Castlecoote /Fuerty

Castlecoote is a picturesque village on the banks of the Suck River.

The village got its name from ‘Coote’, literally translated it means ‘Coote’s Castle’ and was the residence of Sir Charles Coote, ‘President of Connaught’ during the rebellion of 1641. The castle towers now form part of the estate of Castlecoote House, a historic house, which in the 18th Century, was the birthplace of the celebrated Gunning sisters, later the Duchess of Hamilton and Argyll and the Countess of Coventry, legendary beauties at the court of English King George II.

Castlecoote House is a magnificent Georgian Mansion that uniquely incorporates parts of the 16th Century Castle. It is encircled by the fast flowing River Suck and is surrounded by woodlands and unspoilt pastoral countryside.

Guided Tours of House & Grounds are available and full details are available on http://www.castlecootehouse.com/

As noted above Castlecoote is a picturesque village, and well worth a ramble through as part of your Suck Valley Way experience. The beauty of the village is enhanced by the tremendous input of the Local Tidy Towns, for which they have received many accolades and awards over the past 20 years. In September 2018 they have again been awarded a Gold Medal Winner, Category A of the much coveted Tidy Towns. You can find further detail on the Castlecoote Village Ireland facebook , but a stopover here is highly recommended.

Lunch and light refreshments are available from Castlecoote Stores, and these can be enjoyed in the adjoining picnic area overlooking the Suck River.

Just over the Bridge from Castlecoote along the R366 is the village of Fuerty. This is the site of a wedge tomb dated to 2000BC. In the churchyard you will also find two Early Christian sandstone slabs and in pre-reformation times there was a monastery here.

In the shadows of the old Church is Dalton’s Pub and this is the location for the Fair of Fuerty. This is a traditional Horse and Animal fair dating back 400 years. While it had lapsed for many years locals regenerated same in Autumn 2016 and this has become a successful annual event that people travel far and wide to enjoy. Fair of Fuerty  facebook.

 Castlecoote / Fuerty is renowned for Traditional Music. In 2017 & 2018 they were awarded the honour of hosting Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comain under the auspices of Athleague branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann.

P J’s Pub Casltecoote, holds a traditional music session every Tuesday night. This has been taking place weekly for many years. If you can play a tune or sing a song this is an event well worth attending where you can relax and chat to locals and visitors alike.

Dalton’s Pub and Castlecoote Lodge hold regular music events and full details can be found on their facebook pages.

Castlecoote is a noted angling base on the River Suck, renowned for its coarse and trout fishing. Contact Paolo of Gone Fishing Ireland who will provide a tailor made fishing package for you and will ensure that you have the fishing trip of a lifetime. www.gonefishingireland.ie

While in Fuerty & Castlecoote you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of a walk through the Bogs. The landscape is flat and is characteristically covered in heather, characteristically changing colour throughout the year and enhanced by a spectacular array of flowers and wildlife. The local bogs are harvested in the late spring and brought home for the winter in May / June. Walkways towards the bogs are well signposted, but both residents or your host will give you good direction.

From Castlecoote, the way continues through fields, a little above the river, to Castlestrange, named after Captain Le Strange who acquired these lands in the 16th century. The castle has almost disappeared, and the mansion, which followed it, is a ruin, so the main point of interest is the La Tene stone.

It is an ovoid granite stone, perhaps 70cm on its long axes, with intricate spiral patterns carved into it. It dates from the early Iron Age La Tene period (hence its name) and it is more than two thousand years old.

Fuerty / Castlecoote is approx 5.5km on the R366 from Roscommon town.

Accommodation is available locally and fully listed on Accommodations Link.