County Roscommon, centrally located in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, is fast emerging as one of the most sought-after locations for people looking to achieve a unique and fulfilling lifestyle on both a personal and professional level. Its stunning natural beauty, rich history, welcoming community, affordable cost of living, and easily accessible educational facilities make it an ideal place to call home.
Roscommon County Council have officially launched a campaign, ‘Roscommon Bound’ that showcases why Roscommon is the perfect place to live, work and visit. Roscommon Bound focuses on the reasons why people should ‘choose Roscommon for a richer life’, focusing on key locations and towns where people can work, remote work, connect, explore, get involved and unwind. The campaign is to encourage people to choose Roscommon as an anchor point for a successful career and a better quality of life.
Since the Covid pandemic, the opportunities for remote and hybrid working have opened the possibility of people moving away from the capital city or larger urban areas and working from locations where a work/life balance is achievable. In a survey conducted amongst Roscommon businesses on behalf of Roscommon County Council, over one quarter of business owners said that they can offer hybrid working conditions to their staff, with 25% of them planning on continuing the hybrid approach for at least the next five years.
County Roscommon has a thriving economy with lower house purchase prices, well paid employment in a diverse range of industries, affordable and flexible childcare, a range of public, cultural and recreational amenities that all makes for a dynamic population.
As part of the Roscommon Bound campaign, Global Rossie Day will take place on September 22nd, a celebration designed to encourage people living in Roscommon to become a tourist within their own county as well as encouraging Rossies who are based elsewhere in Ireland or abroad to engage with a celebration of their roots and all that makes Roscommon great. Over the autumn weekend, Roscommon will be brimming with activities, entertainment and captivating experiences which will give people a true sense of Roscommon.
Roscommon Bound has identified six key riches associated with the county, making the hidden heartlands the prime location to relocate, work and live. These elements range from Community, Connectivity, Tourism and Wellness to Economic Development and Heritage, Culture & Sport. Roscommon County Council, together with the thriving towns of Boyle, Ballaghaderreen, Castlerea, Monksland, Roscommon Town and Strokestown, are working together to highlight the opportunities available in County Roscommon, with a view to attracting new members of the community, with a particular focus on families and business owners looking for a prime destination to relocate.
In the survey conducted on behalf of Roscommon County Council, local businesses cited availability and opportunity of infrastructure, along with accessibility from airports, cities and main transport routes, as some of the key incentives to working and establishing businesses in the county. Skilled workforce and opportunities for growth were also key incentives highlighted by respondents*.
Roscommon Bound Spokesperson for Roscommon County Council, Lisa Joy, commented on the launch: “Roscommon bound is about connecting the global Rossie family to share and promote the uniqueness of Roscommon’s heritage, communities, towns and villages and the opportunities that exist for people. At Roscommon County Council, we feel passionate about Roscommon being a desired location of choice for so many people looking to build and improve their own lives and their careers, as well as the lives of their family. Roscommon County Council have recently provided key infrastructure such as An Chistin in Castlerea, a state of the art food production facility developed to support ambitious food businesses looking to set up. It also recently opened An Rioga in Boyle, modern open plan office space perfect for a growing business and the Monksland Innovation Hub which aims to support life sciences and act as a co-working hub to support existing rural enterprises and start-up companies.
Roscommon has a very strong sense of community, providing ample opportunities for people to connect with others, which plays a pivotal role in the quality of life that people can enjoy. There is a rich cultural eco-system throughout Roscommon with an array of festivals, creative arts and entertainment, and a host of diverse amenities lending itself well to supporting sports and other pastimes. Historical heritage also plays a significant role in shaping the sense of richness of life in Roscommon, while connectivity can take on multiple meanings in terms of the “Richer Life” that the county can provide. From high-speed connection to the outside world enabling successful careers on location or remotely, to the connection provided by the neighbourly communities and the connection with nature so easily accessible due to the wealth of outdoor activities available.
Speaking from the heart of one of Roscommon’s communities, the town of Boyle, Ciaran Sheerin, Commodity Manager with Roscommon based company, Nordson Medical, said: “As an ambassador and business decision-maker, I find County Roscommon to be an exceptional place to live and work. The county offers a unique combination of a supportive and welcoming community, good infrastructure, and a strategic location with easy access to hubs like Dublin, Athlone, Sligo and Galway. Roscommon’s more affordable cost of living, high-quality educational options and robust outdoor activity offerings make it an attractive option for families.
“For businesses, the county provides ample opportunities for growth, with strong local networks, skilled workforce, and access to various funding and support programs. Roscommon has traditional manufacturing and service industries but also a MedTech presence through the county. Additionally, the beautiful natural surroundings, including Lough Key Forest Park and the River Shannon, offer an outstanding quality of life, making Roscommon a perfect place for both professional success and personal fulfilment.”
For more information on Global Rossie Day, and events taking place in various Roscommon locations, see https://www.roscommonbound.ie/
Follow Roscommon Bound on social media:
Instagram: @roscommonbound
LinkedIn: @roscommonbound
Facebook: @visitroscommon
