Boyle & Lough Key Forest Park

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

Where to Stay

This 65-kilometre day route loops from Boyle through Lough Key Forest Park and the Arigna hills, with a stop at Carrick-on-Shannon. Both Boyle and Carrick are on the circuit, but Carrick-on-Shannon has the larger selection of accommodation and serves as Ireland's cruising capital, making it the more versatile overnight option.

Carrick-on-Shannon

Carrick's colourful quays and riverside restaurants are a natural place to unwind after a day that takes in Boyle Abbey, the tree-canopy walk at Lough Key, and the underground coal-mine tour at Arigna. The town is barely twenty minutes from Boyle, so you can be at the abbey gates early and still have time for Drumshanbo's gin distillery before heading back. Cruiser-hire companies and kayak outfitters along the Shannon quays can also fill a second day if you choose to linger.

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

1. Lough Key - Parking charges; facilities excellent
2. Boda Borg/Zipit - Book in advance, especially weekends
3. Boyle Abbey - Check OPW opening times
4. Arigna - Tours on the hour; can be cold underground
5. King House - Good café and facilities

Before You Drive This Route

The Boyle & Lough Key Forest Park is 46km and about 1 hour of driving, though 1 day is the honest figure once you factor in the stops. Visitors who have never driven on the left should start with driving on the left in Ireland; the Irish roundabout rules guide covers the other thing that catches people out. Travelling with children, our family road trip guide has the stops and timings that keep a day like this civil. Automatic or manual is the decision that catches most visitors out — manual versus automatic has the honest answer for Irish roads. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Roscommon page, and the Athlone & Shannon Heritage pairs naturally with this one.