Famous Roscommon People
Roscommon is proud of the fact that it was the birth place of Ireland's first President Dr Douglas Hyde, and Albert Reynolds a recent Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland. The renowned composer Percy French was a native of this county also. Plus Martin and Niamh Kelly from Castlerea.
Chief Towns in Co Roscommon
Roscommon, Strokestown, Boyle, Elphin, Loughlynn, Ballaghadereen, Castlerea and Knockcroghery.
Places of Interest
Scenic Lough Key Forest Park, Strokestown Park House, The Shannon Basin, The River Suck Valley and Rathcroghan, Clonalis, the ancestral home of the O'Connors (who produced Ireland's last two High Kings) are among the places of interest to the visitor to this county.
Emigration from Roscommon
Emigration from County Roscommon commenced on a large scale at the time of the Great Irish Famine although there was emigration from here much earlier. The chief destinations were the English Midlands including Manchester, the United States of America and Australia. The population of County Roscommon was reduced through death and emigration by 32% over the period of the Great Famine.