New Roscommon Accommodation in Tulsk

Anne's B&B

Within easy walking distance of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre!  Anne's B & B, Tulsk Village, opened May 2013, formerly Moylan's Shop and Post Office premises.  Contact Anne Sheerin on 087-8208534 or 086-6027144.  The four bedrooms are en-suite with TV and the entire house is decorated and furnished to a high standard.  

Website available soon at:  www.VisitTulsk.com, or you can Email:  annesheerin@eircom.net

November 2013 Events in Roscommon

Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November 2013, Roscommon Writing Festival is on  in Strokestown. This is a weekend celebration of Irish Writing:  Practical Workshops, Historical Literature, Talks, Book Signings, a Book Fair, and Creativite Inspiration. Do you want to get published, or finish your own book this year?

Wednesday 20th to 24th November, the Boyle Musical Society Annual Show is on in St. Joseph's Hall, Boyle, where the musical society will stage their 30th musical production.

Goddess Gathering Ireland 2013

Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd, and Sunday 24th November 2013, the Goddess Gathering Ireland is on in Tulsk, Co. Roscommon.  The ceremonial and spiritual capital of this region is Rathcroghan – this is the legendary Cruachan, home of Queen Maeve (Medb), palace and sacred centre for the Druids, Kings and Queens of Connacht all through the ages.

On the weekend of November 22nd to 24th, Irish Goddesses can come home for the Gathering Ireland 2013!  Rathcroghan Visitor Centre presents the third ‘Spiritual Capital of Connacht’ Conference Weekend. This special event theme is the Goddess Gathering, and we are inviting all who love the rich history, mythology, and culture of the strong Irish Goddess (and Irish women!) to come home, and join our Goddess Gathering spiritual conference in Roscommon 2013.  View the Website for further details and Booking.

28th November 2013, the Monthly Lecture Series continues at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, on the last Thursday of every Month, from 7 to 9pm.

Weekly Roscommon Farmers Market every Friday - Roscommon 10am to 2pm, and Strokestown 10am to 3pm, and every Saturday Boyle 10am to 2pm, and Ballaghaderreen 10am to 2pm.

What To Do in Ireland?

You can do what every other tourist has done when visiting Ireland - go to the usual places to visit, see the recommended things to do in Ireland.  

You've got a lot of great options. There's Newgrange. Dublin Castle. Tara. The Blarney Stone. Guinness Storehouse. Cliffs of Moher. The Book of Kells and Trinity College. Dublin Zoo. The National Aquatic Centre. Fota Wildlife Park. St. Patrick's Cathedral. Kilmainham Gaol. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The Rock of Cashel. Kilkenny Castle. Christchurch Cathedral. The Old Jameson Distillery. Powerscourt House and Gardens. Connemara National Park. The Aquadome. The National Wax Museum. Dublinia.

These are all fantastic tourist sites, where you can learn all about Ireland, travel the length and breadth of the country  finding fun things to do, and go back home with pretty much the same holiday experience, the same boxes ticked on your 'Things to do in Ireland' checklist, and the same holiday photographs as all your friends, family and neighbours who have visited Ireland over the years.

Or, you can Discover Ireland for yourself.  You can find your own way.  You can have a different experience, a unique visit, see some tourist sites that are not on the standard guide to 'Fun Things to Do in Ireland'.  Things like this...

Roscommon Castle (photo courtesy of Gary Dempsey)

Or some of these...

Kilronan Castle Reception Room

Zipit Forest Adventures, Lough Key Forest Park

Abbey Hotel Spa and Jacuzzi

County Roscommon, in Connaught (Mid West of Ireland) is easy to get to - served by 3 bus routes, 2 rail lines, a 2 hour drive from Dublin and just 30 minutes from Knock Airport.  You can get your flight to Dublin, Shannon, or Knock airport, and be here in no time at all, passing through some of the most breathtaking landscape Ireland has to offer along the way.  Cross the River Shannon, and you're here, ready to discover the myriad of things to do in Roscommon and the Midlands.

Kids at Glendeer Pet Farm

And right in the heart of Roscommon, we have a place that encapsulates human interaction with Ireland through the ages, from the first hunter gatherers 8 or 9,000 years ago, through the Stone Age Neolithic settlement and burial mounds, the Bronze and Iron Age Ritual and Royal landscape, the sacred Celtic and Gaelic kingship and sovereignty rites.

