L. Key

LoughAllen

Drumsna

Dromod

Jamestown

Drumkeeran Shannon Pot(source of Shannon)

CamlinRiver

Dowra

Ballinagleragh

Leitrim Village

Boyle

Belturbet

Knockvicar

Ballinamore

Keshcarrigan

Termonbarry

Drumshanbo

Roosky

CloondaraLongford

Cootehall

Ballyconnell

Strokestown

Carrick On Shannon

Ballyleague/Lanesborough

Dowra

Ballinagleragh

Crom

Roscommon

Shannon-Erne Bluewayfrom Leitrim Village to Belturbet and to Crom

Shannon Blueway 16.5kmFrom Drumshanbo to Carrick On Shannon

Camlin Loop 10kmfrom Cloondara via Tarmonbarry

Shannon Blueway 20kmFrom Boyle (or Lough Key) to Carrick On Shannon

Shannon Blueway 50kmFrom Carrick On Shannonto Lanesborough

Lough Allen Loop 30kmFrom Drumshanbo around Lough Allen

Shannon Blueway 16kmFrom Cloondara to Longford town

Shannon-Erne Waterway

River ShannonBLUEWAY TRAILS

Blueway Trails

• Trail maps are also available on outdoor activities, food and arts and crafts sites along the Blueway. Visit our website at www.bluewaysireland.org for more information

• Keep an eye open for our Blueway road signs which direct you to the water access sites along the Blueway.

An extensive network of Blueways trails are being developed throughout the region, as shown on the map. These are due to be completed in 2016.

Please refer back to www.bluewaysireland.org for up-to-date details of the individual Blueway trails available

Locks

Turbet Island4Turbet Island was one of the � rst major settlements at the site of Belturbet. The site has a motte, a steep sided mound of earth with a � at top, and a bailey, an attached enclosed area that would have contained houses and other buildings. It was one of seven forti� cations built to secure a roadway to isolate this part of Ulster which was still under native Irish control. Turbet Island motte and bailey was abandoned by the Anglo-Normans in 1233 and was taken over by the O’Reillys who built a castle here. The site can be accessed via a footbridge which is located beside the main bridge over the River Erne.

Turbet Island is situated on the north west side of Belturbet town just across the bridge on the River Erne.

Belturbet Railway Station5Vintage railway fans can browse to their hearts’ content in this handsome restored GNR railway station where broad and narrow gauge lines terminated between 1885 and 1959. Now a visitor centre and railway museum, pieces of railway rolling stock, vintage equipment and memorabilia are displayed, along with station buildings such as platform, station master’s house, water tower, goods store, sheds and a section of track.

Railway Road, Belturbet, Co. Cavan 10am–1.15pm and 2pm–5.15pm Tuesday and Saturday;

2pm–5.15pm and 6pm–8.30pm Thurs, April to September. Tours booked in advance.

+353 (0)86 882 7989 / +353 (0)86 864 9361 belturbetcommunity@gmail.com www.facebook.com/DiscoverBelturbet

Drumlane Abbey6The remains of the abbey, church and round tower just outside Milltown village date back to AD 555. In the 12th century the Augustinian monks replaced the earlier wooden monastery with stone buildings. An underground passage runs from the monastery to the round tower but is now closed. Look out for interesting carvings of birds, bishops, abbots and kings on some of the door and window areas.

Milltown, Co. Cavan Year round info@drumlane.ie www.drumlane.ie

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BLUEWAY HERITAGE & CULTURE

• Given the exposed and somewhat remote settings, it is your responsibility to exercise care for your personal safety in and around outdoor heritage sites. You should also Leave No Trace.

• Should you require a boat to access a heritage site, contact the boat hire services listed on the Blueway Outdoor Activity map or enquire locally.

• Contact the following websites should you require further information on any craft, food, outdoor activities or culture/heritage sites in:

Cavan: www.thisiscavan.ie Leitrim: www.enjoyleitrim.com Longford: www.longfordtourism.ie Roscommon: www.visitroscommon.com

This project was funded by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government under the Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) Initiative. The project partners include Waterways Ireland and The Upper Shannon Erne Future Economy Partners of Cavan, Leitrim, Longford and Roscommon Local Authorities in conjunction with Bord Na Mona and the ESB.

