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Western Ireland
Province of Connacht
County Roscommon
Roscommon
Things to do in Roscommon
The Claypipe Visitor Centre
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The Claypipe Visitor Centre

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Claypipe Visitor Centre
5
#4 of 11 things to do in Roscommon
History Museums
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
11:00 - 13:00
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About
Discover the fascinating history of pipe making in Knockcroghery. Enjoy a free demonstration using traditional tools.Browse the interesting photographs and memorabilia. Beautiful local crafts.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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5.0
13 reviews
Excellent
12
Very good
1
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0
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0
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0
rhughes45
Liff, UK39 contributions
Quick visit to the Clay Pipe Centre
Jul 2023 • Friends
Visited here on Friday - got a very good demo from Alison of how the pipes are made and a lot of information on the local history. Recommended for a short visit. 😊
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard H
Northamptonshire, UK8 contributions
Mr R.S & Mrs L.J Hall
Sep 2018 • Couples
What a wonderful experience for someone who occasionally smokes a pipe. I will be taking my clay pipe home dipping the end in Brandy and giving it a go. Great historic knowledge by the owner who was more than happy enough to pass it on. All in all a great time had by all, thank you and thoroughly recommend it for adults.
Written 12 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael A
Exeter, UK203 contributions
Not to be missed
May 2018 • Couples
If you have any interest in history this is a must. Clay pipes turn up in old buildings and digs all over the world. Anyone who knows about them can tell by shape etc age and where they came from. Ethel Kelly who owns the centre is so knowledgeable about not only local clay pipes but pipes in general. Well worth the visit just to see them made.
Written 10 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethel K
Delighted that you enjoyed your visit Michael!
Written 11 May 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kate L
Moultonborough25 contributions
The Claypipe Visitor Center made for a terrific adventure!
Jun 2017 • Family
While visiting the Roscommon area, we were told a bit about the tradition of smoking clay pipes. Our heritage is Irish and I remembered by mother telling me my grandmother smoked a clay pipe, but I never knew the custom. We wanted to know more about it and knew we had to go to the Claypipe Visitor Center in Knockcroghery. Teresa, our hostess at Ross House B&B, brought us over to the shop to meet the owner, Ethel Kelly. It was grand! Ethel showed us how to make a clay pipe from start to finish and the importance of smoking the pipe at funerals. Well, we ended up buying clay pipes so we could show and explain the traditon to our children back home in the U.S. The experience there was rich in heritage. We also bought some of Ethel's beautiful artwork. This stop is truly amazing! If in or near Knockcroghery, this stop is a must!
Written 5 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethel K
Hi Kate Delighted that you enjoyed your visit! Ethel
Written 7 July 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mick461
Roscommon, Ireland9 contributions
Clay Pipes and History
Jul 2016 • Solo
Well worth a visit. Just a short drive from Roscommon or Athlone town. Find out how the clay pipes were and are made. Learn some of the history not only of the clay pipe but of the village of Knockcroghery as well. Find a "Bog Buddy" made from local peat. The staff are very friendly and informative and give you their undivided attention answering questions about the clay pipes and the local area in general.
Written 21 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethel K
Delighted that you enjoyed your visit Mick! Ethel
Written 23 September 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MayBee2013
County Dublin, Ireland39 contributions
Definitely worth a visit.
Jun 2015 • Friends
We came here to see how the clay pipes are made and had to report back to friends in London who asked us to specially visit and get them a particular pipe/
Written 25 March 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ethel K
Delighted that you enjoyed your visit!
Written 30 March 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
atoltoetox
Roscommon, Ireland29 contributions
Really Excellent A Gem
Nov 2015 • Family
Friendly staff, very good location, fantastic selection of items with a good historical pedigree and all quite reasonable priced
Written 20 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John W
Roscommon, Ireland46 contributions
Little gem in Knockcroghery, Roscommon
Oct 2015 • Family
We had visitors over from England and stopped off in Knockcroghery on the main road from Athlone to Roscommon. My father, who is in his 60's was particularly impressed.

The welcome you get from the owner is second to none. The history of the claypipe industry was really fascinating and very informative.

There are also unique handcrafted gifts at reasonable prices which you feel under no pressure to purchase.

The claypipe centre isn't the biggest museum you will ever visit, but on a trip to Roscommon it is definitely worth a look in.
Written 15 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy M
Cincinnati, OH176 contributions
Beautiful museum!
Aug 2015 • Business
set in a lovely village and had a nice lunch there also, it was easy to find and very interesting to go though! we found old pictures of the area in our travels!
Written 23 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen C
Bradford, UK6 contributions
well worth a visit
Jul 2015 • Couples
A small interesting and informative exhibition of the history of Knockcroghery pipe making. The highlight of the visit was seeing the proprietress make a clay pipe in the traditional way using the tools of the 1800's. She was friendly and welcoming and we came away having enjoyed our visit.
We were surprised that the whole experience was free of charge.
Written 28 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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THE CLAYPIPE VISITOR CENTRE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Claypipe Visitor Centre
The Claypipe Visitor Centre is open:
  • Mon - Fri 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sat - Sat 11:00 - 13:00