Rathcroghan, Cruachan Aí, was the royal capital of Connacht — the oldest and largest unexcavated royal site in Europe and the legendary origin of Samhain. The museum and guided tours start from the medieval village of Tulsk.
A 2.5-hour minibus tour with an archaeologist begins in medieval Tulsk and moves out to Connacht's royal site, taking in Rathcroghan Mound, Rathbeg, Rathmore, Rathnadarve, Daithí's Stone and the Mucklaghs. Tours run Monday-Friday at 11.30am (Saturday by appointment), are weather dependent and should be booked online.
Those who dare can descend into 'Ireland's Gate to Hell', the cave where the warrior Nera entered the Otherworld at Samhain. An ogham-inscribed lintel stone marks the entrance. It is very wet and muddy, so wear old clothes and sturdy footwear — note that cave entry is currently restricted following a health and safety review.
Interactive exhibits and audio-visual presentations bring Iron Age and medieval life to life, along with the tales of Queen Medb and the Táin Bó Cúailnge. The rooms also hold Óenach Cruachain, 35 artefacts from the mid-Roscommon landscape previously held in the National Museum of Ireland and not on public view.
An award-winning, community-run café and grill themed around the great epic, using local produce. Breakfast runs until midday (full Irish, baps, omelettes), then sandwiches, soups, steak, burgers and desserts, with artisan Lavazza coffee. It closes at 4pm.
If you prefer your own pace or are passing outside tour times, pick up the Archaeological Trail booklet, a driving route covering 17 monuments, or the second-edition guidebook. Both are sold at the centre's specialist book and craft shop alongside locally produced titles and crafts.
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