Welcome to Ireland’s BluewaysDo it your way and create your own unique Blueway experience.Whether you’re into paddling, walking, cycling, or simply hooked on the outdoors, make yours a trip to remember on Ireland’s Blueways.

Through a series of multi-activity trails on the Shannon and Shannon-Erne, Blueways provide a scenic perspective into the heart of the Irish landscape. From leisurely strolls and gentle paddles to adrenaline-� lled days on land and water - Blueways o� er tailor-made trips like no other.

Timelessness meets ‘time of your life’ when you arrive on a Blueway.

So create your own adventure or take it at your own pace and do the Blueways your way!

While you’re enjoying these Blueway trails, there’s so much more to see and do in the local area.

A range of guides have been created to help you make the most of your visit to the Blueways:

Food – With the Blueways Food Guide, you can satisfy the appetite that you’re bound to get while you’re out there enjoying all those Blueways activities.

Culture & Heritage – With the Blueways Guide to Culture and Heritage, you can take a break from all that Blueway activity and choose to step back in time.

Arts & Crafts – With the Guide to Arts and Crafts, you will be able to use your trip to the Blueway to explore traditional skills and local talent.

Outdoor Activity – The Outdoor Activity Guide provides you with so many reasons to celebrate being in the great outdoors.

www.bluewaysireland.org

Leitrim County CouncilComhairle Chontae Liatroma

Cavan County CouncilComhairle Chontae An Chabháin

Longford County CouncilComhairle Chontae Longfoirt

Roscommon County CouncilComhairle Chontae Ros Comáin

Blueway Heritage & Culture

Cavan Burren Park1Cavan Burren Park is part of the UNESCO Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, spanning Counties Cavan and Fermanagh. This dramatic, prehistoric landscape was shaped by the Ice Age over 13,000 years ago, and is scattered with huge, fossil-marked boulders, megalithic funeral monuments, and ancient mementos of our earliest ancestors. Learn about Cavan Burren’s history in the visitor centre before exploring the well-signposted walking trails (including multi-access trail). Interpretation along the way will assist you in unravelling the intriguing layers of human history as you walk. This is a sacred space to walk and explore.

Cavan Burren Park is located outside Blacklion in West Cavan. Take the N16 Sligo Road out of Blacklion and follow the brown tourist signs for Cavan Burren Park. Open access year round

+353 (0)71 985 3941 (Blacklion Market House Tourism O� ce) fun@thisiscavan.ie www.cavanburrenpark.ie

Dowra Courthouse Creative Space2A focal point of Dowra village, at the northern tip of Lough Allen, the restored 1932 courthouse o� ers a workspace for the arts. The transformed courtroom provides an exhibition room for events, meetings and classes. There are six rentable work spaces, a ready-to-use kiln room, kitchen, administrative support and exhibition space. Disabled access lift.

Dowra village, Co. Cavan open by appointment +353 (0)71 964 3415 dowra@ccef.ie www.facebook.com/Dowra-Courthouse-Creative-Space

The Shannon Pot3Located North of Lough Allen is the traditionally accepted source of the Shannon, the Shannon Pot or Legnashinna.Lag na Sionna, meaning “hollow of the Shannon” is a pool in the karst landscape near Cuilcagh Mountain. According to legend, the Shannon is named after Sionnan, granddaughter of Manannán mac Lir, the God of the Sea. She came to eat the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, planted by the Druids. As she began to eat, the waters of the pool sprang up. She was drawn down into the pool and its water began to � ow over the land, forming the River Shannon.

Take the R206 North from Glengevlin or South from Blacklion for approximately 4 kilometres and you will see the entrance to the east of the road.

