Athone is another great choice for a short break in Roscommon. It is the largest town on the River Shannon and has a number of interesting historic buildings, good facilities and excellent restaurants. However it is the town’s stunning riverside location close to Lough Lee that is the greatest attraction. From the town you can join one of the many boats offering day trips cruising the River Shannon.

In fact two thirds of the county is bounded by water, as well as the Shannon and Suck rivers, it is home to the great lakes: Lough Key, Lough Gara and Lough Boderg, and as such attracts a large number of anglers.

Other top attractions in the county include Boyle Abbey, founded in the 12th century which today houses an exhibition of Irish history; and Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum. There are a number of other interesting towns and villages including Castlecoote, Carrick-on-Shannon, Tarmonbarry and Tully.