County Roscommon
Connacht's inland agricultural heartland without coastal tourism—Rathcroghan royal site and Oweynagat cave offer underdeveloped Celtic heritage while beef farming sustains dispersed rural population.
County Roscommon occupies Connacht's inland territory—agricultural heartland without the coastal tourism that western counties leverage. Beef and sheep farming on limestone pastures support rural population; food processing provides some industrial employment.
The county's challenge involves maintaining services for dispersed population. Towns like Roscommon, Ballaghaderreen, and Castlerea provide local services; none achieved scale creating self-sustaining growth.
Rathcroghan, the ancient royal site of Connacht, provides archaeological interest. Oweynagat cave—legendary entrance to the otherworld—attracts those interested in Celtic mythology. But these heritage assets remain underdeveloped compared to eastern sites receiving more visitors.
Roscommon demonstrates western Ireland's inland experience: productive agriculture, aging population, limited industrial development, emigration tradition. The county maintains through agricultural resilience while seeking diversification opportunities that geography constrains.