Lough Key Forest Park
We waited a week but it happened the sun was shining!!! We quickly packed up some essentials and jumped into our car decided to head to the ever popular and known as one of Roscommon’s number one tourist attractions Lough Key Forest & activity Park.
A great attraction for a family day out or a morning stroll Lough Key Roscommon is a hit with everyone.
As well as access to the park which is free to roam the ‘Lough Key Experience’ is available with an audio journey through the history of the Park even using the 19th century underground tunnels, a newly refurbished Moylurg viewing tower and the Zipit Tree Canopy Walk. At 300m long this impressive timber and steel construction rises 9m above the ground offering a ‘birds eye’ view of nature through the treetops offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Lets just say some great play areas for both the children and adults.
Location
Lough Key is 5 minutes drive from Boyle town centre and 15 minutes from the lively Carrick On Shannon on Ireland’s mid west in County Roscommon.
Getting There
By Road
Lough Key is conveniently located on the N4 Dublin to Sligo Road and is 17 kilometres from the N5 Dublin to Westport Road. The town of Boyle is only 5 km from Lough Key, which links to the N61 Roscommon/Athlone Road.
Link to AA Route Planner
By Train
Boyle Train Station is on the Sligo – Dublin Route. For timetables and further information please log onto Irish Rail
By Bus
The town of Boyle is serviced by a number of bus routes: For timetables, routes and further information please log onto at Bus Eireann
Lough Key Forest Park History
A quick run down on this parks history ,an 800 hectare park which was formerly part of the Rockingham estate.
Being in operation since 1972 the park is used by locals and tourists alike. Featuring many walking tracks, restaurant and visitor centre.
Sections of the park still have features from the Rockingham estate and some developed from the opening from the seventies. Those being the Ice House, Gazebo, Ruined Church, Stables, old Service Tunnels, the Bog Gardens, Wishing Chair, the Fairy Bridge and Drummans Bridge.
Redevelopment of the park commenced in 2006 with the redevelopment of the tunnels, restaurant, visitor center and the Moylurg observation Tower.
In recent years and in line with a moving world the park added Zipit, a canopy walk through the trees. As well as segways and electric bike trails.
McDermott’s Castle
We started at the Lough, the little Island on the Lough is McDermott’s Castle it’s like something out of a fairy tale. A little castle lying there since the 18th century a great focal point for this area. Reports have it that a castle has lied there since the 12th century but the original was struck by lightning and burnt down.
Now the castle remains are mostly in ruins but can be viewed close up but renting a boat with Lough Key Boats which operate at the front of the Lough. This little Lough Key castle attraction is certainly one to try out with the family and the boat tours are a must.

Castle Story
“Local legend tells the story of a girl called Una, the daughter of the McDermott chief, who fell in love with a boy from a lower class.
Una’s father refused to let her leave the island, in the hopes that this would deter the budding relationship.
Unbeknownst to her father, Una’s boyfriend began swimming across Lough Key to reach the castle. It was during one of these crossings that tragedy struck, and the boy drowned.
It’s said that Una died from grief and that both she and her partner have remained buried beneath two intertwined trees on the island ever since”

Zippit and Skywalk
Two attractions at the park and as we started the walk around you will notice through the trees is the skywalk (below left) a 300 metre canopy walk through the forest.
Close by is the start of Zipit (below center and right). A adventure park within the park, with climbing, ziplines and many obstacles through the trees and through the park and the most recent addition to the park. At 1.6 km long with 5 different circuits and a 3 hour time limit a great morning of family fun.



Adventure Play Kingdom
A Childs delight is the Adventure Play Kingdom at Lough Key. An area of fun as the name describes, with slides, ropes, swings, climbing frames and many activities to keep the kids well entertained.
The castle design only adds to the fun and adventure of this area of the park and only enhancing the areas great entertainment for the kids.

The Lough
As we walked through the park we got another stunning view out over the Lough. And a jetty area for boats to dock up to, unfortunately we had left ours at home and by left at home I mean left in the shop.
But many locals our known to dock up here and spend an afternoon at the park. Or just simply sat parked up on there boat enjoying this beautiful view.


As you walk around the main forest there are plenty of little rivers and walkways like these below. Everything always looks so peaceful and tranquil and the upkeep of the park is first class.



