Description
King House Boyle is a unique Visitor Centre set in a beautifully restored Georgian Mansion in Boyle, Co. Roscommon. Built in 1720 for the influential King family, it later served as headquarters for the Connaught Rangers and a military barracks. Today, it brings over 400 years of Irish history to life through exhibitions, collections and guided tours.
The House spans four floors and showcases the grandeur and elegance of Sir Henry King’s family home. Visitors can explore exhibitions including Gaelic Ireland, the Connaught Rangers, Creation of a Nation, Rockingham, and Jail Cells, along with cultural collections such as the Boyle Civic Art Collection and the McAleese Collection. The Courtyard features the King House Tearooms, Courtyard Market, Craft Shop, Boyle Town Library and the peaceful King House Garden.
Admission Fees: Adults €10, Senior / Student (18+) €9, Child (5–18) €6, Family (2 Adults and 2 Children) €30, with special Group Rates available for groups of 10 or more. King House also offers Room Hire with versatile spaces, a fully equipped 100-seat auditorium and catering options for meetings, launches and events.
Open daily 11am to 5pm (Closed Mondays May, Sept & Oct), King House offers an informative and fun guided tour experience. With expert local guides, treasured collections and rich exhibitions, it is a cultural and historical highlight in Boyle. Whether you are interested in Irish history, art, or simply relaxing in the Courtyard, King House is a place well worth visiting.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
King House: A Georgian mansion built in 1720 for the influential King family, King House later became headquarters for the Connaught Rangers. Now beautifully restored, it is home to a range of treasured collections and exhibits.
- The House: An important Georgian townhouse, over four floors, King House represents grandeur and elegance along with the wealth and status of Sir henry King and his family.
- The King Family: Arriving in Ireland in the 1600s, the Kings would go on to be one of the most wealthy and influential landlord families in Ireland. Their story is intertwined with that of Ireland, over a 300 year period.
- The Restoration: In 1989 Roscommon County Council began a four year restoration of King House, bringing together artisans and skilled local craftspeople using traditional materials, to bring this important building back to life.
The Courtyard: The Courtyard at King House is a wonderful space; home to the town’s library, the King House Tearooms and the Úna Bhán Tourism Co-operative.
- Tea Rooms: Visit the King House Tearooms in The Courtyard. A great spot for a full Irish breakfast, lunch or a scone and a coffee with a friend. Advance bookings ensure a seamless experience for everyone.
- Courtyard Market: The Courtyard plays host to an array of artisan producers every Saturday, bringing you great fresh produce, crafts and more, at the Courtyard Market.
- Craft Shop: A perfect spot to pick up some locally-produced artisanal crafts, the Craft Shop at The Courtyard is home to Úna Bhán Tourism, where you’ll find visitor information and advice.
- King House Garden: The new King House Courtyard Garden is a peaceful, south facing area of tranquility, planted with grasses, flowers and shrubs woven with winding paths surrounding a circular seating area for all to enjoy. Relax with a coffee and watch the world go by.
- Boyle Town Library: Located in the former kitchens of King House, Boyle Town Library is a cultural and educational centre which also serves as a community space for the people of Boyle.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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…
- 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.
- Creation of a Nation Exhibition: This exhibition tells the story of King House, Boyle and the Connaught Rangers during the struggle for Irish independence.
- Jail Cells: Visit the cells at King House, where soldiers and revolutionaries alike were held over the years in cold, forbidding conditions.
Cultural Collection: King House is home to a number of unique cultural collections on display.
- Boyle Civic Art Collection: A nationally recognised collection with over 300 pieces of art from renowned Irish contemporary artists.
- McAleese Collection: Kindly donated by Former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, this collection contains state gifts from her time in office and outfits worn on momentous occasions.
- Hidden Gem Exhibition: The story of Erwin Springbrunn, a unique craftsman, exceptional goldsmith and extraordinary gem cutter.
- Boyle to Boulevard Exhibition: Born within sight of King House, Maureen O’Sullivan went on to become a star of the silver screen. This exhibition tells her life story, from Boyle to Hollywood Boulevard and beyond.
Guided Tours: After an informative and descriptive introduction by one of our local guides, you can continue at your own pace following your Self Guide Tour Book. Our expert guides will bring you through the King House, walking you through hundreds of years of history and stories. Expect a fun and informative experience.
- Expert local guides
- Walk through 400 years of history
- Informative and fun
0.26 miles
