Overview
Lough Key Forest Park is an 800‑hectare woodland playground set on the southern edge of Lough Key, just 3 km east of Boyle and about 40 km south‑east of Sligo town. Managed by Coillte, the park blends the remnants of the 19th‑century Rockingham Estate with modern attractions such as a tree‑canopy walk, adventure house, and electric‑bike trails. With a visitor centre, restaurant, camping sites and boat moorings, it serves as a hub for families, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the heart of County Roscommon.
History
The estate that now forms the park was once the grand Rockingham Estate, centred on Rockingham House designed by John Nash around 1810. The house burned down in 1957 after an electrical fault and was demolished in 1971. In its place the Brutalist Moylurg Viewing Tower was erected in 1973, and the servant’s underground tunnels survived, still accessible today. The Irish Land Commission took control of the estate in 1959, passing it to the Forestry Commission (now Coillte) around 1972. Since then the land has been transformed into a public forest park, with a new visitor centre opened in 2006‑07 and a series of adventure‑focused additions over the following decade.
What to See & Do
- Rockingham Remembered Tour – a self‑guided journey that threads through the historic tunnels, climbs the refurbished Moylurg Tower (note: the lift is currently out of service) and finishes on the 300 m Tree Canopy Walk, which rises 9 m above the forest floor for panoramic lake views.
- Tree Canopy Walk – Ireland’s first elevated walkway, opened in 2007, offers a gentle stroll among the treetops and a unique perspective on the park’s mix of native deciduous trees and towering cedars.
- Adventure attractions – Boda Borg adventure house, the high‑wire Zipit courses (opened 2011), Woodland Segway tours and electric‑bike trails (both launched 2014) provide adrenaline‑filled options for all ages.
- Historic remnants – explore the Ice House, Gazebo, ruined church, stables, the Fairy Bridge, Wishing Chair, and the deer paddock. The short canals and Drummans Bridge lead to Drummans Island, a former peninsula turned island by a man‑made canal.
- Water activities – several wharves allow pleasure‑cruising boats to moor; the lake forms part of the Shannon Navigation, making the park a popular stop for boaters on the Boyle River.
- Family facilities – a children’s outdoor playground, a food‑truck style restaurant, and ample picnic areas make the park ideal for a day out.
- Camping & caravanning – designated sites let visitors extend their stay amid the forest’s tranquillity.
Rockingham Remembered Tour – Ticket Prices
| Category | Adult (17+) | Senior/Student | Child/Youth (5‑17) | Under 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Group (10+) | €10.00 (discounted €8.00) | €8.00 (discounted €7.50) | €5.00 | Free |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | €25.00 | – | – | – |
| Extra Family Child | €4.00 | – | – | – |
Practical Information
Lough Key Forest Park is open year‑round; the visitor centre operates daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (hours may vary seasonally). Admission to the park itself is free, but individual attractions such as the Rockingham Remembered Tour, Boda Borg and Zipit have separate fees as shown above. Parking is available free of charge near the visitor centre and at the boat moorings.
Accessibility – The Rockingham Remembered Tour is wheelchair and buggy‑friendly, though the lift to the Moylurg Tower is currently out of service; the viewing platform can be reached via stairs. Staff are on hand to assist with mobility concerns.
Getting there – The park lies off the N4 road, a short drive from Boyle. Public transport options include Bus Éireann services to Boyle followed by a local taxi. For cyclists, the electric‑bike trail starts at the visitor centre and provides a scenic loop around the lake.
Contact & booking – For tour bookings, group enquiries or further information, call +353 071‑9673122 or visit the official website at loughkey.ie. The site also hosts up‑to‑date information on opening times, special events and seasonal activities.
Nearby attractions – After a day in the forest, the historic town of Boyle offers pubs, craft shops and the ruins of King House, while the Shannon Navigation invites further boat trips downstream.
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, adventure and history that makes Lough Key Forest Park one of County Roscommon’s most beloved destinations.