Lough Key Forest Park

Overview

Lough Key Forest Park is Coillte’s flagship destination in the heart of Ireland’s “Hidden Heartlands”. The park spans up to 800 hectares on the southern shore of Lough Key, with a core mixed‑woodland area of about 350 hectares. It lies just off the N4 between Boyle and Carrick‑on‑Shannon (approximately 40 km south‑east of Sligo), making it an easy stop on a west‑of‑Ireland road‑trip. A newly built lakeside Visitor Centre welcomes guests with a café, information desk and hire facilities for bikes, kayaks and segways.

History / Background

The landscape was once the heart of the Rockingham Estate, centred on the grand Rockingham House designed by John Nash around 1810. The house survived a century before a 1957 fire gutted it; the ruins were demolished in 1971. In 1973 the Brutalist Moylurg Viewing Tower rose on the former mansion site, and a network of 19th‑century servant tunnels remains accessible today.

The lake’s name, Loch Cé, derives from Irish mythology – the lake is said to be the home of the legendary hero Cú Chulainn’s dog, and the area has long been associated with folklore about spirits and even UFO sightings. The UFO Society of Ireland was founded here, adding a quirky modern‑day twist to the mythic landscape. Castle Island, a small island in the lake, bears the ruins of a 19th‑century castellated house and offers a striking silhouette from the shore. The medieval McDermott’s Castle sits on a rocky outcrop at the lake’s western end, visible on many walks and from boat trips.

After the Irish Land Commission transferred the land to the Forestry Commission in the early 1970s (later becoming Coillte in 1988), the area was gradually transformed into a public forest park while retaining historic features such as the Ice House, Gazebo, ruined church, stables and the original canals that line the lakeside walkways.

Nature & Wildlife

Lough Key’s woodlands are a mosaic of native oak, beech, ash and non‑native conifers, providing year‑round colour change – fresh greens in spring, golden hues in autumn. The park is a haven for wildlife: red squirrels, roe deer, badgers and a variety of birds including kingfishers, herons and the occasional buzzard can be spotted.

Special natural attractions include:

• Bog Garden Trail – a boardwalk through a rare wetland ecosystem, with interpretive signs about peat formation.
• Wishing Chair – a whimsical swing set perched on a sturdy tree, popular with children.
• Island Views – the lake contains several small islands, each with its own character; boat tours give close‑up views.
• Treasure Trail – an interactive family‑friendly scavenger hunt that teaches about the estate’s history and the surrounding flora.

Walking & Cycling Trails

The park offers over 10 miles (16 km) of marked trails suitable for all abilities.

All main paths are well‑maintained and suitable for prams and mobility scooters, though the stairs to the Moylurg Tower remain the only non‑accessible section.

What to See & Do

Tree Canopy Walk

Opened in 2007, the 300‑metre Tree Canopy Walk is Ireland’s first elevated timber‑and‑steel walkway. It rises roughly 9 m above the forest floor, offering panoramic views of the lake’s shimmering islands and the towering cedars that dominate the park.

Rockingham Remembered Tour

A self‑guided experience that links three signature attractions:

• Underground tunnels – explore the hidden service passages beneath the estate.
• Moylurg Viewing Tower – climb the five‑storey tower (the lift is currently out of service, so stairs are required). The tower is wheelchair‑accessible up to the ground floor.
• Tree Canopy Walk – finish with the aerial perspective.

Dogs are not permitted on the tour.

Adventure Activities

• Boda Borg – a Swedish‑style indoor challenge arena with 47 puzzle rooms across two floors; perfect for rainy‑day fun.
• Adventure Play Kingdom – an enclosed play area for younger visitors, featuring towers, slides, climbing frames, roundabouts, swings and interactive puzzles.
• Zipit Forest Adventures – high‑wire courses that snake through the canopy, launched in 2011. Five circuits range from 1 m to 20 m high.
• Woodland Segway Tours – guided segway rides introduced in 2014, allowing a swift glide over forest trails.
• Electric & Conventional Bike Trails – also launched in 2014, with hire available at the Visitor Centre.
• Cé Sauna – a Finnish‑style sauna offering a relaxing finish after a day of activity.
• Treasure Trail – a family scavenger hunt that blends history with nature discovery.

Lakeside Activities

Kayak, paddle‑board and row‑boat hire are available from the Visitor Centre, giving guests a chance to explore Lough Key’s tranquil waters and its many islands. Regular Lough Key Boat Tours run from the lakeside jetty, providing narrated trips past McDermott’s Castle and the island ruins. The park also hosts a small marina with about 50 berths for larger pleasure cruisers.

Recent Weather Impact & Recovery

In early 2025 the park was hit by Storm Éowyn and earlier storms that felled trees and damaged the breakwater at the marina. The canopy walk suffered a hit from a falling red cedar, and sections of the caravan and camping area were heavily affected. Coillte’s maintenance team cleared debris, repurposed timber for benches and picnic tables, and carried out structural assessments. The canopy walk has been repaired and reopened, and the campsite resumed operations in March 2025, with bookings quickly filling.

