|
click here to return to Map of Ireland Castles
Roscommon Castle is located just outside Roscommon town. It was built in 1269 by Robert de Ufford, Justiciciar of Ireland, on lands he had seized from the Dominican Priory.
The castle was besieged by the Connacht King Aodh O'Connor in 1272. Eight years later it was again in the hands of the English garrison, and fully restored. By 1340 the O'Connors regained possession of it, and held it for two centuries until 1569, when it fell into the hands of Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy.
In 1641 the Parliamentarian faction gained it until Confederate Catholics under Preston captured it in 1645. It remained in Irish hands until 1652 when it was partially blown up by Cromwellian "Ironsides" who had all the fortifications dismantled. It was finally burned down in 1690 and thus it gradually fell into decay.
The castle is quadrangular in shape with rounded bastions at the corner, and a double-towered entrance gate, as well as a rectangular gate tower in the west wall. After 1578 Sir Nicholas Malby carried out extensive alterations and inserted a number of mullioned windows as well as adding a number of buildings on the north side of the castle.
The Friary was founded for the Dominicans by Felim O'Conor, Lord of Roscommon, in 1253 and was consecrated in 1257. The church originally consisted of one long aisle.
The north transept was added in the 15th century. The most remarkable feature of the Friary is the effigy of Felim O'Conor in a niche in the north wall near where the altar stood.
The effigy, carved between 1290 and 1300, has been placed upon a later 15th century tomb with 8 mail-clad warriors (7 with swords, and one with a battle axe) in niches with angels above them. On the opposite wall are traces of another 15th century tomb.
Contact
County Museum and Tourist Office
 One cannot walk around The Square in Roscommon without noticing the attractive former Presbyterian Church and its Manse. It is offset by its lawn and unique "Star of David" window. The church, which was built in the 1863 was renovated in 1991 and now displays items such as a ninth century inscribed slab from St. Coman’s foundation, Church St.; a replica of the Cross of Cong which the inscription states was ‘made at Roscommon’;a superb example of a ‘sheela-na-Gig figure. Here also in the County Museum you will find the friendly staff of the Roscommon Tourist Information Office, a service provided by Ireland West Tourism. They will be happy to give you details of what’s to see and do and book accommodation for you as you travel this magical county.
- Opening Hours:
Tourist Office
June, July, August: 10am - 5.30pm (Monday to Saturday)
Tel. 090 66 26342
Museum
In addition to the above hours the museum is open throughout the year 10am - 4pm (Monday to Friday)
Tel. 090 66 25613
|
