Elphin has historically been an important market town and the diocesan centre for the Diocese of Elphin.

St. Patrick is believed to have visited Elphin, consecrated its first church and ordained its first bishop, Asicus (subsequently the patron saint of Elphin).

Some people believe that the famous writer Oliver Goldsmith was born in Elphin although others claim he was born near Ballymahon in Co. Longford.

As Elphin was the diocesan centre for the diocese of Elphin, it contained the Elphin Diocesan School, popularly known as 'The Latin School'. Its most famous students were Oliver Goldsmith and the eye surgeon Sir William Wilde the father of Oscar Wilde.

Elphin has an active branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and has hosted the County Roscommon Fleadh Cheoil on many occasions. Members of the Elphin branch have enjoyed success at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in recent years.

Elphin Cathedral