Rathcroghan Visitor Centre — Attraction in County Roscommon

A group of 4 of us booked for the 12pm tour, the tour had a total of 6 lead by tour guide Daniel. We were given a brief rundown of the next two hours at the Rathcroghan Vistor Centre, before jumping into the tour bus and heading off to the Rathcroghan Archaeological Site. A short distance up the road, the Mound was quite visible from the carpark. We gathered at a number of information boards and were taken on a mythological / archaeological journey through Daniels story telling before taking the short walk onto the mound it's self. Daniel is a mind of information and has an easy-going charm, we were told this, along with being such a handsome young man were due to him being from the fertile lands of Roscommon! Once we had recieved an extensive overview of the site and the multiple archaeological sites around us we walked back to the tour bus and took a short drive to Oweynagat (the cave of cats, or the gate to hell!) We were greated by a small tunnel into the ground, tucked under a hedgerow. Now I have to say, I wasn't expecting to go 'caving' but... Don't be put off!! The journey down into the ground was wet, muddy and pretty tight in places. Daniel was always on hand to help, was calm and reassuring. I'd never done anything like this before, but am so pleased I did! It was actually quite a buzz!! Just to experience the enclosure and darkness of this place, whilst hearing about the myths and history was just incredible. I'm giving this experience a solid 5 Stars, there are a few things to note if you are intending on booking the tour. Dress appropriately, good boots or walking footware are a must, be dressed for all weathers, this is a year round all weather tour, be prepared! You'll most likely get muddy if you go into the cave, take it on the chin.. It's a really amazing experience. I'll definitely be recommending this to...

Rathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. Rathcroghan is one of the six Royal Sites of Ireland. This landscape which extends over six square kilometres, consists of 240 plus archaeological sites, sixty of which are protected national monuments, It is also the location for the beginning and end of a national epic tale – an Táin Bó Cuailnge, and the royal seat of Medb (Maeve), Connacht's Warrior Queen.... I had the pleasure of going here last week , I love this place and I can't wait to go back again, the feeling when your there is very different I think , it's like you can feel the history not only see it ... I went down into the cave of the cats , and I must say the experience I had was unforgettable ... Rathcroghan possesses an entrance to the Otherworld, described in the medieval period as "Ireland's Gate to Hell", located at Oweynagat (the Cave of the Cats). The cave has associations with the pagan festival of Samhain, Halloween, as well as being described as the "fit abode" of Morrigan, a Celtic Goddess of pre-Christian Ireland.... and believe me if you go down the cave you just might have company :) please...

Absolutely brilliant ! 👏 Very informative, beautiful displays. Rathcroghan Visitor Centre is run by a local community group who have a passion for the area, history & folklore. The well informed staff have archaeological backgrounds and lots of enthusiasm for their fascinating subject. They expertly deliver stacks of facts understandably. I had longed to visit Owenygat Cave, ( Cave of the Cats) the Origin place of Samhain aka Halloween for some time, but tickets to their annual Halloween tour into the Cave are rare, as only 1 tour of 8 visitors operates on weekdays at that time of year. I got the last available ticket. Tour guide Elaine went into some depth detailing the stories and connections of the Cave to Samhain. The Cave itself is amazing. The bookshop is exceptional, with a plenty of books on Rathcroghan, texts, folklore, archaeology, children's books. Check out the fascinating Rathcroghan guidebook. Lovely gifts also are on sale. Everything has a touch of quality. I will return for the longer Rathcroghan tour to learn about the many monuments and the seat of power for Connacht, Queen Medb and The Tain. A...