Lough Key

Lough Key is a lake in County Roscommon, Ireland, noted for its wooded islands and the parkland that surrounds much of its shoreline. It forms the heart of a public forest and activity park that combines lakeshore recreation with heritage features.

Visitors use the area for walking, cycling and boat trips to explore the islands and shoreline. The park offers trails through mixed woodland, picnic areas and interpretive facilities focused on the natural and cultural heritage of the lake.

A notable feature is the ruin of a 19th-century house situated on one of the lake’s islands, visible from the shore and included on boat tours. The islands and shoreline have long been part of local estate landscapes and recreational use.

Lough Key lies near the town of Boyle in northwest County Roscommon and is reached by regional roads connecting to the surrounding county towns.

• Islands and park: The lake contains multiple wooded islands and is the centrepiece of a recreational forest park that provides boat trips, walking circuits and a visitor centre.

What to See #

• Lough Key Forest Park: A developed public forest and activity park offering walking trails, boating on the lake and access to islands and shoreline viewpoints.
• Rockingham House (island ruin): The ruins of a 19th-century house located on an island within the lake, visible from boat trips and shoreline viewpoints.