Farming Rathcroghan

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/

29/04/2026

As part of our ongoing community engagement, we’ve been visiting local schools to share the story of our heritage. This week, our community archaeologist Alan visited Elphin Community College, and earlier he spent time with students at St Mary’s NS in Ballinagare.

Through these sessions, we’re connecting with the next generation of farmers and heritage keepers, sparking curiosity and encouraging them to explore the rich archaeology of their own local landscapes.

We were also delighted to provide resources that help students continue that journey of discovery beyond the classroom.

These school visits are made possible with the support of Farming Rathcroghan, the National Monuments Service, and Royal Sites of Ireland.

A big Thank You to both schools for their warm welcome.

19/04/2026

We are delighted to be the organisers and host venue for the Eighth International Conference on the Ulster Cycle of Tales. The Conference will take place from June 23rd to June 25th and tickets are now available from Eventbrite.
This is a fantastic opportunity to discover more about our ancient Irish literature.
Book now: https://tinyurl.com/546xwkn3

The Heritage Council
Roscommon County Council
VisitRoscommon
Roscommon Heritage News & Info

14/04/2026

Following our success at the Archaeological Achievement Awards at the end of 2025, the Farming Rathcroghan Project has now been highlighted in the latest edition of British Archaeology.

This recognition is a real credit to everyone involved; our farmers, staff, project partners, supporters and local community, whose ongoing commitment helps protect and celebrate Rathcroghan’s unique heritage. It’s inspiring to see this collaborative effort acknowledged on such a respected platform.

Thank you to everyone who continues to play a part in safeguarding Rathcroghan for future generations - this achievement belongs to you all.

08/04/2026

UPDATE: STAYING STRONG THROUGH CHALLENGES

Following completion of EU Just Transition Fund works at the end of March 2026, Farming Rathcroghan has scaled back operations and staffing while seeking new funding to continue its work.
We’ve secured €100k from the National Monuments Service to support the Community Archaeologist and key protection works, an important but partial lifeline. While recent funding applications were unsuccessful, efforts are ongoing to explore every possible avenue.

As Project Manager Richie Farrell notes, this is a period of resilience and adaptation. The focus remains on protecting our heritage, supporting farmers, and serving the Rathcroghan community. Several new funding opportunities are in progress, and we’ll continue to do all we can with available resources in the weeks ahead.

Farming Rathcroghan CLG