Rathcroghan Landscape (photo courtesy of Gerry Bracken)

We have the home of Queen Maeve (Medb) warrior Queen of Connacht, the starting point and bloody climax of the famous Tain Bo Cuailnge, the Cattle Raid of Cooley, sacred centre for Druidic teaching and and magical practice.  Gaelic Kings ruled from Rathcroghan, clans and septs rose and fell, and went on to rule all Ireland as High Kings.  Some of our most perfect national treasures were made here, in this centre of learning and craftsmanship for all of Ireland.

Cross of Cong, commissioned by Turlough O'Connor

And now, Rathcroghan is one of the largest, least interfered with, most multi-layered complex archaeological and mythological landscape we have remaining to us, not just in Ireland, but in Europe.  All the tourist information and maps you will need are available at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in the Medieval village of Tulsk, along with a great little café, and gift shop filled with crafts and books.

Rathcroghan Main Mound, Southern View (courtesy Gary Dempsey)

Roscommon is the county to put a smile on your face, and a story to take home.  If your interests lie with family history or genealogy, you can visit the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House and Gardens (just ten minutes from Tulsk and Rathcroghan), or you can check out all the things to do with a packed Programme of Festivals and Events, and everything you ever wanted to know about visiting Roscommon (including an excellent Trip Planner facility) can be found on the Tourism Information Site below.  Enjoy!  And don't forget to let us know how you found it with a Trip Advisor Review!

www.VisitRoscommon.com

Rathcroghan Royal Site on Trip Advisor

Here is what some of our customers have said about us at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre.  Please Visit Rathcroghan Royal Site on Trip Advisor to add your comments, we greatly appreciate the feedback!  And a huge thanks to all our reviewers so far.

“first class”

Reviewed 9 November 2012

the guided tour and history lesson on the area was not only very informative but also given at a pace that made it very understandable left you with the disire to now more.

“Hidden Gem in the West!”

Reviewed 27 July 2012

1

person found this review helpful

Every time I travel to the west of Ireland I make sure to stop by this wonderfully exciting and engaging establishment. If you are a fan of archeology, mythology, history or just in search of a "neat find," Rathcroghan Royal Site is something you need to visit if you are anywhere near Roscommon. I've always timed it just right to have a personal guided tour of the museum and each time I visit there is some new display or some interesting new archaeological find that has just been unearthed. One visit there was a team of archeology students working on the stone mound behind the museum and you could take a peek into a live dig! Don't miss the wonderfully sourced bookshop and gift store either! You will find the most unique reading materials and gifts. The cafe also serves some delicious foods (great soup!) and often there are local artist's works hanging on the walls for sale. As you leave (if on the N5), don't forget to keep your eyes peeled on the roadside--there are about 3-5 ringforts right off the road. This really is a hidden historical gem in the west.

Visited August 2011

“So much packed into a small centre”

Reviewed 3 June 2012

1

person found this review helpful

I came to the centre in search of information about the megalithic sites in the area. What I found was both wondrous and informative. I loved the video show, the excavation information on the mounds, the helpful staff, and the respectful exhibits.

A special word goes out for the cafe. The young chef was so nice, and the food was astonishingly good. Such good service, good price, and incredibly well prepared food.

I would recommend anyone in the area stopping off to discover this gem of a centre. Add a tasteful gift shop and a decent bookshop into the bargain and you have the full package here at Cruachan Ai.

Visited May 2012

“Insightful experience”

Reviewed 4 May 2012

1

person found this review helpful

I thought the Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre was an excellent addition to the heritage and culture of Co. Roscommon. The interactive tour of the archaeology, history, and mythology of the complex was user friendly and extremely educational. A must see for anyone interested in Irish history, pre-history and beliefs. Beautiful setting also! The medieval festival is a winner also

Visited November 2011

“Spent a great weekend here”

Reviewed 16 April 2012

2

people found this review helpful

I just got back from a conference organised by the staff here and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff were well organised and helpful, the food in the cafe was lovely, and the site tours were well worth the visit. Got absolutely covered in mud. Unfortunately I didn't get time to look at the exhibition in the centre so maybe one day I will be back for a better look.
 
