Architecture of Roscommon

1218 – Boyle Abbey, Co. Roscommon

Boyle Abbey was established in 1161 under the patronage of the MacDermott’s as a daughter house of Mellifont Abbey and was completed in 1218.

1227 – St. John’s Castle, Rinndown, Co. Roscommon

Built in 1227 by King Henry III of England, populated by up to 1000 people in it’s heyday. Destroyed, ruined and forgotten in less that 150 years,

1257 – Roscommon Abbey, Co. Roscommon

Founded in 1253 and consecrated in 1257. The church originally consisted of one long aisle with lancet windows. Those on the east and west walls were replaced in the 15th century with traceried windows.

1448 – Tulsk Abbey, Co. Roscommon

According to Lewis’s Topographical Survey of Ireland, “O’Conor Roe erected a castle here in 1406, and during the same century a Dominican monastery was founded either by MacDuil or O’Dowell,

15th C. – Clonshanville Abbey, Co.Roscommon

Probably founded early to mid 15th century. According to the Dominican Provincial reports, there were two friars here in 1702, five in 1756 and three in 1767,

1730 – French Park, Co. Roscommon

Architect: Richard Cassels

Large three storey mansion with two storey wings connected by simple curved sweeps. Similar in design to houses at Strokestown and the Bishop’s Palace at Elphin.

1730 – King House, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Architect: William Halfpenny

King House is a magnificently restored Georgian mansion located in Boyle, Co. Roscommon. According to Maurice Craig,

1730 – Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon

Architect: Richard Cassels / J. Lynn

A substantial house in the Palladian manner of a central block flanked by wings and curved sweeps.

1762 – Harrison Hall, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon

Architect: John & George Ensor

Now a branch of the Bank of Ireland but known also as Harrison Hall.

1777 – Old Gaol, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon

The building originally consisted of 36 Cells and the Governor’s Private Dwelling. It is known for having a hangwoman “Lady Betty”,