-range place with good reviews for comfort, service and food.

B&B double €120 .   ( updated Nov 2025 )

Galey Bay ,

Knockcroghery F42 RP20

( 8 km southeast of town ),

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+353 90 666 1058 .

Peaceful campsite and caravan park by Lough Ree.   ( updated Nov 2025 )

Connect

As of Nov 2025, Roscommon and its approach roads have 4G from Eir, and 5G from Three and Vodafone.

Tesco in Market Yard is open M-Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 10AM-8PM.

SuperValu off Main Street is open M-Sa 8AM-8PM, Su 9AM-8PM.

Aldi and Lidl are by the roundabout on the Lanesborough Road.

There are outdoor ATMs along The Square into Main Street.

Carrick-on-Shannon together with Leitrim is a major junction on the Shannon navigation system.

Athlone has a fine castle and cathedral.

Tuam and Athenry are small towns with ancient religious sites, ruined abbeys and castles. They're in east Galway, the lowland part which resembles Roscommon.

Galway is a lively colourful city, while further west is the wild upland scenery of Conne

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