Farming Rathcroghan

22/09/2026

Looking forward to visiting Sligo this week for our storytelling event, Who Shot Queen Medb?

For further details and to book your place, please visit our Eventbrite Page;

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/who-shot-queen-medb-tickets-1994006737830?aff=oddtdtcreator

21/09/2026

In October 2025, we began conservation work on damaged sections of the Northern Mucklaghs (RO021-042015). These works were undertaken under Section 14 Ministerial Consent.

The intervention used the same biodegradable Greenfix erosion-control matting previously trialled at the Southern Mucklaghs (RO021-042016) and Rathnadarve (RO022-057004). Each targeted section was carefully cleaned by hand before the material was secured in place and nature was allowed to play its part.

Although vegetation is regenerating slowly, the comparison between January and September 2026 shows encouraging progress. Most importantly, the matting protected the exposed sections and helped prevent further erosion and loss of archaeological material during the exceptionally dry summer, demonstrating the value of this sensitive, low-impact approach to monument conservation.

19/09/2026

It is wonderful to begin the new school year by welcoming one of our local schools to Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, followed by a visit to Rathcroghan itself.

This community-engagement programme gives the future custodians of our heritage an opportunity to explore and learn about Rathcroghan’s remarkable archaeological landscape. The programme is supported by the National Monuments Service – National Monuments Service - Archaeology and the Royal Sites of Ireland through Tipperary County Council https://www.facebook.com/tipperarycc .

A big thank-you to the team at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre and Clarke’s https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100037588610748 for helping to make the programme possible.

14/09/2026

As a follow up on our successful awards night last year in Belfast an online presentation was done during heritage week and hosted by The Council for British Archaeology, ArchaeologyUK for the "This is Archaeology" series.

27/08/2026

Something special is coming to Sligo…

WHO SHOT QUEEN MEDB?👑
An evening of storytelling, myth, mayhem and mighty heroes, bringing Ireland’s great epic The Táin Bó Cúailnge to life in Sligo this September. Come and meet Queen Medb, Cú Chulainn and the warriors, lovers and larger-than-life characters of Ireland’s most famous tale.

Rathcroghan's own master storyteller Mike McCarthy brings his storytelling performance 'Who Shot Queen Medb?' to Sligo Saturday September 25th @ 8pm at The Factory Performance Space.

Don't miss it!
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/who-shot-queen-medb-tickets-1994006737830?aff=oddtdtcreator

22/07/2026

As part of Farming Rathcroghan’s WHSIF 2025 Capital Works Project, one of our purpose-built scratching posts was installed at Templemoyle and it has worked a treat. The cattle are making great use of the post, while the nearby church ruins are being left undisturbed, with no signs of poaching or livestock scratching during the current dry spell.
The location of the scratching post was carefully selected using the results of geophysical surveys
undertaken through the WHSIF 2025 Rathcroghan Archaeological Interpretation Project. This ensured that the post could be positioned safely, away from identified archaeological features. It is a simple but effective example of how practical farm infrastructure, informed by archaeological
research, can support both animal welfare and the protection of important heritage sites.
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre Roscommon Heritage News & Info Our Irish Heritage

National Monuments Service - Archaeology

Tap to view!

21/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our sold-out performance of 'Who Shot Queen Medb?' at Frybrook House Boyle on Saturday, as master Storyteller Mike McCarthy recounted our epic tale of the Táin Bó Cúailnge.
Your warmth and enthusiasm made it a truly special afternoon.

14/07/2026

Leave Netflix aside and journey back in time to the prehistoric Iron Age to share in an evening of storytelling recounting some of the oldest tales in Ireland. Hear firsthand about the origins of Queen Medb and her great cattle raid to Ulster, which features a host of legendary characters such as the boy hero Cúchulainn, the Connacht warrior Fráoch and immortals of the Otherworld including the vengeful Macha and the formidable battle goddess, Mórrígán, who dwells in Oweynagat, the Cave of Cruachán, Ireland’s reputed ‘Gate to Hell’.

Rathcroghan's own Mike McCarthy brings his storytelling performance 'Who Shot Queen Medb?' to Boyle Arts Festival this Saturday July 18th @ 3pm.

Don't miss it!
Tickets €10: https://boylearts.com/event-listing/who-shot-queen-medb-mccarthy/

04/06/2026

Continuing Farming Rathcroghan’s enhanced community engagement programme, supported by the National Monuments Service, the Royal Sites of Ireland and Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Alan visited Clooneyquinn, Killina and St Mary’s, Strokestown, to speak with the next generation of heritage keepers and perhaps a few future archaeologists too.
With local heritage information packs delivered to the pupils, the children can now explore the archaeology, history and stories of their own areas at home with their families. Their parents, meanwhile, may need to keep an eye on the garden and be ready to refill any archaeological test trenches once the search for skeletons begins.

National Monuments Service - Archaeology
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre

30/05/2026

We're looking forward to Rathcroghan's own Mike McCarthy and his storytelling performance of 'Who Shot Queen Medb?' at the Boyle Arts Festival, Saturday 18 July @ 3pm.

It's a wonderful show that had its launch last year in Roscommon Arts Centre. Don't miss it! See booking details below.

👑✨ Who Shot Queen Medb? with Mike McCarthy

Step into Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition with this captivating one-man show from Rathcroghan guide and storyteller Mike McCarthy.

📍 Frybrook House
📅 Saturday, July 18th
⏰ 3:00pm

Blending myth, history, humour and folklore, Who Shot Queen Medb? brings legendary tales of Ireland vividly to life in an entertaining and unforgettable performance.

🎟️ Tickets & info: https://boylearts.com/event-listing/who-shot-queen-medb-mccarthy/