Page 55 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
Lanesborough can be found at the northern end of the lake and attracts fishermen from all over Europe to its shores. Legend has it that Queen Maeve of Connacht lived and died on one of the existing islands of Lough Ree known as Inchcleraun. Inchcleraun, also called Quaker Island, is home to several monastic remains.
GRANARD MOTTE & BAILEY
TAKE M6, N52, N4 AND N55 TO CHURCH STREET IN LONGFORD
Granard Motte and Bailey were built in 1199 by Norman Knight, Richard de Tuite as part of an initiative to extend Norman control over Ireland. Both animals and soldiers were once housed in the bailey. The protected structure is now a national monument and is located at over 152m above sea level. Regarded as the highest Motte in Ireland, one has the ability to view the town of Granard from the hilltop. In 1932 a statue of St Patrick was erected on top of the Motte to mark the coming of the saint to Ireland in 432AD.
ROSCOMMON
ELPHIN WINDMILL
WINDMILL ROAD, ELPHIN, COUNTY ROSCOMMON
The Elphin Windmill is the only fully restored windmill in the west of Ireland, and was opened in 1996. It is a round, three stage structure with a thatched rye revolving roof, the sails are positioned into the wind by means of a pole attached to a cartwheel which revolves on a circular grooved track on the ground. The windmill was
originally used for grinding corn and other grains and now houses a visitor centre where the workings of the windmill are interpreted and demonstrated, there is also an agricultural museum on the site. www.visitroscommon.com
CASTLESTRANGE STONE
ATHLEAGUE, COUNTY ROSCOMMON, TAKE THE R362 WEST FOR GLENAMADDY.
In the grounds of Castlestrange Demense stands this unique, inscribed cult stone, decorated with curvilinear ornaments and dating to around 200 BC. The design is done in the Celtic La Tene style, similar to the Turoe Stone which is not far away in Co. Galway. At 60 cm high and approx. 90 cm long, it sits on a round bed of river rocks which in turn is surrounded by a protective cattle grid. While the function of the cult stone is not clear, it is presumed they had ritual or religious purposes.
www.visitroscommon.com
LOUGH KEY HISTORICAL PARK
BOYLE, CO.ROSCOMMON
Deep in County Roscommon in the middle of Lough Key sits one of the most impressive castles you’ll ever see in Ireland. McDermott’s Castle sits on 0.57 of an acre in the middle of the lake and dates back to the 12th Century. It was fully operational and lived in for four centuries. The castle was rebuilt as a summer house in the 18th century but burnt to the ground during a fire in the second World War. The castle can be visited, if you have a boat and is part of Lough Key Park and Historical Estate, a very popular, scenic and family friendly estate. www.loughkey.ie
RATHCROGHAN ROYAL COMPLEX
TAKE THE N5 (DUBLIN TO WESTPORT ROAD), ON THE WESTPORT SIDE OF THE SMALL VILLAGE OF TULSK
Rathcroghan is the historical royal capital of Connaght consisting of over 240 archaeological sites around the small village of Tulsk in County Roscommon. Approximately 60 of the 240 archaeological sites are regarded as national monuments with many references to Rathcroghan being found in early Irish medieval manuscripts. Highlights from this hidden gem
include the legendary Oweynagat (Cave of the Cats), described in ancient times as Ireland’s Gate to Hell by fearful Christian scribes, home to the warrior Queen Medb (Maeve) and the Rathcroghan Mound, which in the Iron Age was topped by wooden ramparts and ceremonial henges. Rathcroghan Complex was nominated to the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2010.
STROKESTOWN PARK & IRISH NATIONAL FAMINE MUSEUM TAKE THE N5 DUBLIN TO WESTPORT ROAD
The Irish National Famine Museum established at Strokestown Park in 1994 tells a contrasting and harrowing tale. Strokestown Park House was once the home of the Mahon family, the landlord, Major Denis Mahon, was assassinated at the height of The Great Irish Famine due to direct reaction to the large scale deaths of those sent on famine ships to Canada by the Strokestown estate. While the wealthy lived in luxury within the “Big House”, countless Irish tenants were starving and suffering, basically on the doorstep of the upper class. The National Famine Museum was opened by the then President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, in what was once the stables of the Strokestown Manor house to commemorate the thousands of people who lost their lives, to show the history of the Great Famine and the future of hunger.
THE CLAYPIPE VISITOR CENTRE
FROM THE M4, FOLLOW SIGNS FOR SLIGO/WESTPORT/ GALWAY/N5/N6. FROM THE M6 CONTINUE ON TO THE N6 AND FROM THERE TAKE THE N61 EXIT TO SLIGO/ ROSCOMMON
The small village of Knockcroghery in County Roscommon was famous for almost 300 years for its production of clay pipes or “Dúidíns”. Pipe-smoking remained an age old ritual within Irish culture for centuries. Here at the Claypipe Visitor Centre, its owner, Ethel Kelly, continues to make clay pipes using the same techniques from the past. Learn about the art of making clay pipes, how the village ceased its craft in 1921 due to being burned by the Black and Tans and immerse yourself in Irish history and tradition.
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