Boyle & Lough Key Forest Park
Roscommon
About This Route
Boyle was where the great Cistercian monks built their abbey and the MacDermots ruled from their island castle. Today, Lough Key Forest Park offers Ireland's finest forest playground, while Boyle Abbey remains one of the country's best-preserved medieval monasteries.
Why This Route?
Boyle and Lough Key combine history with nature:
- Boyle Abbey - Ireland's finest Cistercian ruins
- Lough Key Forest Park - Premier forest adventure destination
- Island castle - MacDermot stronghold on the lake
- Arigna Mining Experience - Ireland's coal heritage
- Family-friendly - Activities for all ages
The Route
Boyle
Historic town on the Boyle River:
Boyle Abbey
One of Ireland's finest Cistercian monasteries:
- Founded 1161
- Remarkably complete
- Transition from Romanesque to Gothic
- OPW guided tours
King House
Georgian mansion now interpretive centre:
- Conor King family history
- Military barracks era
- Famine period
- Local heritage
The Town
Pleasant streetscape with:
- Traditional shops
- Good restaurants
- River walks
- Una Bhán tourism trail
Lough Key Forest Park
800 acres of forest adventure:
Adventure Play Kingdom
Massive playground with:
- Climbing structures
- Tunnels and slides
- All ages catered for
- Enclosed and safe
Boda Borg
Unique quest experience:
- Team challenges
- Physical and mental puzzles
- Book in advance
Tree Canopy Walk
Walkway through the treetops:
- 9 metres above ground
- 300 metres long
- Views to the lake
- Accessible
Zipit Forest Adventures
High ropes and zip lines:
- Multiple courses
- Different difficulty levels
- Book ahead
Walking Trails
From gentle strolls to longer hikes:
- Lakeside walks
- Woodland paths
- Bog garden
- Castle Island views
Castle Island
The MacDermot stronghold visible from shore:
- 12th-century castle ruins
- Accessible by boat (arrange locally)
- Historic seat of power
Arigna Mining Experience
Coal mining heritage in the hills:
- Last coal mine in Ireland (closed 1990)
- Underground tours led by ex-miners
- Authentic experience
- Allow 1.5 hours
Keadue
Village connected to Turlough O'Carolan:
- Famous harpist buried here (1738)
- Annual harp festival
- Quiet traditional village
Drumshanbo
Where Lough Allen begins:
- Connection to Shannon-Erne Waterway
- Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre
- Gunpowder Gin distillery
Return to Boyle
Complete the circuit along Lough Key's shore.
Boyle Abbey
History
Founded in 1161 by monks from Mellifont. Building took 60+ years, showing the transition in medieval architecture.
Architecture
- Romanesque arches (round) on one side
- Gothic arches (pointed) on the other
- Carved capitals with faces
- Peaceful cloister
Visiting
- OPW Heritage site
- Admission charge
- Guided tours excellent
- Allow 1 hour
Lough Key
The Lake
One of the most beautiful in Ireland:
- Island-studded
- Forest-fringed
- Historical associations
- Watersports
Legend
The lake is named for Cé, druid of Nuada of the Silver Hand (mythology).
Activities
- Boat hire
- Fishing (pike, perch)
- Swimming (designated areas)
- Kayaking
Arigna Mining
History
Coal was mined here from the 1600s until 1990:
- Thin seams
- Difficult conditions
- Important local employer
The Tour
Led by former miners:
- Descend into the tunnels
- Authentic equipment
- Personal stories
- Memorable experience
Practical Tips
- Lough Key - Parking charges; facilities excellent
- Boda Borg/Zipit - Book in advance, especially weekends
- Boyle Abbey - Check OPW opening times
- Arigna - Tours on the hour; can be cold underground
- King House - Good café and facilities
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
