Carnfree, Connacht Travel Guide

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Explore Carnfree in County Roscommon: an ancient royal inauguration site, steeped in Irish history, mythology, and panoramic views.

Carnfree, located in County Roscommon, is an ancient Bronze Age site steeped in Irish history and mythology. Believed to be the burial cairn of the warrior Fráech, it later served as the inauguration site for the Kings of Connacht, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

A brief summary to Carnfree

Carns, Co. Roscommon, IE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Carnfree.

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography.
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the natural landscapes.
Bring a picnic to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

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Explore Carnfree on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Carnfree, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

From Roscommon town, head northwest on the N61 towards Castlerea. Continue for approximately 10 km. Take a right onto the R293 road towards Ballaghaderreen. Follow R293 for about 5 km, and then turn left at the sign for Carnfree. Continue on this road until you reach the Carnfree area. Parking is usually available nearby.
Public Transport

Take a bus from Galway to Roscommon. Bus Éireann operates services between these locations. From Roscommon, take a taxi to Carnfree. There are no direct public transport options from Roscommon to Carnfree. The taxi fare will range from €10-€15.

Discover more about Carnfree

Carnfree (Carn Fraoich, Fráech's cairn) is a historical site south of Tulsk in County Roscommon, near the Rathcroghan complex. The main feature is a Bronze Age mound, thought to be the cairn of Connacht warrior Fráech, used for royal inaugurations until the late medieval period. The site also includes Selc, with Duma Selga (mound) and an ecclesiastical site where St. Patrick baptized the Uí Briúin princes.The mound is about 1.5 meters high, with a slight depression at the top and stone on one side. Until the mid-19th century, a proclamation stone with footprints stood nearby; it's now at Clonalis House near Castlerea. Carnfree's importance is noted in the Annals of Connacht, which mentions kingship ceremonies, including Felim O'Connor's inauguration in 1310. Kings from across Connacht and twelve bishops attended the ceremony. The elected king would take a clockwise ceremonial turn from the summit.Carnfree is linked to mythology, especially Fráech, said to reside in the mound. The Dindshenchas poem credits two figures named Fráech. One was a warrior who fought and died; his comrades buried him in the mound, previously called Cnoc na Dala. The other wooed Queen Medb's daughter and was killed by Cuchulain.Other significant sites include Duma Selga, possibly the royal site of the Uí Briúin, and Cloch Fada na gCarn, a ring barrow with a nearly 3-meter-high standing stone.