Description
Roscommon Castle is a dramatic and imposing 13th-century Norman stone stronghold situated directly on the fringes of Roscommon town, offering families an evocative setting for an open-air historical adventure. As one of the most accessible things to do with kids in Roscommon, this historic national monument stands alongside a sprawling recreational parkland, providing children with a perfect mix of medieval discovery and energetic outdoor play. Families can freely step inside the high curtain walls, wander amongst the ruined D-shaped towers, and explore the remnants of grand Tudor renovations that still dominate the local skyline.
Prices start from £0.00, as this state-owned archaeological landmark features an open-access policy with completely free admission for both adults and children. Please note that while the landmark itself is free to explore, it is located in the Republic of Ireland, where local shops, cafes, and commercial amenities in the surrounding town operate in Euros (€).
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines sprawling green spaces, a fantastic modern playground, and authentic medieval ruins to fire young imaginations, this magnificent fortress is an ideal stopover on a family road trip.
Features
- Free
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
Top Features
- Dramatic Norman Fortress: Features an impressive quadrilateral defensive footprint built in 1269, complete with towering curtain walls and heavy rounding bastions.
- Tudor Modernisation Windows: Showcases large, elegant 16th-century mullioned rectangular windows inserted into the north-east towers during its transition to a grand Tudor elite residence.
- Adjacent Sculpture Trail: Connects smoothly onto the Loughnaneane Park trail network, featuring a scenic nature chair and heritage art installations.
- Brand New Playground: Complements the ancient ruins with a newly renovated, secure modern play area designed specifically to keep younger children active.
Highlights
- The South-West Tower: This imposing portion of the 13th-century fortress serves as the focal point for visitors entering the grounds. Children can marvel at the thick stone masonry and stand beneath the massive architectural footprints to see how Norman builders protected their strongholds from medieval siege engines.
- The Tudor Mullioned Windows: Older kids interested in history can hunt for the large rectangular openings carved high into the north-east walls. These elegant frames show how Sir Nicholas Malby spent a fortune in 1578 transforming a dark, defensive military fortress into a comfortable, fashion-forward residence fit for the Elizabethan elite.
- The Hidden Stonemason Signatures: Keen-eyed junior explorers can turn their exploration into a treasure hunt by closely inspecting the weathered stone blocks across the ruins. Hidden within the masonry of the towers, unique signatures and medieval stone carvings—such as a small etched bird or owl—can be spotted by observant searchers.
- Loughnaneane Playground: Located just outside the fortress walls within the 14-acre town park, this fantastic amenity is a major hit with children. Newly renovated with durable materials, it features sprightly climbing frames, swings, and slides tailored for kids up to twelve years old.
- The Hill o’ Bones Crannóg: Visible from the castle pathways across the park's lake feature, this small historic mound is a fascinating point of interest. Shrouded in local myth, the ancient lake-dwelling site is said to be the legendary burial place of Fergus Mac Róich, the famous king from the epic Irish myth Táin Bó Cúailgne.
Beyond the Main Attraction: Beyond the boundaries of the fortress and parkland, families can build a comprehensive regional itinerary around Roscommon’s rich heritage. Just a 15-minute walk down the road brings you to the unguided ruins of Roscommon Dominican Friary, founded in 1252, where kids can see the rare, ancient stone effigy of King Felimid Ó Conchobair. For a full day of discovery, families can drive 16.6 km north to the interactive Rathcroghan Visitor Centre to follow in the footsteps of prehistoric warriors and Queen Medb, or head 23.1 km east to walk the preserved timber walkways of the Corlea Iron Age Roadway.
25.95 miles
