Roscommon Lamb Festival 2011 May Bank Holiday Wednesday 27th April - Monday 2nd May

Wednesday 27th at 4.00pm Visit to Scregg House, Knockcroghery – heritage on a sheep farm – from sheela-na-gig to abandoned country house’. This is chance to see the normally private setting of magnificent Scregg House, Knockroghery – lead by Katriona Byrne. Meet at Scregg House at 4.00pm or at car park in Knockcroghery village at 3.30pm to drive to Scregg House.

Thursday 28th April 12:00pm Sheep Farm of Willie John Fitzmaurice, Four Roads, Roscommon Take a stroll on a working sheep farm and experience a variety of activities that take place. The farm is located at Four Roads, Roscommon. Walkers to meet at church car park at 11.45am. Please note that the walk is weather permitting and it is advised to wear appropriate clothing for walking outdoors.

8.00pm: Art Exhibition - Old AIB Bank, Church Street The exhibition is organised by artists Honor Fitzgerald and Noel Molloy and includes artists Fran Crowe, Gillian Gannon, Kristey Verenga, Angie Duignan, Katie Browne, Annette Gaffney, Margo McNulty, Ann Rigney, Joe Cunniffe, Dympna Molloy, Ros Art, Mantua Art, Siobhan Carlos, Lorna Brennan, Martha Lynn, Maree Bannon, Joanne Hughes, Nollaig Molloy, Niamh Molloy. Bob Attenbury, Joan Attenbury, Clair Attenbury, Ian Marks, Micheal J. Farrell, Frances Mc Gonigal, Stephanie Cuddy, Honor Fitzgerald, Noel Molloy who all are working in Roscommon.

Friday 29th April 12.00pm: Guided Tour tof St Johns' Wood, Lecarrow St. John’s Wood is a special place as it is one of the few remaining native Irish woodlands, containing a mix of native Irish trees and shrubs which has evolved over the centuries. Because of the special nature of the woodland, the area is a Special Area of Conservation. Tour will take start from the entrance of St John’s Wood, Lecarrow. Please note that this walk is weather permitting and wear appropriate clothing for walking outdoors.

Friday 29th April: 7.00pm: Teen Student Fashion Expo Transition year students from Roscommon Schools will take part in a Wool themed fashion expo. Student Fashion Expo of Sculptural Costumes, made from recycled materials with the theme of lamb as the inspiration for weird and wonderful creations! Students who wish to participate contact Stephanie Cuddy Cullen on 086 875 3633. A fantastic opportunity to witness future fashion designers and a showcase of talent in Roscommon.

Saturday 30th April: 3.00pm: The Rathcroghan Complex, one of Ireland’s Celtic Royal Sites, has a long and mysterious history; filled with myths and legends, gods, ghosts and demons, and the fates of Ireland’s royalty through the ages. Tour by John Sinnot including a short talk and powerpoint presentation at Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre, then on to Rathcroghan sites for a guided walking tour (own transport necessary, dress for the weather!) Please note that the tour of the centre is wheelchair accessible, however the royal sites aren’t wheelchair accessible.

Saturday 30th April 4.00pm: Guided Tour of Dominican Abbey, Roscommon Town The Dominican Abbey was originally founded in 1253 by Felim O’Connor who was the last High King of Connacht. The purpose of the Abbey was to provide food and shelter for travellers and visitors to the area. Guided tour with local historian Noel Hoare.

Saturday 30th April 9.00pm: South Roscommon Singers in Murrays, Knockroghery Village The modern-day comic bard, Brian O’Rourke will be the Special Guest of the South Roscommon Singers Circle, in association with Roscommon Lamb Festival, in Murray’s Lounge, Knockcroghery.To celebrate the occasion, Brian has promised to “compose a tasty song” in praise of Roscommon Lamb, which will be officially launched on the night. Truly an event not to be missed!

Sunday 1st May 10:00am: Cycling event – The Square, Roscommon Town to Portrun What better way to spend a few hours than exploring the Roscommon Countryside on your bicycle? Join us on a 20k cycle route which will take us through a series of quiet country roads taking in all the natural amenities that are there to be enjoyed by all. The terrain of the local landscape throughout the circuit is generally flat with occasional stretches of gently sloping hills which take the cyclist through a varied countryside of farmland, bog, forest, wetlands, rivers and lakes. Cyclists will experience the rugged bogland scenery of Kilteevan, the beauty of Lough Ree and sense the magnificence of the River Shannon and pass through the picturesque forests of Mote Park. The cycle will start from the Square in Roscommon @ 11 am passing through Kilteevan and stopping for refreshments in Portrun before returning to Roscommon via Mote Park.

Sunday 1st May 11:00am – 1pm: Kayaking event – Portrunny Bay, Portrun, Roscommon A fun filled family kayaking day! All are welcome to come along to experience the fun and excitement involved in kayaking. Everyone is welcome to come along but please remember to be prepared to get wet so dress appropriately. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. On the day members of Portrun kayak club will be available to give anyone interested a brief introduction to kayaking – fun for all the family, young and old. Contact number – 087 6371876

Sunday 1st May: 2.00pm - 6.00pm RLF 2011 Family Fun Sunday. RLF 2011 in association with Roscommon County Council give you a jam packed day for all the family! A full menu of activities are taking place in Loughnaneane Park in the full glory of Roscommon Castle. Linking up with the Wool Craft Village in the Square and the International Sheepdog trials in Walsh’s Field - there will be something for everyone as we showcase family fun, heritage and food all in one place! Facepainting, balloon modelling, music, pony rides, Global Kitchen, Medieval re-enactments, sheep racing, dancing and entertainment. Admission is free - so bring all the family.