Roscommon

Roscommon Ros Comáin
Motto: Constans Hiberniae Cor
Location
Coordinates: 53°38′00″N 8°11′00″W / 53.6333°N 8.1833°W / 53.6333; -8.1833Coordinates: 53°38′00″N 8°11′00″W / 53.6333°N 8.1833°W / 53.6333; -8.1833
Irish grid reference M879648
Statistics
Province:	Connacht
County:	County Roscommon
Area:	2463 km² / 951 sq mi
Elevation:	80 m / 262 ft
Population (2006)  - Town:  - Environs:	4,489   4,168

Roscommon (Irish: Ros Comáin) is the county seat of County Roscommon in Ireland.

History

The name Roscommon is derived from Saint Coman who built a monastery there in the 5th century. The woods near the monastery became known as Saint Coman's Wood, or Ros Comáin in Irish. This was later anglicised to Roscommon.

It was the homeland of The Connachta dynasty, and included such kingdoms as Uí Maine, Delbhna Nuadat, Síol Muirdeach, and Moylurg. In addition, it contained areas known as Trícha cét's, Túath and is the homeland of surnames such as Ó Conchobhair (O'Connor), Mac Diarmada (McDermott), Ó Ceallaigh (Kelly), Ó Birn (Beirne, Byrne, Burns), Mac Donnchadha (McDonough).

This market town once had a hangwoman called Lady Betty, as well as a Dominican friary, founded in 1253 by King Felim ofConnacht (see abbeys and priories in Ireland). Roscommon Castle, built in 1269, is an Anglo-Norman fortress. Roscommon is situated 145 km (90 mi) west of Dublin and 75 km (47 mi) north east of Galway and 32 km (20 mi) north west of Athlone.

Amenities

Bank of Ireland Roscommon. (Formerly the Harrison Hall), 4 May 2005.

Roscommon Golf Club was founded in 1904, the course, set in parklands filled with mature sycamore, beech, whitethorn trees and ash trees, was extended to eighteen holes in 1996 and now measures 6,390 metres (6,900 yards).^[1] Dr. Hyde Park, with a capacity of 30,000 is an important GAA venue in Ireland and is home to the county footballers and Roscommon Gaels club. A horse racing course is situated approximately 1.6 km (1 mi) from the town centre, the track itself is an oblong right-handed track 2 km (1.25 mi) in length, the course has stabling for up to 95 horses. Roscommon has a leisure centre which opened early 2002 and has a 25m (82 ft)deck level pool with a learner swimming pool and spectator gallery and fully equipped gymnasium. Situated next to the swimming pool is the home of Roscommon's most successful sport - St Coman's handball club. Established in 1930 the club has produced many All-Ireland and even World championship winning handballers. Mote Park, approximately 1.6 km (1 mi) from the town centre is a woodland area covering several miles and is popular with walkers.

Roscommon Castle

Roscommon Castle

Roscommon Castle to the north of the town was built by the Normans in 1269 and four years later was captured by the Irish and razed to the ground, to be rebuilt in 1280. In the spacious main street is the beautiful renovated Bank of Ireland which was once the courthouse and afterwards served as the Catholic church until 1903.

Transport

Roscommon railway station opened on 13 February 1860.^[2] Roscommon is situated near the major road networks in Ireland. Bus Eireann runs regular bus services to other major towns which can be taken from Roscommon Square.

See also

• List of towns and villages in Ireland
• Market Houses in Ireland
• Lord Roscommon

References