MUSIC PUBSThe Seven HorseshoesMain Street, Belturbet, Co. Cavan+353 (0)49 9522166The Widow’s BarMain Street, Belturbet, Co. Cavan+353 (0)49 952 2274The Woodford Arms Bridge Street, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan +353 (0)87 319 3329The Angler’s Rest Main Street Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan. +353 (0)49 952 6391The Keeper’s Arms Bridge Street, Bawnboy, Co. Cavan +353 (0)49 9523318Kelly’s Bar Main Street, Killeshandra, Co. Cavan+353 (0)49 433 4407 / +353 (0)86 197 0626.Andersons Thatch Pub Elphin Road, Carrick on Shannon. +353 (0)87 228 3288Cryans Traditional Irish Music Bar Bridge Street, Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim. +353 (0)71 96 70266Donnellans Pub Main Street, Leitrim Village,Co Leitrim.+353 (0)71 9620828McGirl’s Bar Main St., Ballinamore, Leitrim +353 (0)87 23116361The Camlin BarClondra, Co. Longford043 3326039The Rustic Inn Abbeyshrule, Co.Longford+353 (0)44 935 7742 The Tally HoLongford Town+353 (0)43 33 46594The Longford Arms+353 (0)43 33 46296

Skellys Ballymahon+353 (0)90 64 32105An Craoibhin Bar Elphin St, Boyle, Co Roscommon + 353 (0)71 9662704Clancy’s Knockvicar, Co Roscommon +353 (0)71-9667256Harp and Shamrock Keadue, County Roscommon. West of Drumshanbo. +353 (0)71 9647288James ShivnanBallyfarnon, Boyle Co Roscommon +353 (0)719647024Kate Lavin St Patrick’s Street, Boyle, Co Roscommon +353 (0)71 9662755Keenan’s Bar Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon. +353 (0)43 26052Mattimoe’s in BoyleBridge Street, Boyle,Co Roscommon +353 (0)71 966 2320Mc Cabes Bar Keadue, Co Roscommon West of Drumshanbo. +353 (0)71-9647223MJ Henry’sCootehall, Co Roscommon+353 (0)71 9667030Scanlons, Riverside Tavern Boyle, Co Roscommon +353 (0)71 966 2551Sorohan’sBallyleague, Lanesborough,Co Roscommon.+353 (0)43-21185The Croghan BarCroghan, Co Roscommon. +353 (0)71 9663388The Moving StairsThe Crescent, Boyle, Co Roscommon. +353 (0)71 9663586

This guide covers the best of Heritage and Culture in the region, including the venues at which you can enjoy traditional Irish music

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The project partners are not advocating or affi liated to any of the commercial operators in this trail guide.The publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions which may inadvertently occur. Nor for any information given or any claims made in editorial text or advertisements. All information on this guide is subject to change. All imagery is copyrighted.

Bawnboy

TO KEENAGH, CORLEA

TO NEWCASTLE, ABBEYSHRULE,BALLYMAHON

TO SLIGO

TO SWANLINBAR, BLACKLION

TO CAVAN, BALLINAGH

Killashandra

Clough Oughter Castle 7Part of the Marble Arch Geopark, situated on a small man-made island or crannog Clough Oughter Castle stands like a silent sentinel, watching over its beautiful Lakeland surroundings. Fought for and controlled by warring Irish families, Cromwell’s forces and the Anglo-Norman William de Lacy through the centuries, this enigmatic and imposing structure stands testament to the enduring Irish spirit.

Lough Oughter is located 4 kilometres east of Killeshandra. Guided boat trips to Clough Oughter Castle are available from

Cavan Canoeing, Carrawtraw, Butlersbridge www.cavancanoeing.com +353 (0)87 2905752

Ballyhugh Art and Culture Centre8Step back in time to roaring turf � res in big open hearths in this 19th-century farmhouse, which hosts courses and workshops in the arts, traditional Irish crafts, music, dancing and the rich cultural heritage of west Cavan. Céili dancing, concerts, walking tours and lectures are held all year round. A fascinating collection of artefacts and historic photographs gives an insight into bygone days.

Ballyhugh, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan Year round +353 (0)49 952 6044 ballyhughart@eircom.net http://homepage.eircom.net/~ballyhugh/

Bawnboy Workhouse9Bawnboy Workhouse is one of the 160 workhouses built during and after the Irish Famine. It gives a vivid impression of what life was like at that time. It was a hated institution that caused people to emigrate rather than enter it. A committee of volunteers are working to preserve it so that we can better understand the Famine and the emigration that followed.

