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 Strokestown in County Roscommon is situated in a beautiful part of the county. Surrounded by many lakes, Strokestown is noted for its wide streets. It is said that they were made this way because the second Lord Hartland wanted to make his village thoroughfare even wider than the Ringstrasse in Vienna. The town was built up around Strokestown Park House, which was built in the 1730s. In the 1970s the house was bought by an Irish firm, restored and is now open to the public to view.
It is probably best known however as the home of the Famine Museum. Located in the stable yards of Strokestown Park House, the Famine Museum commemorates the Great Famine of the 1840s. Between 1845 and 1850, approximately one fifth of the population of Ireland either died or emigrated when blight devastated the potato crop. The Museum, using extensive estate papers, explains the historical and social significance of the famine nationally.
Being just a short drive from the River Shannon opens up a world of activities for the visitor. One which is very special is a cruise down the River Shannon if you have the time. Or else you may just wish just to fish or take a short boat trip. Also there are many golf courses in the area so the golf enthusiast is well catered for.
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