Visited April 2012

Click here to Visit Rathcroghan Royal Site on Trip Advisor

“So much packed into a small centre”

Reviewed 3 June 2012

1

person found this review helpful

I came to the centre in search of information about the megalithic sites in the area. What I found was both wondrous and informative. I loved the video show, the excavation information on the mounds, the helpful staff, and the respectful exhibits.

A special word goes out for the cafe. The young chef was so nice, and the food was astonishingly good. Such good service, good price, and incredibly well prepared food.

I would recommend anyone in the area stopping off to discover this gem of a centre. Add a tasteful gift shop and a decent bookshop into the bargain and you have the full package here at Cruachan Ai.

Visited May 2012

Roscommon Accommodation in Percy French Hotel

Congratulations to Edel Murray and family, who have just purchased the Percy French Hotel in Strokestown, just ten minutes away from us at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk.  This 18 Bedroom Hotel will definitely meet your needs for any of our upcoming 2013 Events, or just as an excellent base from which you can explore this fascinating Roscommon Tourism experience.

There is a lot to keep you busy in the Tulsk and Strokestown area, from the magnificant National Famine Museum at Strokestown House and Gardens, Walking Tours, to the ancient Royal sites of Rathcroghan, home of Celtic warrior Queen Maeve.  There is ample opportunity for fishing on the lakes, and natural pursuits around the Sliabh Bán mountain.  They do a great quality and value Sunday lunch too!  See what others have to say about the Percy French Hotel on Trip Advisor

We look forward to offering you great value package deals in partnership with the Percy French Hotel, Bar and Restaurant for the Gathering Ireland 2013.

Self Catering Accommodation in Tulsk

LUXURY SELF CATERING APARTMENTS
IN THE HEART OF COUNTY ROSCOMMON

Phyllis Jordan and her family invite you to stay at one of their three luxury self catering apartments- all set in a lovely country area.

• Perfect for touring Rathcroghan, World Heritage Site nominee.
  
• Central for four golf courses.
• Famous for game and course fishing with 14 lakes within easy reach.
• Ideal for cycling and walking.
• Area rich in history and archaeology.

The Granary is an old converted grain store with original stonework set in the countryside with large gardens. It has been tastefully refurbished into a 2-bedroom self-catering apartment.
Caddlebrook was an old schoolhouse which was converted into two luxury 2-bedroom self catering apartments.

To book your holiday or for further details please contact:
Mrs Phyllis Jordan, Ballyglass, Ballingare, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Telephone: 086 1721476
International: 00353 86 1721476
Email: wpjordan@eircom.net

Failte Ireland Approved Accommodation near Tulsk

GLEESONS TOWNHOUSE AND RESTAURANTMarket Square, Roscommon, County Roscommon

Telephone: 090 6626954
International: 00353 90 6626954
Email: info@gleesonstownhouse.com

www.gleesonstownhouse.com
Discover Ireland Listing



CLONALIS HOUSE
Castlerea, County Roscommon

Telephone: 094 620014
International: 00353 94 620014
Email: clonalis@iol.ie

www.clonalis.com
Discover Ireland Listing


AVONDALE HOUSE
Rooskey, Carrick On Shannon, County Roscommon

Telephone: 071 9638095
International: 00353 71 9638095
Email: avondalerooskey@eircom.net

Discover Ireland Listing

November 2011 Events in Roscommon

After a busy Samhain at Cruachan Ai, Tulsk, we have another exciting month of events this November


Thursday 17th 7pm - 9pm
Tarot Reading
(Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre Tulsk, Co. Roscommon)

Tarot reading by a professional reader: after our successful talk on divination we will be offering Tarot readings at Cruachan Aí. Booking is essential. If you are interested please contact cruachanai@gmail.com or 071 9639268 to book your place.

Saturday 19th November 2 - 4 pm

Childrens Mask Making Workshop

An opportunity to learn about Celtic arts and traditions which date back to the Iron Age. But besides all that, it#s great craic for the kids! They can create a mask for the Wild Hunt, a mythical hunting party from the otherworld who hunt for sport, or just paint and glue on whatever they feel like making. A great opportunity to entertain the kids for a few hours while you put your feet up in Coffee@Keoghs, or do the weekly shopping in peace. Don't forget our End of Year Gift Sale, with up to 50% off!

