Lough KeyAbout 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.
Best Time to Visit Lough Key
Late spring to early autumn is best for full access to boating and visitor activities.
Weather & Climate near Lough Key
Lough Key's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1339 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 146 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 109 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 4° | 121 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 79 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 76 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 81 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 19° | 15° | 84 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Acceptable | 12° - 19° | 15° | 107 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.2 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 113 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.5 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 10° | 141 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 4° - 10° | 5° | 141 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 141 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Lough Key
Lough Key is near Boyle in County Roscommon. It is accessible by road from the N4 (Sligo-Dublin) or via regional roads from Boyle. The park has parking and visitor facilities; check the park website for seasonal timetables.
Tips for Visiting Lough Key
- Take the island trail and the tree canopy walk for a different view of the lake and its wooded islands.
- Boat trips to the islands are seasonal - book in advance in summer.
- Combine a visit with Boyle town and the nearby King House for a fuller local history.