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Visit Us & Explore > History

History

History is a the heart of King House, from its time as a home of a wealthy landowning family to its use as military base, first as a headquarters for the Connaught Rangers and later as a barracks of the Irish Free State.

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Gaelic Ireland

King House is home to The Gaelic Ireland Exhibition, which brings to life the times of High Kings and Chieftains. It’s an intriguing insight into the celebrations, legends and difficult times of people in Ireland during the Middle Ages.

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Boyle Abbey

Founded in the 12th century, under the patronage of the MacDermott family, Boyle Abbey was an important Cistercian site. Today, the remaining structure of the Abbey is still an impressive sight and a favourite among visitors to Roscommon.

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The Mac Dermotts & the Legend of Úna Bhán

The legend of Úna Bhán of the Mac Diarmada (Mac Dermott) Clan is a tragic tale of forbidden love between the beautiful Úna and Tomás Láidir Costello, the handsome young man from a rival family.

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Rockingham Exhibition

The exhibition at King House recounts the story of the King family during the years spent at Rockingham House until 1957 when a devastating fire destroyed this exceptionally grand home.

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The King Family

The story of the King family in Boyle starts in the early 1600s, when Sir John King arrived in Ireland, from England. So begins a dynasty whose members led privileged and colourful lives…

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Connaught Rangers Exhibition

1795 saw King House purchased for use as the headquarters of the Connaught Rangers, an Irish line infantry regiment of the British army.

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Creation of a Nation Exhibition

This exhibition tells the story of King House, Boyle and the Connaught Rangers during the struggle for Irish independence.

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Jail Cells

Visit the cells at King House, where soldiers and revolutionaries alike were held over the years in cold, forbidding conditions.

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Book a Tour

Walk through 400 years of history and culture with a King House Tour.

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Testimonials

What our visitors say

Our visit to King House was an unexpected excellent excursion. The guide at King House certainly knew his stuff… Well worth a visit.

— Grainne G

This is a great attraction. It's a restored Georgian house, but there's enough variety in the exhibitions to appeal to everyone…The staff were really helpful. If you're in Boyle, I really recommend it.

— Maria C

Our very informative tour guide Aisling gave us a fascinating and amusing account of it's history… You could easily spend two or three hours here. Thoroughly recommended.

— Brendan O’Donovan

Thanks to Thomas who provided us with this afternoons tour, an absolute fountain of knowledge who added real value to our visit!

— Simon Bedford-Smith

King House is magnificent on many levels… There is a coffee shop and a farmers' market in the grounds too. King House could easily be the most interesting and diverse Great House to visit in Ireland

— Fergal Jennings

King House in Boyle is a must see for anyone visiting North West of Ireland. A beautifully maintained historic building that represents three centuries of history of Ireland and the aristocracy that ruled it and the King families in its role.

— Abhi M

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