Literary history, architecture and a connection to waterways give Cootehall several distinct points of interest. John McGahern lived in the town’s barracks from 1944 to 1953; the John McGahern Barracks Museum explores his life and times. Also here are Cootehall Bridge over the River Boyle and Cootehall Marina on Cootehall Lough. Together, these places offer different perspectives on Cootehall: literature and village life, architectural history, and its connection to the water.
McGahern and Village Life
McGahern lived in Cootehall’s barracks from 1944 to 1953. The exhibition at the John McGahern Barracks Museum introduces his life and times, and also explores rural policing and village life in Cootehall. Quotations from McGahern’s writings, photographs, a documentary video, audio recordings and artefacts from the mid-20th century come together in the exhibition. It thus ranges from the individual writer to the history of everyday village life.
Visits are by appointment only; bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Plan your appointment accordingly and check the access arrangements again before your visit, as they may change.
Bridge Building and Manor House
Cootehall Bridge is a three-arch road bridge built over the River Boyle around 1850. Its high-quality design, featuring different stone finishes, enhances the riverbank and the small village to the east. The Bawn offers a second historical reference point: a manor house attributed to Chidley Coote and built in the second half of the 17th century. Together, the two structures illustrate distinct building periods in the history of the place.
Marina and Park
Cootehall Marina is a marina with 50 berths on Cootehall Lough, in the north-western part of the Shannon waterway system. It is in the centre of Cootehall. Information on berths and facility specifications may change; if these details are important to your plans, check the latest information in advance.
The expansion of Cootehall Park and the playground officially opened in June 2025. It includes a basketball court, a zip line and a multi-purpose climbing frame. If you plan to visit this area, check the latest information about the facilities before your trip.
More Places of Interest in County Roscommon
County Roscommon offers more historical sites. Boyle Abbey is a well-preserved 12th-century Cistercian monastery; its restored gatehouse houses an interpretive centre. Near Boyle Town is King House Historical & Cultural Centre, a restored Georgian manor house. These sites provide their own architectural and historical perspectives alongside McGahern’s local history and Cootehall Bridge.
The Suck Valley Way offers a distinctive walking experience in County Roscommon. The circular route 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 lowland walks pass through bogs, flood meadows, woodland and traditional farmland; some sections follow the river. Route conditions may change, so check them before setting out.
Discover more destinations: BĂ©al Na MbuillĂ, Keadew, Lisacul, Boyle, Knockvicar, Arigna, Termonbarry, Ballaghaderreen.
For the broader travel guide: County Roscommon.