Price €5 per child (group discounts 2 or more, €3 per child)If you are interested please contact cruachanai@gmail.com or 071 9639268 to book your place.

Thursday 24th 7 - 9pm

How to become a published author - Talk & Writing Class

When you have gained control of the vocabulary, mastered your personal style and expelled all those nasty punctuation mistakes, after you have stressed and strained every last imaginative cell in your mind and finally pressed save for the last time - you might want to publish your literary child and release it to the world...

But how? Where do you start? Published author Lora O'Brien offers some hints and tips on where to start, and how to finish, for those who would like to see their work in print.

Price €10

If you are interested please contact cruachanai@gmail.com or 071 9639268 to book your place.

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November 2011

‘Spiritual Capital of Connacht’ Conference Weekend

Tulsk, Co Roscommon

Event theme is “Connecting with the Land”, and we are delighted to announce our new spiritual conference event in Roscommon:

Since before history the West & Northwest of Ireland has been a place with a spiritual resonance. A place where Christian scholars kept civilisation alive. A place where belief and landscape merge. A place where you can feel things you can’t touch, where you experience an authentic unspoilt nature and timeless faith. A place where you can open your heart and lift your spirits – Ireland’s Spiritual Heartland.

The ceremonial and spiritual capital of this region is Rathcroghan, in County Roscommon – this is the legendary Cruachan, palace and sacred centre for the Druids, Kings and Queens of Connacht all through the ages.

« Con Connor of Roscommon’s Druid School

Eachtra, a Celtic dreaming, guided visualisation journey with the Cauldron of Vocation and the Realm of Land. Eachtra is the White Mare as the Celtic Goddess and we journey with her to meet the Ancestor Clan where we get an individual message as spiritual guidance.

« Talas Pái of Roscommon’s Huginn Press

Working With the Wights. The numinous is all around us, from temples and trees to your house and car. In this talk, Talas takes an animistic approach to working with the wights, sidhe, vaettir and other spirits. The talk ranges from theoretical to practical — what the wights are and where they fit into the cosmos to how, where and why to approach and work with them.

« Deirdre Wadding of Tall Tales Troubadors

Song of the Land. Every place has its own sound and song; listening for it and singing it back to the land forges a connection. Exploring the ‘Song of Amairgin’ from Irish legend, the use of our native language in magical work, and how the land responds!

« John Sinnott, B.A. Arch, of Irish Heritage Crafts

Sacred Sites: Care and Responsibility. A qualified Archaeologist, Alexandrian 1* and member of Cois Teallaigh Coven in County Roscommon, John has extensive experience working with sacred sites, through both the archaeological and pagan fields. This talk was designed to show that many practices which are viewed as quite standard among pagans, could actually damage the sites we profess to care for.

« Del Eagle, (Sunday Only)

Flower Essences and how they are made, the connection between Earth and Sky

Tantra, the connection between Earth/Body and Spirit

« Francis De’Venney, of Faol Lia Historical Re-enactment Society

Land and Ancestors. A fascinating insight into the ancient Irish psyche, from an anthropologist and accomplished practitioner of 30+ years experience

« Lora O’Brien, Irish Author and Bean Draoí

Goddesses of Connacht: From Medb to the Morrigan, we all know the usual suspects. But what of Flidhais, she of Castlerea sovereignty? What of Gaillimh inion Breasail, and does her aspect have an effect on the many Brazilians who are drawn to the West of Ireland?! And even Mongfind and Cairenn, ancient rivals who between them birthed the Connachta and the Uí Niall clans? Recommended for those who want to explore their feminine side; will include journeying and self development work, along with a healthy dose of Irish heritage information.

FULL SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

All Month

Cruachan Aí Craft and Book Shop Sale – Stock Clearance for end of Year.

Craft and jewellery reduced 30%, Books reduced 50% - How many weeks til Christmas? Get your gifts for less!!!

Regular Events

Every Thursday Morning - Cruachan Crafters in Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, 10am to 12.noon. October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th.

Beginner’s Knitting Club
Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, Tulsk. Tuesday evenings, 5 to 6.30pm. Children’s Teens or Adults, all welcome. Needles and Wool available/for sale, or bring your own! Admission €5. Family discounts available.