- Turlough O’Carolan (Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin): Nobber, County Meath (born); lived in Mohill, County Leitrim, and associated with Roscommon through patronage and performances, notably at Clonalis House and other locations (1670-1738): Known as Ireland’s last great bard, O’Carolan was a blind harper, composer, and poet who composed over 200 pieces, many for patrons in Roscommon, such as the O’Conor family. Although born in Meath, he spent significant time in Roscommon, performing at venues like Clonalis House, where his harp is preserved, and is strongly associated with the county’s cultural heritage. His works blend Irish and continental musical influences, and his poetry was often embedded in his compositions.
- Percy French: Cloonyquin, near Elphin, County Roscommon (born); also lived in Roscommon town and other areas (1854-1920): A renowned songwriter, poet, and entertainer, French is best known for humorous and nostalgic works like The Mountains of Mourne and Phil the Fluter’s Ball. Born at Cloonyquin House, he studied at Trinity College Dublin and later became a celebrated figure in Irish literature and music. His connection to Roscommon is further highlighted by his burial in Frenchpark and the county’s celebration of his legacy
- Jane Clarke: Originally from Co. Roscommon, she is a highly acclaimed poet known for collections like The River (2015), When the Tree Falls (2019), and A Change in the Air (2023), often focusing on the Irish countryside.
- Patrick Chapman: Born in Co. Roscommon in 1968 and raised in Boyle, he is a poet and short story writer with several published collections.
- Noelle Lynskey: Poet Laureate for Strokestown, Co. Roscommon, known for her work in the region and for being published in various anthologies.
- Gerry Boland: A poet and author who became a resident of Co. Roscommon and has served as the county’s writer-in-residence.
- Seán Ó Neachtain (c. 1640–1729): A significant Irish language poet and teacher born in East Roscommon.
Poets
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Roscommon:
Ireland’s county Roscommon combines historic sites with tranquil landscapes, with Roscommon Castle’s imposing ruins offering a glimpse into medieval Ireland. Lough Key Forest Park provides boating and treetop canopy walks, while the Arigna Mining Experience explores the county’s industrial past. Other attractions include the sacred site of Rathcroghan, linked to ancient mythology. Roscommon is Ireland’s 11th largest county by size (2,463 square km) and eighth smallest by population (70,259). Population peaked at 253,591 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 53,519 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Roscommon is Ireland’s 31st most visited and Ireland’s second least visited tourist county with around 25,000 international visitors per year.
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