Roscommon Town

Roscommon is a county town and a popular touring centre for the entire Roscommon region. Its name is derived from St Coman a famous Irish saint who founded a monastery here in early Christian times. It is known to be the seat of Abbot Coman in early Christian times and had close connections to Clonmacnoise and Saint Ciaran. A Dominican priory was founded here in the 12th century, by Felim O Connor, the King of Connaught but it now lies in ruins. Roscommon Castle was also built in the 12th century by the Normans, but lasted only 4 years later as it was captured by the Irish and then destroyed. It subsequently rebuilt in 1280. The town of Roscommon is well maintained with beautifully renovated buildings and the Sacred Heart Church which contains a replica of the Cross of Cong. replica of the Cross of Cong.