Overview
Lough Key Forest Park, set on the south‑eastern shore of Lough Key near Boyle, County Roscommon, blends natural beauty with striking modern and historic landmarks. At its centre stands Moylurg Tower – a 150‑foot, six‑storey concrete column that pierces the forest canopy – and the remnants of the grand Rockingham Estate, including two 300‑metre underground service tunnels and Ireland’s first tree‑canopy walk. Together they offer visitors panoramic lake vistas, a glimpse into Regency‑era aristocratic life, and a lively programme of art and music events.
History / Background
The estate began in the early 1800s when Viscount Lorton commissioned the celebrated architect John Nash to design a Regency mansion, Rockingham House. Completed around 1810, the house featured a domed façade, Ionic colonnade and lavish interiors. Ingeniously, two barrel‑vaulted service tunnels were built: one leading to the lake for discreet deliveries, the other connecting the stables and servants’ quarters.
After a first fire in 1863 the house was restored, but a second blaze in September 1957 reduced it to ruins. The State acquired the site, demolished the remaining structure, and repurposed the foundations for Moylurg Tower. Commissioned by Bord Fáilte in 1971 and opened in 1973, the tower was the brainchild of modernist architect James “Jim” Fehily, who envisioned a brutalist beacon that would contrast with the surrounding woodlands. Initially derided as a “monstrosity,” the tower survived neglect, received a lift shaft in the mid‑2000s for safety, and has since become a cultural icon, hosting immersive art performances, the Night and Day music festival and a growing TikTok following.
What to See & Do
- Rockingham Remembered Tour – A self‑guided, wheelchair‑accessible route that weaves through the historic tunnels, the canopy walk and ends atop Moylurg Tower. The tour takes about 45 minutes and lets visitors linger over interpretive signs detailing servant life and estate logistics.
- Historic Tunnels – Walk the cool, dry barrel‑vaulted passages beneath the former house. Interpretive panels reveal anecdotes about the staff who once ferried food, furniture and fine china through these hidden arteries.
- Canopy Walk – Ireland’s first tree‑canopy walkway arches 9 metres above the forest floor for a bird’s‑eye view of ancient oak groves and the lake’s shimmering surface. The 300‑metre timber‑and‑steel structure is a favourite spot for photographers.
- Moylurg Tower Summit – Climb (or use the lift where available) to the observation platform for a 360° panorama of Lough Key’s 32 islands, the surrounding 350‑hectare forest, and distant Roscommon hills. On clear days the lake mirrors the sky, and the ruins of MacDermott Castle are visible.
- Cultural Events – The tower’s concrete shell serves as a canvas for contemporary art. Highlights include the Before the Last Sun Sets performance (2019) and the annual Night and Day festival (late May/early June), which projects synchronized light shows and hosts DJs on a stage built around the tower.
- Flora & Fauna Spotting – The park is home to red squirrels, badgers, songbirds and seasonal wildflowers that carpet the forest floor, offering rewarding nature walks for wildlife enthusiasts.
Practical Information
- Location: Approximately 3 km east of Boyle, County Roscommon, on the south‑eastern shore of Lough Key.
- Access: The Rockingham Remembered Tour is self‑guided and fully wheelchair‑accessible. Note: the lift in Moylurg Tower is currently out of service; visitors must use the stairs to reach the viewing platform.
- Opening Times & Fees: Check the official Lough Key Forest Park website for current opening hours and any entry charges.
- Facilities: Visitor centre, restrooms, café, and ample parking are available near the park entrance.
- Best Visiting Times: Late spring to early autumn offers the clearest views and the full schedule of cultural events. Early mornings are ideal for photography and wildlife spotting.
- Safety: Follow signage on the canopy walk and in the tunnels, especially in wet conditions.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the area, consider visiting other Roscommon highlights:
- The historic ruins of Boyle Abbey – a 12th‑century Cistercian monastery just a short drive away.
- The scenic Curlew Mountains – offering gentle hill walks and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- The charming town of Boyle itself, with its lively market, riverside walks along the Boyle River, and traditional pubs.
- The medieval MacDermott Castle ruins on the western shore of Lough Key, visible from the tower’s summit.
Enjoy a day where history, architecture and nature converge – from underground service tunnels to a soaring brutalist tower, Lough Key Forest Park delivers a uniquely Irish experience.