Keadue, Co. Roscommon |
All Ireland Tidy Towns' Award winning village.
About Keadue
Ceideadh
(meaning: low lying hill)
“As national winners of the Tidy Towns Competitions in 1993 and 2003 Keadue is a beautiful Village in Kilronan Parish. It is located in a very scenic area in the North of County Roscommon with Kilronan Mountains to the North and Lough Meelagh to the West while the Feorish and Shannon rivers bound the area to the South and East.
The name “Keadue” comes from the Gaelic “Céideadh” meaning a low-lying green hill. Keadue’s heritage and history is as rich as it is varied.
Keadue has an impressive heritage and historical legacy. It also has a formidable record of local development and community engagement over the past 50 years with inspirational leadership and commitment.
Keadue has entered the Tidy Towns competition for the last 50 years. Involvement in the competition has engendered and fostered a great community spirit and interaction between people of all generations and ages in the village. The community and local school pupils take part in An Taisce Spring clean every year.
The Tidy Towns competition has provided a focal point for village projects and improvements. Keadue has won the National Tidy Towns award in 1993 and in 2003 together with 11 Gold Medals and 7 Silver Medals and many other awards since we entered the competition. We have won the overall award in the 2004 All-Ireland Best Kept Town Competition and the Best Kept Village in the 2015 All-Ireland Best Kept Town Competition.
We also merited a silver medal in the Entente Florale Competition in 2003 and won gold in 2022.
1974
1992
Our Vision
A Vision for Transformation
To celebrate and preserve Keadue’s rich heritage, vibrant community, and natural beauty, the village aims to be a welcoming destination for visitors while nurturing a sustainable, thriving community. Nestled in County Roscommon, Keadue is the burial place of Turlough O’Carolan, Ireland’s famous blind harpist, and honours his legacy through the O’Carolan Heritage Park and annual cultural events.
The village is committed to promoting its cultural heritage, enhancing the local environment, and supporting community initiatives. Its scenic surroundings, including rolling hills, lakes, and walking trails, provide a peaceful setting for exploration. Keadue’s achievements in the Tidy Towns competition reflect its focus on environmental care and community pride.
Through conservation, events, and local engagement, Keadue showcases the spirit, history, and scenic charm that make it unique — offering visitors a glimpse of Ireland’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty.
THE BLIND HARPIST
Turlough O'Carolan
In 1978 The O’Carolan Harp Festival Committee was formed and over the years The O’Carolan Harp Festival and Summer School has been staged in Keadue to honour the great harper. The programme of events for the festival includes Ceilis, Music sessions, lectures, International Harp Competitions and Door Dancing. The Summer School offers tuition to students in traditional music, set dancing and sean nós dancing. Turlough O’Carolan, blind harper and composer, was born in Co Meath, in 1670. As a young boy, he moved, with his family, to Co. Roscommon. It was there that O’Carolan came under the guidance and tutelage of the MacDermott Roe family. Often referred to as the last of the Irish bards, it was at the age of 21 that O’Carolan’s life as a bard and composer began. He travelled throughout the country, entertaining and composing music for his patrons. Over 200 of his tunes have survived. “O’Carolan’s Concerto” has become one of his most played and popular compositions. O’Carolan died in 1738 and his remains now lie in the Abbey (built by the O’Duignan family in the 14th century) in Kilronan Cemetery.
heritage
Our Past, Our Heritage
If you’re exploring rural Ireland in search of charm, culture, and unspoiled beauty, Keadue is a gem that truly shines. Nestled between rolling hills and tranquil lakes, it captures everything that makes the Irish countryside so special — warm community spirit, deep-rooted heritage, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re drawn by heritage tourism, peaceful walking trails, scenic drives, or the rhythm of local music and traditions, Keadue offers a perfect blend of setting, story, and soul.
Keadue Village
Things to see and Do
There are bilingual signs and information panels throughout the village and also in Knockranny Wood identifying places of interest and the biodiversity and wildlife in Keadue.
Several artworks can be seen in Keadue depicting our heritage e.g. bog-oak sculpture of musical instruments and a mural and a bog-oak harp in memory of O’Carolan designed and hand crafted by Brendan Collum as well as a display of plaques and medals denoting Keadue’s achievements in Tidy Towns Competitions over the years.
Sportfield
The area was developed and is maintained by a hard working sports field Committee. It has a Children’s Play area, a flood Lit perimeter walking track, an Outdoor Fitness Gym, Tennis Court and an all-weather playing pitch.
A Sensory Garden also located at the sports field is greatly enjoyed by children.
The whole area is wheelchair accessible and has incorporated an accessible picnic bench for ease of use for wheelchair users of this area.
Lough Meelagh
& Knockranny Wood
On the shore of Lough Meelagh Knockranny Wood provides a perfect transition from farming to woodland.
There is a jetty, carpark, picnic table and signed walking trails there.
Lecterns have been installed throughout the wood walking trail displaying information.
ST Ronan’s Hall
& O’Carolan Centre
Originally built in 1940 and recently fully refurbished, the hall is now a modern and vibrant facility sporting a new foyer where the numerous awards won by the village down through the years are on display.
It is the home of Mo Chairde an active age day centre and meals on wheels service.
Keadue
Tidy Towns
Keadue’s involvement and success in the Tidy Towns Competition for upwards of 50 years has been hugely beneficial and has transformed the village in countless positive ways.
EFFORT AND INVOLVEMENT
Keadue has entered the Tidy Towns competition for the last 50 years. Involvement in the competition has engendered and fostered a great community spirit and interaction between people of all generations and ages in the village. The community and local school pupils take part in An Taisce Spring clean every year.
The Tidy Towns competition has provided a focal point for village projects and improvements. Keadue has won the National Tidy Towns award in 1993 and in 2003 together with 15 Gold Medals and 7 Silver Medals and many other awards since we entered the competition. We have won the overall award in the 2004 All-Ireland Best Kept Town Competition and the Best Kept Village in the 2015 All-Ireland Best Kept Town Competition.
We also merited a silver medal in the Entente Florale Competition in 2003 and won gold in 2022.
There are two oaks trees planted in the Tidy Towns Grove in the Phoenix Park commemorating Keadue winning the National award in 1993 and 2003. These were planted in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Tidy Towns.
As winners of the Tidy Towns Competitions in 1993 and 2003, Keadue was gifted seven oak trees to represent the seven signatories to the Proclamation and these trees are planted at Lough Meelagh Amenity Site.
Gallery
Discover Keadue Through Our Lens
Step inside the heart of Keadue through our gallery — a visual journey capturing the village’s charm, heritage, and natural beauty. From serene lakes and winding walking trails to vibrant community events and the legacy of Turlough O’Carolan, each image tells a story of a place where history, culture, and scenery come together. Browse, explore, and let the spirit of Keadue inspire your own adventures.
