Overview
Lough Key (Irish: Loch Cé) lies north‑east of Boyle in County Roscommon, fed by the Boyle River and draining east into the River Shannon. The lake stretches several kilometres, dotted with more than thirty wooded islands, each with its own story – from the 19th‑century folly on Castle Island to the medieval priory ruins on Church Island (Inchmacnerin Abbey). Surrounding the water is the 350‑hectare Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, the former Rockingham estate now managed by Coillte. The park blends ancient woodland, historic monuments and modern attractions such as Moylurg Tower and Ireland’s first tree‑canopy walk.
History & Background
The name Loch Cé comes from the druid Cé, whose death on the plain that later flooded gave the lake its mythic origin. Archaeology shows continuous habitation: five ring forts sit within the forest, and the islands appear in the Annals of Loch Cé as early as 1184.
In the 17th century the King family acquired the land, renaming it Rockingham. John Nash designed Rockingham House in 1809; the house burned in 1957 and was demolished in 1970. Its foundations now support Moylurg Tower, erected in 1973 as a viewing point over the lake and former estate lawns.
Inchmacnerin Abbey (Church Island)
Church Island, in the western arm of the lake, hosts the ruins of Inchmacnerin Abbey, a former Augustinian priory. Tradition links the island’s monastic beginnings to St Colum Cille in the 6th century. Refounded between 1140‑1170 as an Augustinian house dedicated to St Mary, the stone church (≈8 m × 15 m) likely dates to the 10th‑11th century, with a 13th‑century eastward extension and a surviving lancet window. The priory was enclosed by drystone walls and featured a cloister on the south side of the church. Dissolved around 1569 after the Reformation, the island fell into ruin. Excavations (2000‑2004) uncovered a saint’s shrine, a children’s graveyard (cillín), a cairn, and a holy‑water stoup, confirming sacred use from AD 1021 to 1216.
What to See & Do
Island Exploration
- Castle Island – an 18th‑century folly dominates the skyline; boat tours from the park jetty let visitors step ashore and explore the ruin.
- Trinity Island – medieval priory remains offer a quiet glimpse of monastic life.
- Church Island (Inchmacnerin Abbey) – while the island itself is closed to the public, its stone gables, lancet window and drystone enclosure are visible from the water.
Forest Park Attractions
- Moylurg Tower – climb the stairs to a panoramic platform for sweeping lake views (note: tower lift currently out of service).
- Tree Canopy Walk – a 300 m, 9 m‑high timber‑steel walkway provides a birds‑eye perspective of the woodland and lake, Ireland’s first of its kind.
- Rockingham Remembered Tour – a self‑guided route linking underground tunnels, the tower and the canopy walk; wheelchair‑accessible.
- Boda Borg Challenge – a 47‑room puzzle trail for families and groups.
- Zipit Forest Adventures – high‑ropes zip‑line and rope‑bridge course for adrenaline seekers.
- Boat Tours – operated since 1984 by the Walsh/McGreevy family. Options include the intimate 10‑seat M.V. Shy Talk and the larger heated Trinity (50 seats) with a drinks licence.
- Camping & Caravan Park – 46 caravan pitches and a separate tent area with showers, laundry and a children’s play zone.
Water‑Based Experiences
- Kayak Exploration – launch from the shoreline and paddle toward Church Island; calm water reveals the low‑lying woodland and faint stone outlines of Inchmacnerin Abbey.
- Guided Boat Tours – operators such as Lough Key Boats circle the island, allowing close‑up photography of the granite gables and cloister foundations.
Getting There
- By Car: The park is accessed via the R284, with a large free car park just off the road. Signage from the N17 (Boyle‑Dublin) points to the turn‑off for Lough Key.
- Public Transport: Bus Éireann route 462 runs between Boyle and Castlerea; the nearest stop is a short walk (≈800 m) from the park entrance. Taxis are available in Boyle town centre.
- Cycling: The Lough Key Greenway, part of the Great Western Greenway network, passes close to the park entrance and offers a scenic, traffic‑free approach.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the area, consider adding these Roscommon highlights to your itinerary:
- Boyle Abbey – a well‑preserved Franciscan friary just a 10‑minute drive from the lake.
- Arigna Mining Experience – an interactive underground tour of Ireland’s historic coal‑mining heritage.
- Castlerea – historic town with a 13th‑century castle and riverside walks.
- Clonalis House – the ancestral home of the O’Conor family, offering guided tours of the house and gardens.
- Curlew Mountains – rolling hills with panoramic views, ideal for short hikes.
Practical Information
- Location & Access: Lough Key lies 5 km north‑east of Boyle (N17). The forest park has a main car park off the R284 with ample parking.
- Opening Times: The park and its attractions are generally open daily from 9:00 am to dusk; check the Coillte website for seasonal variations.
- Facilities: Toilets, a café, a gift shop and a visitor centre are situated near the main entrance. The campsite provides shower and laundry facilities.
- Accessibility: Most walking routes, the canopy walk and the self‑guided Rockingham tour are wheelchair‑friendly; the Moylurg Tower lift is temporarily out of service.
- Safety: Weather on the lake can change quickly; wear appropriate footwear for wet surfaces and follow the boat operator’s safety briefings.
- Contact & Booking: Boat tours, kayak rentals and adventure activities can be booked online via the Lough Key Forest Park website or at the visitor centre.
Enjoy a day where ancient myth, monastic ruins and modern adventure converge on the tranquil waters of Lough Key.