Bawnboy, Co. Cavan By appointment +353 (0)87 613 8823 / +353 (0) 87 989 1862 /

+353 (0)87 199 2483 (committee members) dymphnaheaden@hotmail.com www.workhouse.bawnboy.com

Jampa Ling Buddhist Centre10Jampa Ling means a place of loving kindness in Tibetan. This residential Tibetan Buddhist Centre is open to the public daily and provides the space and opportunity for people of all faiths and none to relax, contemplate and meditate. Or you can wander around the walled gardens and mature forest trails, explore the tranquil centre, browse the gift shop or sample the vegetarian menu.

Bawnboy, Co. Cavan Daily +353 (0)49 952 3448 info@jampaling.org www.jampaling.org

Museum of the Master Saddler11Robert H. Steinke is curator of this fascinating museum, which demonstrates the work of the saddler and harness maker from ancient times onwards. The many forms of saddlery, for farming, military, transport and sporting use, are documented – saddles, harnesses, muzzles, harness decorations, plus horse-drawn farm machinery and driving carriages. Robert recreates historic pieces so watch out for a Roman chariot harness, a jousting bridle or a medieval jousting saddle.

Corlough, Co. Cavan By appointment, book a tour by phone or email +353 (0)86 394 6467 / +353 (0)49 952 3956 Rob@MuseumOfTheMasterSaddler.com http://www.museumofthemastersaddler.com

Kilmore Cathedral 12

The historic and imposing Kilmore Cathedral stands on an elevated wooded site adjacent to Lough Oughter. An interesting feature is the 12th century Romanesque doorway built into the outside wall of the vestry. The Cathedral also possesses an original copy of the � rst translation of the Old Testament into Irish by William Bedell, Bishop of Kilmore from 1629 to 1642.According to tradition, St. Fethlimidh founded a small church on the site in the 6th century.

St. Fethlimidh’s Cathedral in Kilmore is located about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south-west of the town of Cavan.

Tours of Kilmore Cathedral available by calling +353 (0)49 433 7168

Townhall Cavan Arts Space13Once a place of municipal business, Cavan Townhall now reverberates with the sounds of theatre, music, dance and all sorts of contemporary arts. A team of local artists have transformed this grand old building into a lively home for modern arts. With a cinema, theatre, studio and exhibition space, it is a home for artists and for audiences to celebrate and enjoy all forms of creativity.

Townhall St., Cavan, Co. Cavan Varies depending on event. +353 (0)49 436 5441 townhallcavan@gmail.com www.townhallcavan.ie

Glenview Folk Museum14The Glenview Folk Museum hosts an impressive display of over 7,000 antique, historical and novel items from pre-famine Ireland. It includes an array of farmyard equipment, a recreated street scene with a variety of shops including a pub, collections of tradesmen’s tools, household items, churns, lamps, coins and war memorabilia. Guided group tours are catered for. There is parking and a licenced restaurant on site.

Aughoo, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim 10am–6pm Monday to Saturday: 2pm–6pm Sunday. Daily Easter

to October. Any time by appointment +353 (0)71 964 4157 / +353 (0)87 2321045 glenvhse@iol.ie www.glenviewmuseum.ie

The Dock Art Centre15Tragic life stories may have unfolded in this building when it functioned as a county courthouse. Now it is a modern art space, theatre and gallery. There is a varied programme from visual art, music and dance to theatre, comedy and performance art. The gallery space is housed in three graceful rooms and there is a performance space, an art room and a café.

St George’s Terrace, Carrick On Shannon, Co. Leitrim 10am–6pm Monday to Saturday: from 7.45pm for evening events.