Walking Trails
The park has 4 walking trails for you to enjoy. All the tracks and nature walk are well maintained and suitable for all ages.
- Drumman’s Island Trail – Starting at the visitor center and 3.5km long
- Miners Way Historical Trail – Starting at the car park and 4.2kms long
- Sli Slainte – Starting at the main entrance and 3kms long
- The Bog Garden Trail – starting at the visitor center and 4kms long

Lookout Tower
A redeveloped lookout tower namedthe Morlurg tower comes out from under where the old service tunnels once lied. The lookout tower is only accessed as part of the Lough Key Experience which as mentioned was closed during our visit. But with the surrounding woodland and Lough, we cant wait to get up it and take in those views.
It must said for such a beautiful park its certainly not the prettiest of lookout towers. But I suppose the end result and view is what counts


Old Buildings
Back round at the front of the park. one of two buildings still feature from the past Rockingham estate. Firstly this old church building sits eloquently, surrounded by the perfectly cut lawn. One of many of the fine spots to throw down a blanket and enjoy a picnic.
Secondly across the lawn was the second building an old stone house from the original Rockingham estate. Very well maintained and a large focal point straight across from the car park.


Refreshments
Due to the Pandemic the restaurant was closed however drinks and snacks were still available from local food and drinks trucks arranged and run by the park.
Beautiful homemade sausage rolls, burgers and scones were a few options. and it’s here we must give credit to the extensive range of vegan options which is great to see.



Note: The restaurant in the visitor centre is due to reopen Easter 2022
Opening Times And Contacts
Opening Times 10am – 7pm
Address: Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Tel: +353 71 967 3122
And Finally
There is ample parking around however it is 4 euros to exit the car park and which I believe the money is to keep the uptake of the park which I suppose for the size is fair enough. Should you spend 20 euro in cafe or on park activities exit fee is waived.

We enjoyed our day and our walk cant wait to go back and enjoy all that is at Lough Key Forest Park.
Local Tips
Courtyard market
Every Saturday at the Kings House in Boyle Town Center is the Courtyard Markets. Pick up some local veg, treats, products and lots of other produce all organic or homemade.
Boyle Abbey
Boyle Abbey is a Cistercian Monastery from the 12th century founded by monks. The abbey was one of the most powerful of the early Cistercian foundations in Ireland.
The 16th century gatehouse has been restored and has been turned into a informative center to learn about the history. funded by heritage Ireland Boyle abbey is free to view.
Local Restaurant Tip
A short 15 minute drive and you in the lovely town of Carrick and Shannon. A stop we often make for one reason the Oarsman. A upmarket bistro pub serving great food.
As seen below is the tandoori flatbread with beetroot hummus equally as good and highly recommended is the Oarsman burger.
Great selection of traditional and craft beers and a great whiskey collection.
Also equally as accommodating for coffees and treats, and believe me there are some grest treats.
Take a look at the Oarsman site yourself for menus

