If you’re looking for great ideas for things to do with kids in Roscommon, we’ve got you covered. Here is our MyKidsTime Top 10 Things to Do in Roscommon with Kids (in no particular order!).
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Things To Do With Kids In Roscommon
From exciting activity parks to railway memorabilia to stepping back in time at a grand Georgian house, we’ve picked out ten amazing places to visit in Roscommon with the kids.
#1. Cruachan Aí
Visit Cruachan Aí and discover the Rathcroghan Complex, one of Ireland’s Celtic royal sites. It has a long and mysterious history, filled with myths and legends, gods, ghosts and demons, and the fates of Ireland’s royalty through the ages.
The Rathcroghan Visitor Centre has interpretive rooms where you can see how people in the Iron Age and medieval Ireland dressed, what they ate, where they lived, and what they believed in. You can join a tour of the unique monuments, from the mysterious ritual centre of Rathcroghan Mound to the infamous Oweynagat (Uaimh na gCat – the Cave of the Cats), said to be an entrance to the Irish Otherworld. There’s a café and shop on site.
#2. Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum
Strokestown Park House, a Georgian Palladian mansion, was the family home of the Pakenham Mahon family and is built on the site of a 16th century castle, once home to the O’Conor Roe Gaelic chieftains. It’s unique in that it retains its original furnishings, and professionally guided tours give an intimate insight into life in the Big House, both upstairs and downstairs.
The six-acre walled pleasure gardens have been restored to their original splendour, with features such as the herbaceous border, the fernery, lily pond, Victorian rose garden, pergola and peach house. There are outdoor trails and activity sheets for kids to pick up and explore while visiting.
The Irish National Famine Museum tells a different story, highlighting the parallels between a tragic chapter of Irish history and contemporary global hunger. It has been refurbished into a state-of-the-art museum for visitors of all ages to enjoy, and a Woodland Café on site means you can easily spend a whole day here.
For families looking for a walking adventure, you can follow the National Famine Way, a unique trail that follows in the footsteps of 1,490 famine emigrants who left Strokestown in 1847. The trail runs from Strokestown to Custom House Quay in Dublin and can be walked in sections.
#3. King House
King House is a magnificently restored Georgian mansion that today stands as a museum of life in 18th century Ireland.
Delve into the dramatic episodes of its history, with stories of tragic Irish romance, runaway lovers, a duel of honour, a murder trial, and feats of bravery and hardship in war.
With the aid of special effects and life-size models, visitors are taken back in history in an entertaining way. Children can try writing with a quill and ink, or even dress up in the attire of a Chieftain.
#4. Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
Lough Key Forest & Activity Park has an amazing array of activities for all the family to see and do.
The Lough Key Experience is an engaging audio tour of the history and nature of the park, taking in the 19th century underground servants’ tunnels, the 5-storey Moylurg Viewing Tower, and Ireland’s Tree Canopy Walk – a 300m long structure of timber and steel that gently rises 9m above the woodland floor for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape.
The all-weather Boda Borg is a unique and challenging Swedish adventure house for adults and children alike, while the outdoor Adventure Play Kingdom provides stimulating equipment and activities for children of all ages.
Visitors can also enjoy the ZipIt experience, electric bike tours, kayaking and boat tours, along with trails through the forest park. There are several options for food, including picnic tables, outdoor food trucks, and the Lakeside Café, which serves both savoury and sweet treats.
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#5. Arigna Mining Experience
The Arigna Mining Experience in Derreenavoggy, near Carrick-on-Shannon, is a great day out with the kids and gives a unique insight into what coal mining life was like in the Arigna Valley since the 1700s. All tours of the mine are guided by ex-miners, who share an insight into a working way of life you might never have imagined. Recorded interviews with miners and their families are also part of the exhibition, giving fascinating first-hand stories and experiences.
Facilities include car parking, full wheelchair accessibility and baby changing facilities. There’s a coffee shop on site, as well as a small gift shop.
#6. Loughnaneane Park
Loughnaneane Park in Cloonbrackna is a huge recreational area beside the ruins of Roscommon Castle, a dramatic and imposing 13th century Norman castle that offers plenty of fascinating history to explore.
The park includes a crannog, known locally as the Hill o’ Bones, a wildflower meadow, a bird walk, a lake feature and mounds, all of which make for a great place for the kids to explore. The park also has a children’s playground, outdoor gym equipment and a car park. Admission and parking are free.
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#7. Castlerea Railway Museum
The Castlerea Railway Museum is located adjacent to Hell’s Kitchen Bar in Castlerea, County Roscommon. The museum boasts the largest private collection of rail memorabilia in Ireland.
The pride of the collection is an A55 diesel locomotive, fully and lovingly restored. Also on display are bells, lamps, shunting poles, signal equipment, staffs, station boards and more.
#8. Glendeer Pet Farm
Enjoy a family day out at Glendeer Pet Farm in Athlone, where you can meet lots of animals to cuddle and help feed. There’s also a playground, a fairy trail, a traditional farm cottage and lots more to explore. Both indoor and outdoor areas mean there’s plenty to enjoy no matter what the weather.
Keep an eye out for seasonal events too, including Easter egg hunts, Halloween forest tours, and a visit from Santa over the festive season.
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#9. Derryglad Folk Museum
© Sonder Visuals
Derryglad Folk Museum in Curraghboy houses a unique collection of over 6,000 items that together tell the story of Roscommon’s history, heritage and folk culture.
As well as horse-drawn machinery restored to original working order, the collection covers farm and folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. Make sure to check out the tradesman’s tools and buttermaking equipment. The venue also has a picnic area and car parking.
#10. The Elphin Windmill
The Elphin Windmill is a fully restored, working 18th century windmill – the oldest type in the country. Unusual features include its thatched revolving roof and four sails, which are turned into the wind using a tailpole attached to a cartwheel on a circular track. It’s definitely worth a visit.
The mill was originally used for grinding corn and other grains, and now houses a visitor centre where the workings of the windmill are explained and demonstrated. Also on site is an agricultural museum with a threshing machine, a winnower and other machinery associated with harvesting grain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roscommon a good county for a family day out?
Yes. Roscommon has a great mix of historic houses, heritage sites, museums and outdoor adventure spots, so there’s plenty to fill a day out with kids of all ages.
What is the best free thing to do in Roscommon with kids?
Loughnaneane Park in Cloonbrackna is free to visit and park at, and combines a children’s playground, outdoor gym equipment and the ruins of Roscommon Castle to explore.
Are these Roscommon attractions suitable for toddlers and preschoolers?
Many of them are. Parks like Loughnaneane, farm visits like Glendeer Pet Farm, and family-friendly sites like Lough Key Forest & Activity Park all work well for younger children, though it’s worth checking each venue directly for specific facilities before you travel.
Can you make a full day of it in Roscommon?
Definitely. Sites such as Strokestown Park and Lough Key Forest & Activity Park have enough to see and do, plus on-site cafés, to easily fill a full day out.
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- Ultimate Guide to Roscommon for Families
- Best Outdoor Places in Roscommon for Families
- Things to Do in Roscommon with Preschoolers
- Free Things to Do in Roscommon with Kids
- All Aboard! Steam Trains and Fun Train Rides in Ireland
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