Galleries open 10am– 5.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am–5pm Saturday

+353 (0)71 965 0828 ssearson@leitrimcoco.ie www.thedock.ie

Fenagh Abbey and Visitor Centre16Founded by St. Caillin in the 6th century Fenagh Abbey is a ruined, late medieval church but it stands on one of the oldest Christian monastic sites in Ireland, dating back to the 5th century. The monastic school was said to have drawn students from all over Europe. Services ended in the abbey in 1729. The main ruins of the Gothic church have (among other features) an east window of unusual design and a relief-carved 17th-century penal cross. Standing stones in the vicinity represent the petrifi ed bodies of druids who tried to expel St. Caillin from Fenagh. There are a number of other prehistoric remains located in or near the village including a portal tomb. A display in Fenagh Visitor Centre explains the history of the abbey and guided tours can be booked.

Fenagh, Co. Leitrim, on the R202, between Ballinamore and Mohill. Abbey: Open year round but guided tours must be booked

in advance. Visitor Centre: 10am–5.30pm Monday to Friday. 12pm–5.30pm weekends.

+353 (0)71 964 5590 (Visitor Centre) fenaghvisitorcentre@gmail.com www.fenagh.com

Lough Scur Megalithic Tomb17A collapsed megalithic tomb constructed of limestone with a large capstone and two orthostats.

About 7m to the north of the tomb, by a tree, are two large stones, one of these is erect and stands about a metre high.

Loughscur is close by the side of the R209 near Keshcarrigan and there is a car park with steps leading down to the monument.

Costello Memorial Chapel18This tiny chapel is a memorial to a great love, that of Edward Costello for his wife Mary, who died aged 47 in 1877. It is the smallest chapel in Europe and the second smallest in the world. Her casket rests in a sunken area on the left side, while Edward himself, when he died in 1897, was buried on the right. A� ection immortalised in stone.

Junction of Bridge St. and Main St., Carrick On Shannon, Co. Leitrim

9am–6pm daily, year round +353 (0)71 962 1757 (St George’s Visitor Centre) stgeorgevisitorcentre@eircom.net / twintraditionscarrick@gmail.com

Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre19This centre, located on Acres Lake, Drumshanbo, provides audio-visual displays and interactive information on the Sliabh an Iarainn, Arigna and north Leitrim areas. There are features on both the landscape and the geology of Leitrim with special emphasis on the industrial and musical heritage of this area.

Acres Lake, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim 10am–6pm, Monday–Sunday 0(353)71 964 1851 www.leitrimtourism.com / www.enjoyleitrim.com

St. Georges Heritage Centre20Experience the rich and diverse heritage and history of Carrick On Shannon and Co. Leitrim through St George’s Visitor Centre. You will understand the powerful in� uences that have shaped us to what we are today. A visit can include St George’s Heritage Centre, St George’s Church, the Famine Memorial Workhouse, Garden of Remembrance, the Sensory Garden and the Costello Chapel. Carrick On Shannon Heritage Group restored and opened the church and visitor centre in 2008.

Carrick On Shannon Heritage Group, St George’s Visitor Centre, St Mary Close, Carrick On Shannon, Co. Leitrim

10am–5pm, Monday to Friday, all year; 10am–5pm, Saturday, May to October

+353 (0)71 962 1757 stgeorgevisitorcentre@eircom.net www.carrickheritage.com

Jamestown Heritage trail21Founded by the royal charter of King James I in 1622, the walled town was built to house an English plantation. The remains of these walls are clearly visible and the pillars from the entry arch are located on the main road into the town. The heritage trail consists of a number of brass plaques and information panels and provides a short walk through the quaint village.

Jamestown village is located close to the N4 approximately 3 kilometres East of Carrick on Shannon.

Farnaught Lime Kiln22Farnaught Lime Kiln is a recently restored exceptional 19th century building, concealing a brick-lined continuous draw kiln within a well-built stone house forming part of the model Lough Rynn estate of William Sydney Clements, the 3rd Earl of Leitrim.

Located near the village of Mohill, County Leitrim, an interpretive panel provides information on the history of the restored building.

