Roscommon

This county in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is a well-kept secret amongst its neighbours.

It’s a tranquil oasis that may not be a household name like the other big county stars, but it should be because there’s more than meets the eye in County Roscommon. For example, it’s the birthplace of Ireland’s first president, Douglas Hyde, and actor, Chris O’Dowd. O’Dowd is proud of his Roscommon roots if his twitter handle @BigBoyler is any indication. He’s referring to his childhood stomping ground of Boyle, a busy market town in the north of the county. County Roscommon is full of history, heritage and adventure. You’d be mad to miss it on your journey around the island of Ireland!