Steeped in folklore and history Loughglynn, (Loughglinn), is a tranquil rural village on the R325, midway between Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen in County Roscommon.

Situated in the heart of the west Roscommon Lake District and surrounded by no less than six lakes, Loughglynn derives its name from one of those lakes to the north of the village.

This lake, 'Loch Glinne', artificial by nature, was built in the early 19th century by Jerrard Strickland, land agent to Viscount Dillon, as a birthday present for Dillon's wife. It is of great ornithological interest and is very important to wildfowl in dry periods in winter. The Dillon estate and surrounding area was home to Ned Duffy, Fenian Leader who was honoured by O'Donnavan Rossa in verse.

The ruins of Gala Castle, on the north side of the lake, is believed to be the original site of Loughglynn.

Another nearby lake, Errit Loch, is one of the most famous fishing lakes in the entire county of Roscommon.

Central Location

Loughglynn is a very central base from which to tour County Roscommon and beyond. It is within easy reach of nearby towns - Ballinlough (6km), Ballyhaunis (10km), Ballaghaderreen (10km) and Castlerea (10km).

Ireland West Airport Knock and the Marian Shrine at Knock are 30km. The major towns of Roscommon (30km), Castlebar (40km), Sligo (75km) and Galway (80km) are all within driving distance.

Amenities

A progressive and hard-working community spirit exists in the village of Loughglynn which has many amenities, including a post office, Garda station, two shops, two pubs and a funeral home.

The local primary school, Scoil Mhuire Lourdes was awarded a Green Schools flag and Loughglynn Catholic Church is the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Loughglynn Community Centre

Loughglynn Community Centre opened in September 2006 and is a social centre for the people in the local community. It incorporates a sports hall, a playschool / childcare centre as well as a number of other rooms and is in constant use.

The childcare centre is open all year round as it caters for pre-school, toddler and afterschool. The sports hall is used throughout the winter for many activities including basketball, soccer, badminton, weight training, boxercise, dancing and music classes.

 Loughglynn Music Festival is held annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend, the highlight of which is the annual Queen of the Woodlands competition.

The Music Festival is a fundraising venture for the Community Centre and offers a great weekend of entertainment with big showband names and dancing for all ages.

Loughglynn Sports Clubs

For a rural village of its size Loughglynn has a generous allocation of sports clubs and facilities for sport training.

James Timothy Memorial Park, opened in 1991, is the home ground of 'Éire Óg', the local GAA club. Éire Óg GAA club was formed in January 1984 and covers the parish of Loughglynn, Lisacul and Gortaganny.

Soccer has always been an important sport in the area and the Loughglynn United soccer team have their pitch beside the lake.

Loughglynn Boxing Club train in the Community Centre and Loughglynn Badminton Club play in the Community Centre.

Loughglynn Songs

Loughglynn is renowned in many songs and stories, probably the best known of which is the lovely ballad 'The Woodlands of Loughglynn'. 

In the 17th century the blind harper Turlough O'Carolan visited Loughglynn House, home of the landlord Viscount Dillon, and composed the well-known air 'Lady Dillon'.