Arigna Mining Experience23The Arigna Mining Experience will appeal to those looking for a day out with a di� erence. This visitor centre preserves the mining heritage of the Arigna area and allows visitors an insight into coal mining life as it was in the Arigna valley for centuries. With an ex-miner as your tour guide, the visit to the museum includes access to an exhibit area where there is a DVD presentation and a wonderfully authentic photographic exhibition. The highlight of the visit is an underground tour to the mine’s coalface where lighting and sound e� ects add to the reality of the experience. The hardship of the miners’ working lives is brought home to you in the chilly, underground mine shaft.

This world-class centre is situated in a beautiful, scenic location overlooking Lough Allen. The centre has a co� ee shop and a gift shop on site. It is surrounded by the Miners Way walking trails. Arigna Mining Experience has a large car park. The centre is fully accessible and is an all-weather facility.

Derreenavoggy, Arigna, Carrick On Shannon, Co. Roscommon 10am–5pm, 7 days a week, all year. Closed � ve days at Christmas +353 (0)71 964 6466 valerie@arignaminingexperience.ie www.arignaminingexperience.ie

Castle Island 24Located just o� shore from Lough Key forest park, the medieval castle makes up most of the small island. There is reference to Castle Island in the annals of Lough Ce as early as 1184. During this time the area was called Moylurg and the Kings of Moylurg were the McDermotts. The McDermotts ruled this area until the 17th century when it was granted to the King family from England under the Cromwellian settlement.

Enter Lough Key Forest Park near Boyle and park next to the lake. During the spring /summer season it is possible to hire boats at the site or contact one of the boat providers listed elsewhere on this map.

King House Historic and Cultural Centre25King House is a restored Georgian mansion with nearly 300 years of history from stately home of the King family to military barracks. Now it is a museum bringing its colourful, and sometimes turbulent, history to life. To walk the broad gallery, wide staircases and elegant salon, with high, sash windows is to go back in time. Life-size historical � gures, interactive displays and the ambience of lavishly decorated period rooms bring the past to life. Sadly life was harder for some, as the cold, damp jail cells in the basement testify. There are guided tours in summer or you can take a self-guided tour with an audio-pack. See the King family and Connaught Rangers exhibits as well as the collection of Mary Mc Aleese, former President of Ireland and the wonderful Boyle Civic Art Collection.

Main St., Boyle, Co. Roscommon 11am–5pm, Tuesday–Saturday (April through September).

October–March open by appointment for groups of 10 or more. +353 (0)71 966 3242 kinghouse@roscommoncoco.ie www.kinghouse.ie

Boyle Model Railway 26Opening in 2017. Hop aboard for a trip to a miniature model railway world built in the restored Boyle Courthouse by volunteers and members of Boyle’s Men’s Shed. The model railway comes complete with tracks, trains, tunnels, stations and mountains and is a great way to entertain the family. Bring your own whistle!

Courthouse, Boyle, Co. Roscommon Limited opening while under construction +353 (0)87 385 2485 theboyleshed@gmail.com www.facebook.com/BoyleRailway

Boyle Abbey27Despite a turbulent history that saw it turned from Cistercian monastery to military barracks and later besieged, Boyle Abbey is still a beautiful building showing o� the skill of medieval stone masons. With its riverside setting, it is a tranquil place in which to wander and gaze at � nely-carved stonework that survived the wars of centuries. There is a fascinating exhibition in the restored 16th/17th century gatehouse.

Boyle, Co. Roscommon 10am–6pm daily, 2 April to 23 September +353 (0)71 966 2604 boyleabbey@opw.ie / ceide� elds@opw.ie www.heritageireland.ie/en/West/BoyleAbbey

Elphin Windmill28With its sails standing out against the skyline, Elphin windmill is a striking reminder of how the 18th-century Irish landscape would have looked, just before the agricultural and industrial revolutions. Built in the 1730s to grind corn, it is the oldest, fully restored and working windmill in Ireland and the only one of its kind in the Blueway region.

Elphin, Co. Roscommon 11.30am–4pm Monday. 11am–4pm Tuesday to Sunday, all year.

