Claypipe Centre, Knockcroghery, Ireland

Claypipe Centre lies in the village of Knockcroghery, Ireland one of the main hubs of clay pipe production in Ireland from around 1700 until 1921. It comprises a workshop and a visitor center that are dedicated to the traditional Irish clay pipes. Situated on the site of the historic and renowned pipe factory of the Curley Family, the center is where staff demonstrates how the clay pipes are made in a conventional way. Visitors can also learn about the history of clay pipes at the property through photographs and memorabilia.

Claypipe Centre is committed to reviving the traditional pipe making of Ireland with the use of the original tools and molds. To the northwest of Knockcroghery is the county town of Roscommon, where visitors can choose from an array of hotels. In the town center, there’s the Gleesons Restaurant & Rooms, which is a restored 19th-century building offering en-suite rooms and free, secure parking. Other hotels are the Abbey Hotel Roscommon and Ross House B&B, which are both near the town center and are equipped with excellent facilities for guests’ convenience and pleasure. All of these three hotels are close to the Roscommon County Museum that houses collections detailing the history of County Roscommon throughout the centuries. The ruins of the Roscommon Castle, which is now a national monument, is also close at hand. The neighboring town of Athlone is also worth visiting as it offers Baysports, which is the biggest inflatable water park in Ireland, as well as the Athlone Golf Club, which is one of the area’s finest golf courses.