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Boyle Abbey, |
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Boyle Abbey, was the first successful
foundation in Connacht of the Cistercian
order which had opened its first Irish
house at Mellifont, County Louth, in
1142. In the
12th century Malachy of Armagh (later
St. Malachy) became aware of two new
monastic orders in France, the
Cistercians and the Cannons Regular of
St. Augustine and he decided to
introduce both orders to Ireland. |
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Castlestrange Scribed Stone |
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The Castlestrange Scribed Stone located in the grounds of "Castlestrange
House" near Athleague in County Roscommon. It is a granite boulder
decorated with flowing spirals in the La Tène style, dating from
the Iron Age period between 500 BC and 100 AD.Only three other
stones of this type have been found in Ireland, of which the Turoe
stone in County Galway is the best known. The use of the stones is
not known but it is assumed they served some religious or ritual
purpose. |
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Clonalis House |
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Clonalis House was
built in 1878 by Charles Owen O'Conor
Don. This imposing building has 45 rooms
and was built in Victorian Italianate
style. . Clonalis
House is the Ancestral Home of the
O'Conors, Kings of Connacht and at
various times, High Kings of Ireland.
The approach to Clonalis House is
through a set of magnificent gates along
an avenue over looking a parkland of oak
and copper beach trees, nestled in a
crescent of cypress and redwood trees.
The Library lined with ancient
tomes, some of which date to the 16th
century, is a wonderful room to spend
time sitting by the peat fire and
absorbing a sense of history. The
handsome Dining Room with its portraits
of generations of O'Conors, the elegant
Drawing Room and the peaceful Chapel all
contribute to the atmosphere which is
Clonalis. |
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King House |
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King House is a magnificently restored
Georgian Mansion located in Boyle,
County Roscommon. It was built in the
early 1700’s for Sir Henry King, whose
family were one of the most powerful and
wealthy in Ireland.
After its first life as a home,
King House was converted into a military
barracks in the 19th century for the
famous Connaught Rangers regiment. At
the end of Civil War in 1923 the
barracks passed into the control of the
newly formed Irish Free State ArmyMarvel
at the grandeur, savour the magnificence
of the period rooms, or just have fun
exploring our interpretive exhibitions
designed for both adults and children
alike! |
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Roscommon Castle |
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The historical town of Roscommon to the
north is home to this magnificent ruin
of Roscommon Castle. This Norman castle
was built by Robert de Ufford, Lord
Justice of Ireland, in 1269. But it
passed into Irish hands seven years
later when it was taken by Hugh O'Conor,
King of Connacht. It was restored in
1280.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. |
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Roscommon Abbey |
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The ruined ‘Abbey’of Roscommon is on the
outskirts of the core of the old town of
the same name, and is reachable by a
path at the back of the Abbey Hotel. It
was founded just over 750 years ago by
Felim O Conor, king of Connacht, who was
buried there himself in 1265. |
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Strokestown Park
House |
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Strokestown Park House is an 18th
century mansion which has been
faithfully
restored. It is unique in that it
retains its original furnishings and
professionally guided tours allow
visitors to browse freely through the
stately surroundings. The 4 acre 18th
century walled pleasure garden has been
fully restored to its' original
splendour. It's piece de resistance is
its' herbaceous border which is recorded
in the Guinness Book of Records as the
longest herbaceous border in Britain &
Ireland. |
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Donamon Castle |
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Donamon Castle,
Cuisle is located only 10 minutes
from the thriving market town of
Roscommon yet is nestled in a secluded
tranquil country setting |
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