Closed Christmas and New Year +353 (0)83 406 2113 / +353 (0)83 406 2113 elphinwindmill1740@hotmail.com http://elphinwindmill.blogspot.ie / www.facebook.com/ElphinWindmill

Dr. Douglas Hyde Centre29The life story of Dr. Douglas Hyde (1860-1949), gaelic scholar, founder of the Irish language revival organization Conradh na Gaeilge and the � rst president of an independent Ireland, is told in this former church where his father was a rector. His life was dedicated to the dream of preserving the Irish language and culture that was rapidly declining in his youth. Dr. Hyde and family members are buried in the churchyard.

Portahard, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon 11am–5pm Tuesday to Saturday. To book at other hours, phone

+353 (0)87 782 3571 +353 (0)94 987 0016 (Tourism Information) / +353 (0)87 782 3571 dogara@roscommoncoco.ie www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Douglas_Hyde_Centre/

Clonalis House30Red squirrels have appeared again in the woods of Clonalis House. You too should visit this gracious home, which holds heritage and family memorabilia from the last 600 years. The land has been in the family of the O’Conor gaelic chieftains through 66 generations of turbulent Irish history. The family house was rebuilt in 1878 and is a sunny, classical-style building. There are guided tours for day visitors in summer and elegant B&B and self-catering accommodation.

Outside Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on Ballyhaunis road (N60) 11am–5pm Monday–Saturday, 1 June to 31 August (last tour 4pm) +353 (0)94 962 0014 clonalis@iol.ie www.clonalis.com

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre31Cruachan or Rathcroghan was the ritual and royal inauguration centre of ancient Connacht. Today there are over 240 archaeological sites, many of them important national monuments, scattered over several kilometres. Rathcroghan Visitor Centre uses models, costumes, armour, weaponry and aerial photographs to explain the history and archaeology of this astonishing area. There are tours within the centre and of the key sites by expert guides.

Rathcroghan, N5-N61 Junction, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon 9am–5pm Monday to Saturday: 12pm–4pm Sunday (May to

September only). Last entry 4.30pm +353 (0)71 963 9268 info@rathcroghan.ie www.rathcroghan.ie

Strokestown Park House32Strokestown Park House is an 18th century mansion that has been faithfully restored. It is unique in that it retains its original furnishings and professionally guided tours allow visitors to experience Georgian Ireland in its purest form. The Famine Museum uses a combination of original documents and images from the Strokestown Park collection to explain circumstances of the Great Irish Famine of the 1840s.

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 10.30am–5.30pm March to November. 10.30am–4pm November

to March. +353 (0)71 963 3013 Email: info@strokestownpark.ie www.strokestownpark.ie / www.facebook.com/strokestownpark

Roscommon Art Centre33Here is the place to go in Roscommon to explore and enjoy theatre, dance, music, comedy, literature and cinema. It is a vibrant space that brings the work of community-based and professional artists and performers to community audiences. It has a theatre, visual art space and workshops. There is always something on to entertain or stimulate you.

Circular Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon 10am–5pm Tuesday to Friday: 2pm–5pm Saturday on performance

days only: 7.15pm–8.30pm on performance evenings only +353 (0)90 662 5824 artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie www.roscommonartscentre.ie

Claypipe Visitor Centre34When Ethel Kelly became fascinated by the traditional Irish clay pipe, or duidín, she decided to have a go at making them herself. Ethel revived the craft and now hand-makes a range of clay pipes using traditional moulds and tools. Some very old designs that she has preserved are on display in the Claypipe gallery, which o� er visitors a peek back in time to old customs that have vanished.

Main St., Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon +353 (0)90 666 1923 10am–5pm Monday–Friday; 2pm–4pm Saturday kellyethel@gmail.com www.oghamwish.com

Ballinamuck Visitor Centre35Built as a police barracks in 1846, this handsome stone building is now a visitor centre that houses a vivid exhibition on the Battle of Ballinamuck. The 1798 rebellion came to an end at Ballinamuck when French forces and Irish rebels were beaten by British forces in September 1798. Beside the building is a cannon from the battle and a memorial monument to 1798.

