Walk Loughnaneane Park
A 14-acre green space wraps around the ruin, with a lake feature, turlough, wildflower meadow, bird walk, grassy mounds and the crannog known locally as the Hill o' Bones. A deck overlooks the wildlife and views beyond.
Roscommon Castle
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About
Roscommon Castle is a dramatic 13th-century Norman ruin with four D-shaped corner towers and a twin-towered gatehouse, standing beside the lake, meadows and playground of Loughnaneane Park. Entry is free and the grounds can be explored all year round.
Things to Do
Explore the castle ruins
Wander the walls of the quadrangular castle built in 1269 by Robert de Ufford, Justiciar of Ireland. Look for the four large D-shaped corner towers, the twin-towered gatehouse and the big rectangular Tudor windows added by Sir Nicholas Malby in the 1570s.
Step inside the South West Tower
The OPW opens the South West Tower for free on Saturdays and Sundays only, 10:00–17:00, from 30 May to 13 September 2026 — the only way into the castle interior. Allow around 1.5 hours on site.
Playground and outdoor gym
The park is well suited to families, with a children's playground, outdoor gym equipment and gentle walking paths circling the castle. Admission and parking are free; children must be supervised at all times.
Watch the lake wildlife
The conservation area around the castle lake is a habitat of unusual flora and fauna, and the park is a popular spot for dog walkers. Bring binoculars for the bird life on and around the water.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: The castle ruin and Loughnaneane Park can be explored all year round, in daylight. OPW access to the South West Tower: Saturdays and Sundays only, 10:00–17:00, 30 May – 13 September 2026.
- Admission: Free admission
- Parking: Free car park on site, plus free street parking on Castle Lane; a larger public car park is a short walk away.
- Food: No cafe or food outlet at the castle or in the park — the on-site facilities are a car park, playground and walking trails, so bring a picnic or eat in Roscommon town.
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