Abbey Hotel Roscommon

A Unique way to Cruise the Shannon!

by WhispersWest

"Vikings have once again invaded Ireland and you are on board and directly responsible!", with that announcement the cruise along the Shannon began.

You sail down along the Shannon and into Lough Ree on a Viking Long Boat! Surrounded by Captain and crew in full Viking dress! You can even dress the part, yourself! The narrated cruise which I took up to Clonmacnoise is one which I will never forget.

Fair warning, take plenty of pictures, as many people back home will accuse you of imbibing a bit too much on your trip when you tell them you went for a sail with Vikings!

Roscommon, Uncommon, Undiscovered, Ever Welcoming!

by WhispersWest

"Travel Back In Time, Take a Boat Down The Shannon"

My first visit to Roscommon Town was in June of 2004. I fell in love with its city centre, its modern businesses housed in historical buildings without hindering the richness of history. The Abbey Ruins were a sweet surprise as we walked aimlessly about the town that first day, Roscommon Castle, found that afternoon in our wanderings, was unbelievably grand. Mary & Eammon of Gleeson house made us feel welcome, served up tea and invited us back for breakfast the next morning. They even took the time to point out which pub we should visit and then called them to make sure they were having music. We weren't even guests in their lodgings!

"Bound by Water & History"

Roscommon is a county of fertile farmland and is three quarters bound by water ways. The Shannon passes through ten counties and its longest stretch is here in County Rosscommon.

The County has strong musical connections - it was the birthplace of Percy French, and O'Carolan often played there. The town of Boyle is home to one of Ireland’s lakeside attractions, Lough Key Forest Park, which offers nature walks, ring forts, cruising, fishing, a bog-garden, an old ice-house, picnic grounds and a fully-serviced caravan and camping site. Herds of deer wander freely through the park.

The Famine Museum in Strokestown provides a unique, in depth look at that awful period in Ireland's History. It is a must see for anyone wanting to understand the indefatigueable spirit of the Irish.