Waterways & Canal

In 2019 Waterways Ireland reopened Drummans Canal, a 1719‑era waterway that creates an island on the southern shore of Lough Key. The 150‑metre canal is now cleared for non‑motorised craft – kayaks, canoes and paddle‑boards – providing an extra route for water‑based exploration. The canal is spanned by Drummans Bridge and runs alongside a historic “fairy bridge” thought to have been designed by John Nash.

The lake itself is navigable from the Shannon via the Boyle River, and the park’s jetty serves both hire boats and pleasure cruisers.

Festivals & Events Calendar

Lough Key hosts a lively calendar of events throughout the year:

• Night & Day Festival 2026 – 29 May to 31 May. A three‑day music festival featuring headliners such as The Saw Doctors, Hothouse Flowers and Paddy Casey, set against the park’s woodland backdrop.
• Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships – returning in 2026, the open fields of Lough Key provide spectacular aerial views of the lake and forest.
• Lough Key Legends Run – a 5 km fun run that weaves through the forest, often paired with a night‑time lantern walk.
• Seasonal Fundraising & Parkrun – weekly 5 km runs in the summer months, open to all abilities.
• Christmas Market & Winter Lights – festive stalls and illuminated pathways during December.
• UFO & Folklore Evenings – occasional talks organised by the local UFO Society, celebrating the park’s reputation for mysterious sightings.
• Lough Key Triathlon – a multi‑sport event combining swimming, cycling and running on the lake and surrounding trails.

Check the official website for the latest dates and ticketing information.

Recent Developments & Future Plans

Coillte has submitted a major redevelopment proposal, co‑funded by the Government and the EU’s Just Transition Fund. Planned upgrades include:

• Expansion of the Visitor Centre with additional retail and dining space.
• New adventure attractions such as a large inflatable aquapark.
• Upgraded marina facilities and a new slipway.
• Introduction of glamping pods and enhanced caravan pitches.
• Extensive public‑realm works across the historic Rockingham estate, including improved wayfinding and new interpretive signage.

Roscommon County Council has asked for further information on traffic safety, ecological impact (notably on Drummans Island’s rare lungwort and bird’s‑nest orchid), and bat‑friendly lighting before granting final permission. The redevelopment is expected to increase visitor capacity while preserving the park’s natural and historic assets.

Accommodation & Nearby Stays

The park includes a caravan and camping site about 500 m from the lakefront and Visitor Centre, with powered pitches, shower blocks and a small shop. For those preferring more comfort, the nearby town of Boyle offers a range of B&Bs, hotels and self‑catering cottages within a 5‑minute drive.

Nearby Attractions

While based at Lough Key, consider a short drive to:

• Boyle Abbey – well‑preserved Cistercian ruins set on the River Boyle.
• Castlecoote – a Georgian house with beautiful gardens.
• Curlew Mountains – scenic ridge walks with panoramic views.
• Elphin Windmill – an 18th‑century tower mill restored to working order.

These sites complement a day‑trip itinerary centred on Lough Key Forest Park.

Practical Information

• Location: N4, between Boyle and Carrick‑on‑Shannon; 3 km east of Boyle, 40 km south‑east of Sligo.
• Opening hours: Mon‑Sun 10:00‑18:00 year‑round (seasonal variations may apply; see website for updates).
• Parking: Large free car park adjacent to the Visitor Centre (≈250 spaces) with pay‑on‑exit €6 per vehicle (free with €20 spend in the park or restaurant). An annual parking pass (€50) is available. EV‑charging points are planned as part of the upcoming redevelopment.
• Accessibility: Most outdoor paths are wheelchair‑friendly; the Tree Canopy Walk is fully accessible. The Moylurg Tower lift is out of service; stairs provide access to the viewing platform. The Rockingham Remembered Tour is wheelchair‑accessible up to ground level.
• Dog policy: Dogs are welcome on the grounds but are not permitted on the Rockingham Remembered Tour or inside the Boda Borg and indoor attractions.
• Facilities: Visitor Centre café and restaurant, restrooms, gift shop, picnic tables, wheelchair‑friendly toilets, large playground, and a 50‑berth marina.
• Admission: Free entry to the forest; activity fees apply for the Tree Canopy Walk, Rockingham Remembered Tour, Boda Borg, Zipit, bike/segway/kayak hire and other attractions as listed in the pricing table.
• Contact: For the latest information on opening times, bookings and group rates, visit the official Lough Key Forest Park website or call the Visitor Centre.

Enjoy a day of history, nature and adventure at Lough Key Forest Park – a place where Ireland’s past and present meet beneath a canopy of green.