Thanks for stopping by, its easy to see why Lough Key Forest & Activity Park is our number one pick in our Roscommon Guide and is certainly a popular choice in County Roscommon.
The west of Ireland has many a great places for families to visit, fancy checking out a few more family orientated trips then look no further than our road trip right out west to Doolin. We came up with perfect things to do for all the family.
It is however there is a 4 euro exit fee to leave the car park.
Yes you can there is a café available all day for food and drinks
It is but it’s worth checking with them to see what attractions are available.
You can and it’s the perfect way to see the grounds with the family.
52 replies on “Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon, Ireland”
Stunning pictures!
Thank you very much
Love the views of the lake! Definitely gives off a calm solitude…looking forward to more posts of adventures exploring your own backyard!
Its good to be out again and such a beautiful spot for a walk 😌 these lockdowns are harsh need more adventures
beautiful stone buildings in a peaceful setting. Tree walk looks adventurous!
It is a lovely spot to enjoy a stroll
This looks like such a relaxing stroll! Amazing pictures 🙂
Thank you we love it there great to be out and about
It has indeed we will have to check some of your stuff out later cant wait to have a read 😀
It looks beautiful there! I would love to go there one day (if COVID ever ends)
All the best, Michelle (michellesclutterbox.com)
Thanks for the comment its a beautiful spot once Covid has gone tbere is so much more to do there especially kids a lot is closed at the moment
I’ve never heard of Lough Key but always a tale of star crossed lovers! Looks like a delightful hike despite the sad love story. 🙂
Great place for a family day out. We love it 😀
The water is stunningly beautiful, and I love how intriguing the architecture is! I’d love to visit Ireland one day, and I’ll add this to the list of places I’ll go
Definitely do thanks for reading
So the castle on the island is called McDermott’s Castle 😉 Your instagram post already had me convinced but all your other pictures are beautiful too!
Thanks so much 🙏
Lough Key looks wonderful! From the boat ride, to the adventure park; it all looks fabulous! Interesting romance story too, to top it off!
We are lucky to have right on our doorstep
Nice park. I love how the castle is right there but you have to rent a boat to get there. My clan is from Roscommon so it’s nice to see what’s it’s like there.
No way, really we moved here 2 years ago just recently bought a house its a lovely relaxed lifestyle
Lough Key Forest Park is somewhere our family would love to visit. Our daughters would enjoy the zip line and we’d like to do one of the hikes.
Looks like a lovely place for a picnic. The big question is: Is it Low Key or Lock Key? 🙂
Now that’s funny I’m English and the wife is Irish I would say Low but I have been put right and told its certainly lock. I do still use low occasionally for a little reaction 😅 🤣
Lough Key Park sounds amazing! Definitely a great place for a walk and picnic! I love the legend around McDermott’s Castle, it was so interesting to read. Thanks for sharing!
Its one of our favourite places
There you go making me miss Ireland again! I need to go back. Like… soon!
Everyone needs a little trip here now and then
You found the Irish Romeo and Juliet! Did you find the intertwining trees? Beautiful post. Thank you!
Lough Key Forest Park looks like a lovely place for a day trip. Castle ruins are always intriguing but what a sad story! I agree with you about that lookout tower – quite an eyesore – but I suppose you can overlook that once at the top admiring the views.
Its somewhere love to take the family we are lucky to have it on our doorstep
Ah the Oarsman. That is where I ate on my stag party. Flashbacks. The tower is been the same since I was young. Never looked great but was always fun to climb. It’s a lovely park, but it’s a shame you can’t get on the island. It’s always tempted me.
I want to get on that Island maybe a few torches and a dingy one night. Like the Oarsman is a lovely spot and great food
Thanks for stopping by
Its a lovely day out every time cant wait to go back.
McDermott’s Castle looks dreamy! Looks like the perfect place for a spring time walk. Thanks for sharing!
This is certainly one of our favourite spots 👌
A castle, history, love, and open water swimming… that’s four boxes ticked. I’m in.
Make sure to check it out if you are every over the water in Ireland 🇮🇪
What a beautiful day for a walk! I always appreciate recommendations for places that are enjoyed by both tourists and locals.
Ireland is just such a gem isn’t it. I’d really love to do more of Ireland and not just the tourist bits. We’ve done Dublin but I’d love to Galway and Cork where my family is from!
Rosie
[…] we are finally beginning to explore. Catch some of our adventures already like Glencar Waterfall, Lough Key Forest Park or find all the best things to do in County […]
What a lovely place to visit! The lough is absolutely beautiful, as are the forest walks, and there are loads of things to do. Great to read tips about local eateries and other nearby attractions as well.
Such a beautiful park! There is so much to do, I can see why it is the #1 attraction! I did get a giggle at the rushing about to pack and get out of the house while the sun was out.
Beautiful park. How you described it kind of reminds me a little of Killarney NP with the lake and castle. Good tip about the market to load up on picnic food for a day at the park, too!
Sounds like a lace with a little something for everyone. That’s my perfect destination. Great post.
The park and forest look great, very green, but then that’s what ireland is famous for. – and the rain to keep those Loughs filled! Friends travelled around this area and came back with stories of how wonderful the area is, Good to have info here about where to eat and drink as I wouldn’t have known where to go.
Have to admit that lookout tower is a bit of an eyesore in what is a very natural looking area, wonder how they got permission to build it in that style.
Sounds like an incredible time–great photos, too. Those fries and flatbread are making me hungry!
EXCELLENT photos of what looks like an amazing park. Just gorgeous. I say this a lot, but I’d love to visit one day! And yeah, those fries and flatbread look great!
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[…] learning a bit more about the emerald island of Ireland. A few we have enjoyed have been Lough Key Forest Park in County Roscommon a park for al the family with endless fun to be […]
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