Athleague is a historic village situated on the River Suck in County Roscommon, in the west of Ireland. Its Irish name, Áth Liag na Sioca, meaning “ford of the flagstones,” reflects its origins as a river crossing point, historically significant for travel between ancient Irish kingdoms.
The village’s history stretches back to around 500 AD, with the founding of a church by Maenucan Atha Liacc. Athleague was once part of the territory of the powerful O’Kelly clan of Hy-Many, and the remnants of this past can be seen in the local landscape.
Today, Athleague offers visitors a glimpse into rural Irish life. The village is located near the town of Roscommon and is connected by the N63 national route and the R362 regional road. The River Suck and the surrounding countryside define the area, offering a peaceful and scenic environment.
Historically, Athleague and its surroundings have been marked by the presence of powerful families and events. Sites like Tubbervaddy, associated with the Ormsby family, and references in ancient annals, such as the Annals of Connacht, the Annals of Lough Cé, and the Annals of the Four Masters, contribute to the rich tapestry of the area’s past. The village also has connections to figures like Aileen Cust, the first woman veterinary surgeon in the British Isles, who once resided at Fort Lyster.
Athleague’s identity is tied to its location on the River Suck, its historical significance, and its place within the broader County Roscommon landscape. It provides a quiet escape for those seeking to experience the heart of rural Ireland.
Athleague is a historic village situated on the River Suck in County Roscommon, in the west of Ireland. Its Irish name, Áth Liag na Sioca, meaning “ford of the flagstones,” reflects its origins as a river crossing point, historically significant for travel between ancient Irish kingdoms.
The village’s history stretches back to around 500 AD, with the founding of a church by Maenucan Atha Liacc. Athleague was once part of the territory of the powerful O’Kelly clan of Hy-Many, and the remnants of this past can be seen in the local landscape.
Today, Athleague offers visitors a glimpse into rural Irish life. The village is located near the town of Roscommon and is connected by the N63 national route and the R362 regional road. The River Suck and the surrounding countryside define the area, offering a peaceful and scenic environment.
Historically, Athleague and its surroundings have been marked by the presence of powerful families and events. Sites like Tubbervaddy, associated with the Ormsby family, and references in ancient annals, such as the Annals of Connacht, the Annals of Lough Cé, and the Annals of the Four Masters, contribute to the rich tapestry of the area’s past. The village also has connections to figures like Aileen Cust, the first woman veterinary surgeon in the British Isles, who once resided at Fort Lyster.
Athleague’s identity is tied to its location on the River Suck, its historical significance, and its place within the broader County Roscommon landscape. It provides a quiet escape for those seeking to experience the heart of rural Ireland.