Activities
Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
New lakeside visitor centre provides an ideal base for gentle leisurely activities or more energetic pursuits in the park to ensure a fun day out for all the family.
The Tree canopy Trail with its magnificent views
Will take you on an engaging journey through the history, flora and fauna of the Park using the 19th century underground tunnels, the refurbished 5-storey Moylurg viewing tower and a contemporary Tree Canopy Walk, the first of its kind in Ireland.
Boda Borg Challenge
A unique attraction at Lough Key is the innovative weather independent Boda Borg Challenge, a Swedish concept containing numerous rooms with fun-filled activities, puzzles & enjoyable tasks, but no instructions! Once you enter the challenging two-storey Boda Borg, only teamwork using countless different skills, ingenuity, trial and error, will allow you to progress through the various spaces.
Adventure play kingdom
An amazing outdoor Adventure play kingdom has been designed to provide stimulating and entertaining activities for children of all ages in a colourful and safe environment.
King House Boyle
King House is a magnificently restored mansion built in the early 1700’s for Sir Henry King, whose family were one of the most powerful and wealthy in Ireland. After its first life as a home, King House was converted into a military barracks in the 19th century for the famous Connaught Rangers. Today visitors can explore this unique architectural treasure and enjoy a range of exhibitions, spread over 4 storeys that are designed for both adults and children alike.
As you wander through the house at your leisure, you will encounter life-size historical figures and voices that bring the building and its residents alive!
Discover how to become an Earl in 6 easy stages or dress up in the attire of a Gaelic chieftain! Families can enjoy many activities including writing with a quill and ink or beating the regimental drum! Your tour would not be complete without a visit to the cold and damp jail cells!
Eagles Flying
The IRISH RAPTOR RESEARCH CENTRE is a scientifically managed sanctuary for Birds of Prey and Owls.
Situated on 27 hectares, the sanctuary is home to about 350 birds and animals out of 75 species.
Established in 1999 the centre was originally set up for research purposes only, but as a consequence of increasing interest and local awareness, it was decided to open parts of the centre to visitors.
In the summer of 2003 EAGLES FLYING introduced its birds to the first eager visitors and numbers continue to increase every year.
The Eagles Flying Show is both fun and educational for the whole family! The scientists on hand present information on each of the birds and raptors in general and if you ever had a question about a bird of prey - well, here you go - just ask!
As the sanctuary became better known, people from all over started bringing in injured birds and other helpless wildlife. We try to heal all these patients and if possible return them to their natural home.
This hospital and rehabilitation sector is now the most time consuming and labour intensive department at the centre.
We cooperate with international Zoos breeding endangered species for reintroduction-programmes.
In 2007 the Irish Raptor Research Centre / Eagles Flying received the accreditation as EU-Zoo.
Arigna Mines
The Mining Experience Centre was developed to preserve the energy heritage of the Arigna Valley and to ensure that Arigna maintains its link with Energy themes: Past, Present & Future. This Energy Centre provides visitors with a unique insight into what coal mining life was like in the Arigna Valley, since its beginning in the 1700's until closure in 1990.
Golfing
There’s plenty to do outdoors in Roscommon. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the sport on many splendid courses, both 9 and 18 holes. Rarely crowded with a relaxed atmosphere on the tee box, Ballaghaderreen Golf Course founded in 1936 is a picturesque and challenging treasure. A parkland course, which is not hilly and is suitable for all golfers, yet still provides a good test for all. Beautiful views of North Roscommon can be enjoyed.
Walking
Walkers and cyclists have hundreds of miles of undisturbed roads and tracks to enjoy as well as two way-marked walking trails - the Suck Valley Way and the Arigna Miners Way. Cyclists also have plenty of scope for trails, both marked and unmarked.
Fishing
Roscommon is surrounded by prime coarse fishing rivers and lakes which have consistently produced good bags of exceptionally sized fish.
Lough Key Boat Tours
Lough key boats is a family run business which has provided boating facilities to the fisherman, water enthusiast and general public alike for twenty years. Located 2 miles east of Boyle on the N4. The family business is located at the Harbour of Lough Key Forest Park.
Horse Racing
If you fancy a flutter, Roscommon & Sligo Racecourses have regular horse racing meetings where everyone mingles and enjoys the fun.
Heritage
Roscommon offers an enchanting glimpse of hidden treasures to those who seek. Brimful of history and heritage, Roscommon boasts many archaeological gems including Rathcroghan, ancient home of the High Kings with the award-winning Cruachan Aí Visitor Centre (at Tulsk) . From more recent times, great houses and castles are to be found, such as the Georgian Mansion King House in Boyle, Clonalis House in Castlerea and Strokestown Park House which also boasts fine restored gardens and the Famine Museum. (Tucked away in the Arigna mountains is another award winner - the Arigna Mining Experience Centre.)
Knock Shrine, Knock Co. Mayo
(Only 20 minute drive from Ballaghaderreen)
Knock Shrine is Ireland's National Marian Shrine, which is located in County Mayo on the West Coast of Ireland and the Western edge of Europe.