Roscommon

Things To Do In Roscommon

Boyle to Lough Key Cycle Way

Visitors can walk or cycle this scenic route from Boyle Marina along the banks of the Boyle Canal. Expect to see some amazing woodland before you reach the spectacular Lough Key. Along the way there’s the opportunity to explore Boyle Abbey to learn about the town and its people in King House.

Elphin Windmill

Who doesn’t love a windmill and the Elphin Windmill is the only fully restored windmill in the west of Ireland. Originally used for grinding corn and other grains, it has a spectacular thatched organic rye revolving roof and is now home to a visitor centre where you can learn more about the workings of the windmill. The on-site agricultural museum is home to a threshing machine, winnower and other grain harvesting machinery.

Kilronan Castle lake walk

There’s never been a better time to get out and about so why not enjoy a stroll through Kilronan Forest on a path from the castle to the shores of Lough Meelagh. If stunning woodland and lake scenery is your thing, this is the place for you. You can also check off a number of points of interest along the way including Kilronan Castle, Promontory Fort and Doon Point.

River Shannon Cruise

Ireland’s longest river is a true waterway beauty and its longest stretch flows through Co. Roscommon. Relax on the river and take in a number of the spectacular viewing points along the way. These include Boyle Harbour, which is nestled at the foot of the Curlew Mountains and can accommodate up to 28 boats. The Boyle River flows under Knockvicar bridge where the village is home to Tara Marina. Roosky is a popular tourist village along the Shannon famous for its angling. Cootehall, at the foot of the old ‘Bawn’ also has a 50-berth marina with amazing views. Tarmonbarry, Lanesborough, Ballyleague and Lecarrow are also among the many other villages worth exploring.

Lough Key Forest Park

Steeped in history, Lough Key Forest Park is a vast mix of woodland and islands. It was once called Moylurg where the McDermotts reigned until the 17th Century from their official residence on The Rock, now called Castle Island. Rockingham House was designed by the architect John Nash in 1809/10, while landscaper John Sutherland laid out the park. Today the estate is home to an activity park for all the family to enjoy.

Roscommon Castle

Built in 1269 by Robert de Ufford, Roscommon Castle is a dramatic 13th Century Norman castle with a long history of besiegements. Today you can explore the Castle’s past while enjoying the adjacent Loughnaneane Park and Playground, a 14 acre recreational area that has a particular emphasis on wildlife conservation.

Lough Key

Forest and Activity Park

As we all adapt to our current

way of living, some words spring to mind immediately when we think of escaping our homes again - Space, Fresh Air, Clear skies, natural surrounds, outdoor facilites and activites.

Lough Key Forest and Activity park is somewhere that encapsulates all those words and more. It is where you can experience a unique cluster of activities and attractions that are suitable for all ages and interests where you can do as much or as little as you like in a historical forest setting surrounded by woodland and water at the centre of ‘Irelands Hidden Heartlands’. You can escape completely and feel free and safe in this stunning natural environment that has an ‘off the beaten track’ vibe.

Whilst here you can allow yourself to be taken back in time on the ‘Lough Key Experience’ as you are guided through the old 19th century servant tunnels that once belonged to Rockingham House. You will be blown away by the views from the refurbished Moylurg Viewing Tower and experience Irelands only Tree Canopy Walk as it gently rises above the forest floor. This is a self-guided tour which allows you to get lost in time and a tour that can be enjoyed at your own pace. You can climb high through the tree’s with Zipit Forest Adventures – an aerial obstacle course linked together with Zip Lines. You can walk the numerous trails or bring your bike or hire one on site and explore the 8kms of off-road cycling trails within the park or experience the fabulous cycleway recently opened linking the park and the historical town of Boyle.

Appreciate the beautiful vista of castle Island and Lough Key from our Terrace area whilst enjoying some homemade produce from our Food Truck where you can relish Puro Fairtrade coffee with homemade hot and cold savoury snacks finished with mouth wateringly good sweet treats. Picnic benches are dotted in a socially distanced manner where you can purchase take away options or bring your own picnic and lie on the manicured ‘Great Lawn’ engrossed in the view of water and land-based activities. A perfect socially distanced break can be had by staying on site in our Caravan and Campsite which offers secluded woodland sites as well as open tenting spaces. You can also hire a cruiser and moor your boat on our 50-berth marina.

All experiences allow you to immerse yourselves under the clear skies renowned in ‘Irelands Hidden Heartlands’. Website: https://loughkey.ie/

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon T: 071-9673122 E: info@loughkey.ie, loughkeycamping@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ loughkeyforestpark Twitter: @loughkeyforestp