Ballintober brings together medieval castle and church history with a church built in the late 19th century. If you are looking for hotels, you can first decide whether Ballintober itself should be your main focus or whether you would prefer to plan your stay around other destinations in the wider travel destination of County Roscommon.
Castle, village and planning access
Ballintober Castle is now a ruin and a good example of a castle without a keep. It was built at the beginning of the 14th century and was inhabited until the 17th century. The castle lies north of the village, with an old graveyard dedicated to Saint Bridget between them. The castle is privately owned. A 2012 heritage poster from Roscommon County Council notes that it may only be entered with the owner’s permission. Before visiting, make sure you have permission.
Churches and places of remembrance
Saint Bride’s Catholic Church stands in the heart of Ballintober. It was built in 1898 and renovated in 1997. Stained-glass windows and stone dressings accentuate its limestone façade. The medieval church ruin lies along the southern boundary of the rectangular Ballintober Old Graveyard. Within the church ruin is the Owen O’Connor Mausoleum, commissioned by Owen O’Connor and his wife Catherine McDermot in 1762.
A graveyard in Ballintober contains an O’Conor-Don mausoleum dating from 1634, as well as stone tombs from the 18th and 19th centuries. Tober Brida, a holy well, is also located near Ballintober. Together with the churches and the castle, these places give the local heritage a range of historical and religious associations.
The Ballintubber Rambling Loop is a different place: this short circular trail starts and ends at Ballintubber Castle, not Ballintober Castle. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Other highlights in the wider travel destination of County Roscommon
In the wider travel destination of County Roscommon, Boyle Abbey offers another perspective on regional history. The well-preserved Cistercian monastery in Boyle dates from the 12th century; its restored gatehouse houses an interpretive centre. There are different ways to explore the county: the South Roscommon Heritage Route covers 20 historic sites in South Roscommon. Roscommon County Council also offers a map-based tour of 20 historic or cultural attractions in County Roscommon.
Strokestown Park House offers tours of its Palladian mansion; dates may change, so it is advisable to check before planning a visit. The estate includes walled gardens, ornamental gardens and wilder woodland areas. Exhibitions and interactive displays at the National Famine Museum tell the story of the Great Irish Famine. Architecture, gardens and historical interpretation offer different points of interest for planning a trip around the county.
If you would also like to include a walk in County Roscommon, the Suck Valley Way is a regional route option. The circular trail runs from Mount Talbot along the west side of the Suck to the outskirts of Castlerea, then returns along the east side with a short interruption. The landscapes described include bogs, flood meadows, woodland and traditional farmland, sometimes following the river. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Money, Keadew, Roscommon, Knockvicar, Béal Na Mbuillí, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin, Ballinlough
For the wider travel guide: County Roscommon.
