Visiting Roscommon castle

Archeron

Hi All,
Looking for advice if possible. I want to visit Roscommon castle at some point over the next week, and I see the Roscommon tourism website says the castle is available to explore with access from the large park next to it. However, I've gotten bad advice from county tourism sites before, and it's a long drive, so wanted to ask, is access to the castle available at this time of year? Even if I can't get inside the main keep, that's grand, but I would like to be able to walk around the entire outside of the building.
If anyone knows if this is possible at this time of year, I'd be grateful.
Cheers!

Rasheed

Hello, yes as far as I know the access to the castle is never locked. You would be able to walk into the centre of the ruins if that makes sense. I know some fields surrounding the walls of the castle are privately owned but some are accessible. It's quite nice around it alright, the park is lovely, but a bit open and cold this time of year. Enjoy and bring wellies if you intend to walk in the fields surrounding the castle!

Archeron

Nice one Rasheed, thanks for that.

Addle

The gates to the park are sometimes locked, but as long as you're day during daylight you should be ok.
It's a lovely park.

Santa Cruz

Have a look at the old abbey while you are there. Access is via a footpath at the back of the Abbey Hotel car park

Archeron

Thanks for the advice everybody, it's an incredible castle! I love how it's integrated into the park, and the lake gives some excellent reflections from the right angle. Not surprising the weather was a bit crap when I visited, but I'll look forward to visiting again soon under bluer skies. Missed out on the abbey, but I'll know for the next time.
Thanks again!

nice_guy80

While down in Roscommon visit Ballintubber Castle and Rindown Castle

lots of historic places around the county off the beaten track

Addle

Wasn't one of Luke 'Ming' Flanagan's election promises to promote local tourism?
Another broken election promise!
Roscommon has a lot to offer.

Archeron

Addle wrote: »

Wasn't one of Luke 'Ming' Flanagan's election promises to promote local tourism?
Another broken election promise!
Roscommon has a lot to offer.

I agree, it was actually my first time in Roscommon, and its a lovely town. I was under a bit of time pressure, so only really got the see the castle, but it some impressive place. Its huge, and I was amazed I had never heard of it before, I'd put it on a par with Trim castle for impressive appearances.

I did read up on Rindown too, but I didn't go as I wasn't sure if it would be open in early January, the site I read said visit by appointment. I am looking forward to going back next month though, and spending a few days having a good explore around the place.

moodrater

Archeron wrote: »

the site I read said visit by appointment. I am looking forward to going back next month though, and spending a few days having a good explore around the place.

They like to give that impression the land owner receives a grant to keep the walk open but likes to keep his bull in the field inside the entrance gate, a case of having your cake and eating it I think. Theres a low fence to the right as you pass the bull in case you need to jump :-o

Some good info here with pics of where to park and directions,
http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/fileadmin/user_upload/Publications/Irish_Walled_Towns/Rindoon_Draft_Interpretation_Plan.pdf

I was introduced to it by an achaeologist friend its definitely worth a visit and reading up on the site beforehand makes it all the more enjoyable.

nice_guy80

Rindoon (there are about 5 ways to spell it!) is always open
though it does flood in the winter - it was part of the defensive aspect of the peninsula and the moat of the castle.

I like the boundary wall across the peninsula.

Ballintubber is an unknown castle for tourists, with a very interesting history.
It's distinguishing features are the polygonal corner towers, and the gatehouse (not part of a handball alley!). One polygonal tower was converted into a fortified manor house in the 1600s

Archeron

Nice one, thanks for the advice on this. Bit more researching and as well as Rindoon and Ballintubber, I want to see Castle Island, that looks really class. If anyone knows any other cool places, I'd be delighted to know, i'd be happy to spend a week travelling the county and checking everything out.

nice_guy80

So much to see around the county

Except the tourist board ignores Roscommon