County Focus Roscommon - the Heart of Ireland

Nestled in the heartland of Ireland, Roscommon offers an enchanting glimpse of hidden treasures including lakelands, waterways and bustling towns. Brimful of history and heritage, Roscommon boasts many archaeological structures including Rathcroghan, ancient home of the High Kings and more recently the Arigna Mining Experience Centre, formerly Ireland’s only coalmine. Rath Cruachán (Rathcroghan) was the starting point of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, or Cattle Raid of Cooley, an epic tale in Irish mythology.

Nature and wildlife flourish in undisturbed habitat. The wealthy and influential have left an indelible mark on the county with great houses and castles to be found in Strokestown Park House and Gardens and King House. In Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, you can experience a more tranquil and serene beauty, framed by mountain, moor land and lake.

The Shannon, Ireland's longest river, defines the county's eastern border, its calm, waters, unspoilt landscape and cosy, waterside pubs ideal for leisurely cruising.

Famous Rossies include Ireland’s first President, Dr Douglas Hyde. Writer John Waters and Channel 4 actor Chris O'Dowd are more contemporary celebrity natives.  >> More here

Roscommon student shortlisted for James Dyson award

A Roscommon student was recently short-listed for the highly-prestigious global James Dyson Award. John Burke, a recent student at the University of Limerick, made the shortlist for his invention - "Roll-Clean Wheelchair Tyre cleaning device", a brush mechanism device that removes dirt from the wheels as the user operates the wheelchair. >> More here

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Culture Night to ignite Ireland's Western Region

The theme of this year’s Culture Night is ‘What Will You See?’ and there is plenty to choose from! The participating regions will be transformed into cultural playgrounds with culture in all its forms including painting, poetry, dance, opera, traditional music, architecture, history, theatre and more, accessible to people of all ages.

Roscommon's Culture Night is action-packed and includes the return of the very popular Comhaltas Céilithe. Six Comhaltas branches are taking part hosting a céilí in a living room near you. So if you want to experience a proper céilí in the time honoured tradition, houses in Roscommon will be hopping on the 24th. >> More here

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Douglas Hyde Conference to highlight Creativity’s role in Education, Innovation, Economy and Society

The 2010 Douglas Hyde Conference takes place on 15th October in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.  Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport will officially open the Conference, which will highlight the role of Creativity in Education, Innovation, Economy, and Society.

Presented by Roscommon County Council Arts Office in association with the Western Development Commission (WDC), this is the second of three Douglas Hyde Conferences focused on the Creative Sector.  >> More here

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Featured Job of the Month

Did you know that LookWest.ie has a Featured Jobs section? 

As part of LookWest.ie's comprehensive jobs directory, each month we feature a great opportunity in the Region.  This month's Featured Job is a HR Recruiter opportunity with Lionbridge Technologies in Ballina. 

The GSS Recruitment team at Lionbridge Technologies with a freelance presence in over 100 countries worldwide is seeking a HR Recruiter to join its team. This role is based onsite in Ballina, Co. Mayo.  >> More here

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Western Region needs the Western Development Commission

Achieving significant regional and national media coverage last week was the most recent appeal from Council for the West for the retention of the Western Development Commission.  

If you believe in the continued development of Ireland's Western Region, to ensure it's competitiveness and viability now and for future generations, then please answer the Councils appeal and write to your local TD's and councillors and tell them how you feel. >> More here

We'd love to hear your ideas about how we can secure the future of the Western Region; you can get in touch by emailing info@lookwest.ie or join this LinkedIn discussion.  

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LookWest.ie Roscommon Photo Competition in association with Castlemine Farm

We are delighted to announce this month’s photo competition is in association with the award-winning Castlemine Farm, Co Roscommon. 

We have a wonderful hamper of produce from Castlemine Farm for the best Roscommon photo.  We want you to show us the magic of the people and places of this wonderful county. To enter the competition, please email your entries to photos@lookwest.ie >> More here

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