There is so much history to explore in the north west of Ireland, so to help you out in advance of your stay here, we’ve put together a list of 8 places that we think are well worth discovering, all within an hour of your self-catering accommodation here at Carrick Self Catering…
The McGahern Barracks (9.2km)
Take a spin out the N4 towards Boyle and turn left just before Ardcarne Church towards the little village of Cootehall. This small village was the childhood home of the writer and national treasure, John McGahern. If you are a fan of his writing, you might recognise The Barracks building itself, where McGahern spent much of his childhood. The building which had been a working garda station until only a few years ago, has been restored by a volunteer community group and repurposed as a museum and community space.
You will need to book your tour in advance, and rest assured you will be greeted with open arms by any one of the number of enthusiastic local tour guides. The community playground is located in the garden of the Museum and you are welcome to make the most of the opportunity to let the kids run around.
For further information, you can check out mcgahernbarracks.ie
King House (15.3km)
Located in the nearby town of Boyle is the historic King House, original home of the King family who went on to build their grander house at Rockingham, now Lough Key Forest Park.
Destined for demolition, King House is yet another example of a historic building, restored to its former glory. Built between 1720 and 1740, the House is one of the earliest surviving substantial townhouses in the province of Connacht and was home to only two generations of the King family. Once they left, the house became an army barracks and maintained a military connection ever since.
King House is now home to The Boyle Civic Art Collection of over 150 paintings and sculptures by the very best of contemporary Irish artists. A collection of state gifts kindly donated by former President McAleese, from her time as President of Ireland is also housed on-site. “Hidden Gem” is a collection of works, tools, drawings, jewellery and gems by the late Erwin Springbrunn, a prizewinning master gold and silversmith.
Arigna Mining Experience (20km)
From Boyle you can continue on to the scenic village of Arigna in Co. Roscommon, and to the Arigna Mining Experience. The tours take place in the old mines and are often led by former miners who share that extra bit of insight, adding to the authenticity of the experience. You will get a glimpse of what it must have been like for the men in the region as they spent their working life down in the mines. There is also an extensive display of historic documents, photographs and mining equipment from years gone by. The location itself is breathtaking – the view alone is worth the trip. There is also a gift shop and tea rooms. Well worth a visit!
Strokestown House and Gardens (25km)
Strokestown Park House / National Famine Museum is located just a short walk from the town’s Bawn Street. The stunning House, Gardens, Museum and parkland are open all year round – AND you can bring your dog too! There are 6 acres of walled gardens to be explored with the restored croquet lawn, pleasure garden, vegetable garden, and a stunning refurbished glass house with vines and young peach trees. There is also a woodland trail for the little ones to explore.
A visit to Strokestown Park is a fascinating way to spend a couple of hours as you step back in time to visit this old family home, left as if the family have just stepped out for a walk, leaving behind all sorts of personal possessions; photos, children’s toys and the beds made up.
The Famine Museum traces the story of so many Irish people during the famine and specifically tells the history of the house and its inhabitants and the local community in Strokestown.
More at: strokestownpark.ie
Glenview Folk Museum (28km)
Back in Co. Leitrim again, take a visit to Ballinamore, to the Glenview Folk Museum located just outside the town. This family-run museum was established in the year 2000 in response to the loss of rural memory and identity, and to advocate for preserving the past for future generations.
The museum consists of many different attractions from old household and farm items, to vehicles and a full street scene which has been fully reconstructed to really give you a feel for 1930s Ireland. And for the kiddies, it will be a glimpse into a world nearly forgotten. You might be surprised to see some items that you remember using once upon a time – now an museum artefact!
Manorhamilton Castle (48km)
The town of Manorhamilton was founded by Sir Frederick Hamilton after he was granted 5,000 acres of land as part of the Plantation of Leitrim. Between 1634 and 1636 he built his castle. Since then, Manorhamilton Castle on the edge of the north Leitrim town has withstood attacks in 1641 during the Irish rebellion, but was later taken and burned by the Earl of Clanrickard in 1652 during the War of the Three Kingdoms.
A permanent exhibition is on display at the Castle’s Heritage Centre, including artefacts from the 17th century, replica period costumes, furniture, a castle model and other interesting items and information which allow you to peek through the centuries to what life was like when the castle was in use. This is something the kids will love! You can book a tour of the castle with a local knowledgeable guide.
Athlone Castle (72km)
Located at a strategic crossing point on the River Shannon, and 1 hour from the Leitrim border, Athlone Castle is a castle fortress which has played a crucial role in events that have shaped Ireland. With plenty on offer for the grown-ups and the kids too, the trip to Athlone will be well worth it. A very short walk from the Castle is the Luan Gallery and also the town’s Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul which boasts a number of stunning stained glass windows from the famed Harry Clarke studios, as well as one by Sarah Purser. If you are interested in Irish art this is an opportunity not to be missed, when you are in the region!
For more information why not visit: athloneartandheritage.ie
Parke’s Castle (49km)
A final historic destination is the wonderful Parke’s Castle. Located near Dromhair in North Leitrim close to the border with Co. Sligo, it is well worth the journey.
On the northern shores of Lough Gill in County Leitrim, Parke’s Castle commands a striking presence. The restored castle, dating back to the early seventeenth century, was once the residence of English planter Robert Parke, with a tower house once belonging to Sir Brian O’Rourke, the formidable lord of West Breifne, previously on the site. Following a tragic double drowning in 1677, when 2 of the Parke children lost their lives in a boating accident on the lake, Parke’s Castle fell into decline, only to be meticulously restored in the late twentieth century, using traditional Irish oak and craftsmanship.
From near Dromahair in North Leitrim, down through the south of the county and into neighbouring Roscommon, these fascinating destinations will appeal to young and old, whether you are a history buff or not! If you would like to find out more about other day trips easily accessible from Carrick-on-Shannon, why not continue reading through all of our helpful blogs!
