Plizio Visual Lab
Roscrea
ℹ️Practical info — Roscrea
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The 13th-century Roscrea Castle and the 18th-century Damer House are located in the very centre of town.
- When visiting the Monastic Site, be aware that the Round Tower and High Cross are separated by a busy road.
- It is a convenient and historic stopover town if you are driving between Dublin and Limerick.
- Free parking can often be found just off the main streets, but check the signs for time limits.
🍽 Food
Look for steaks or roasts in the town's traditional pubs or steakhouses.
Start your day with a hearty fry-up at a local café on Castle Street.
Grab a classic takeaway meal from one of the local 'chippers' near the main square.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Check out local butchers and grocers for regional meats and artisan goods.
A practical stop for travel essentials and everyday items.
A restored and peaceful garden space right in the bustling town centre.
Despite the nearby road, the ancient ruins offer a quiet moment of reflection.
Water temperature…
Roscrea is among Ireland’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, located in North Tipperary on a historically vital strategic corridor connecting the east and west of the island. The town’s foundations date back to the 7th century with the monastic establishment of Saint Cronan. Its architectural legacy is exceptionally dense, featuring a 12th-century Romanesque church gable, a well-preserved round tower, and the formidable Roscrea Castle. Constructed by the Anglo-Normans in the 13th century, the castle grounds also house Damer House, a sophisticated Queen Anne-style residence built in the early 18th century. Together, these structures form a designated national monument complex at the heart of the town. For generations, the local economy was anchored by large-scale meat processing and agricultural trade. The town retains much of its medieval street pattern, contributing to a unique historical ambiance. Today, Roscrea serves as a principal service center for the North Tipperary hinterland, drawing visitors interested in Ireland’s early Christian and medieval heritage.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Roscrea Castle · Roscrea Abbey · Roscrea Church
- Nearby: Templemore (18 km)
- Population: ~5.446
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 98 | 77 | 75 | 67 | 76 | 86 | 93 | 100 | 81 | 100 | 111 | 105 |
Geography
Facts
- The monastic site was founded by Saint Cronan circa 610 AD.
- Roscrea Castle was constructed around 1280 by the Anglo-Normans.
- Damer House was saved from demolition in the 1970s by the Irish Georgian Society.
- The population was recorded at approximately 5,446 in 2016.
- Home to the Cistercian Mount St. Joseph Abbey located nearby.
- The town's name 'Ros Cré' translates to 'Wood of Cré'.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Roscrea (8)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main sight in Roscrea?
Are there ancient Christian sites?
What is the Black Mills?
Which monastery is nearby?
Is Roscrea a heritage town?
Roscrea: where is it located?
Roscrea: what is there to see?
Roscrea: when is the best time to visit?
Roscrea: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