Ballinamuck, Co. Longford For opening times contact Morris Murphy +353 (0)87 205 5462

or Paddy Howe +353 (0)87 9613312 +353 (0)43 3342577 (Longford Tourism) info@longfordtourism.ie www.longfordtourism.ie

Backstage Theatre36This lively arts venue is housed in a comfortable, purpose-built theatre. With a wide-ranging programme that might see top quality drama alternate with live music or dance it attracts theatre companies such as Rough Magic, Living Dred and Druid. Its aim is to serve the community by promoting the development of the arts in the region and providing the best of theatre for its audiences.

Farneyhoogan, outskirts of Longford town, Co. Longford Check website or phone for listings +353 (0)43 334 7888 info@backstage.ie / admin@backstage.ie www.backstage.ie

St Mel’s Cathedral37On Christmas Eve 2009, a disastrous � re nearly destroyed St Mel’s Cathedral, an important focal point in Longford town since 1856. A €30m restoration project saw the building returned to its former beauty and re-opened in 2014. It is a light-� lled blend of neo-classical church architecture with sympathetic modern features that retain the harmonious grace of the original structure.

Longford Town, Co. Longford Daily year round. For large groups, contact Presbytery or

Longford Tourism to arrange +353 (0)43 334 6465 stmelcathedral@eircom.net www.longfordparish.com / www.longfordtourism/St Mel’s Cathedral

Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre38You may explore, be inspired and create at this heritage centre, which is home to Creative Ardagh. The heritage exhibition ranges from the ancient gaelic legend of Midir and Etain through early Christian to Famine times. Ardagh itself is a model estate village. There are group art, craft, drama and creative writing workshops based on the history and natural heritage of the area plus art and craft galleries and woodlands for walking close by.

Ardagh, Co. Longford Times vary depending on events. Open any time by appointment +353 (0)86 302 7602 / +353 (0)87 232 6553 creativeardagh@gmail.com www.creativeardagh.com

Glen Lake39Glen Lake or Lough is a designated Area of Special Protection (SPA) as it is a breeding ground for migrating and indigenous wild birds. It is part of an EU-wide network of SPA sites in EU Member States to give birds safe spaces in which to breed, roost, feed and winter. It is a perfect spot for bird watching.

Glen, Cornapark, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford (road to Ballymahon)

Year round +353 (0)71 966 6704 / +353 (0)71 966 6710 (National Parks and

Wildlife Service North Midlands Region) susan.moles@ahg.gov.ie www.longfordtourism.ie

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre40Beneath the bog at this rural visitor centre runs a massive, oak-plank road laid down over a single year in 147BC–148BC and perfectly preserved in the bog ever since. In the centre, an 18m-stretch is preserved and on display along with material explaining the trackway and the life and culture of the people who built it. Outside, a boardwalk across the bog follows the route of the road hidden below the surface.

Kenagh, Co. Longford 10am–6pm March to October. Last tour at 5pm +353 (0)43 332 2386. Bookings by phone ctrackwayvisitorcentre@opw.ie www.longfordtourism.ie

Barley Harbour, Casey’s Bogwood Sculptures41Father and son Kevin and Michael Casey are masters of the craft of producing sculptures from oak and other wood that has been preserved by being buried in bog for centuries. Their wood is taken from local bogs and is stored and naturally dried for several years before it is ready to be worked. Once-living wood is then revived and transformed into beautiful abstract or symbolic shapes. Barley Harbour is a small limestone harbour on Lough Ree, perfect for boating, � shing and picnics.

Barley Harbour, Newtowncashel, Co. Longford 9am–6pm, closed 1.30pm–2.30pm, Monday to Saturday +353 (0)43 332 5297 info@bogwood.net www.bogwood.net

Abbeyshrule Abbey42Now ruined, the 12th century Cistercian abbey was built on an earlier 9th century monastic site. It was suppressed during Elizabethan times. The ruins today are only a small part of what once was there but you will still see a � ne pointed doorway. Abbeyshrule village is a Tidy Town award winner and the nearby Royal Canal and the Inny river are great for � shing, boating and exploring.

Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford Year round +353 (0)86 813 3205 kathrynkeenan@esatclear.ie / heritage@longfordcoco.ie

(Heritage O� ce) www.longfordtourism.ie/Abbeyshrule