Keadue
County Roscommon,
Ireland
Come
to Keadue and enjoy harp and traditional music in this
mystical village surrounded by lakes, woodland and
archaeological sites at the foot of the Arigna
Mountains.
Keadue
Keadue (Ceideadh - which means low lying hill) is set on the Arigna mountains scenic drive in a landscape adorned by lakes and mountains. The village presents a delightful picture with traditional houses, stone walls, gardens, and window boxes adorned with flowers and shrubbery. In 1993 Keadue won the National Award in the Tidy Towns Competition, being declared Ireland's tidiest town and best kept village.
O'Carolan International Harp Festival
The renowned music festival takes place annually in Keadue commencing August Bank Holiday. This ten day event of Irish music and culture, features traditional music concerts, sessions and workshops, craft demonstrations and exhibitions, side by side with the International Harp Competition, School and Recitals. The festival is a must for anyone interested in Irish tradition or music.
Turlough O'Carolan
Harper, composer and singer, Turlough O'Carolan is known as the last of the Irish bards and was born in County Meath. Whilst still a young boy, he moved with his family to County Roscommon. At Alderford House, O'Carolan came under the guidance and tutelage of the McDermottroe family. At the age of 21, having completed his education and musical studies, O'Carolan's career as a bard and composer began. It is as a composer that O'Carolan is best known and some 200 of his tunes survive to this day including the well known piece "O'Carolan's Concerto". His remains now lie at Kilronan Abbey, built by the O'Duignans in the fourteenth century.
American visitors will be interested to know that "The Star Spangled Banner" is based on music composed by Turlough O'Carolan.
St Lasair's Holy Well
The name is derived from St Lasair who was a daughter of St Ronan. The flagstone beside the well was at one time St Ronan's altar, and the hollowed stone his water font. Local tradition claims the well and St Lasair's clay have curative powers.
Keadue Court Tomb (3000 BC)
Beside Lough Meelagn, this is a classic example of a Court Tomb in excellent condition. The 5000 year old site is a major archaeological find and is easily reached by a short walk through the forest. The immediate area around Keadue boasts of at least four other sites dating 3000 BC. There are also many Promontory Forts, Ring Forts and other sites of historical interest.
Lough Meelagh Crannog
It's name means "The Lake of the Marsh" and it is on the lake's island that St Ronan and St Lasair were laid to rest. There are several Crannogs on the lake. These are man-made islands of timber and rock used for defence and habitation and were occupied during the early Christian period through to the seventeenth century.
The lakeside has been developed for family recreation and among it's facilities are car parking and picnic points, children's swings and bathing. Visitors may relax among the natural beauty of the trees and plants or explore the haunts and lifestyle of wildlife in the area.
Kilronan Castle
The original castle built in the 1700's belonged to Colonel King Tenison. The present structure was built by The Earl of Kingston in 1876.
O'Carolan Heritage Park
Opened in 1993 to commemorate the last Irish bard, Turlough O'Carolan, the park is located in the centre of Keadue. The bronze harp is a replica of O'Carolan's harp while the music of his first composition "Sidh Beag, Sidh Mór" can be seen in the Round House. Also on the site is a traditional sweat house discovered during construction on the park. With its traditional flagsone paths, fountains and panoramic view of the scenic Arigna mountains, the park is an ideal location to spend a quiet moment.
Keadue Church
This is a fine Gothic style Church built by McCarthy in 1862 using red sandstone. It was renovated in 1981.
Local Amenities
- Angling
- Boating
- Horse Riding
- Swimming
- Watersports
- Tennis Courts
- Walking Trails
- Miners Walk
- Golfing
- Football
- Museum
