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    Getting here

    By Road

    Lough Key is conveniently located on the N4 Dublin to Sligo Road and is 17 kilometres from the N5 Dublin to Westport Road. The town of Boyle is only 5 km from Lough Key, which links to the N61 Roscommon/Athlone Road.
    Link to AA Route Planner

    By Train

    Boyle Train Station is on the Sligo – Dublin Route. For timetables and further information please log onto www.irishrail.ie

    By Bus

    The town of Boyle is serviced by a number of bus routes: For timetables, routes and further information please log onto Bus Eireann at www.buseireann.ie

    Lough Key and Boyle local bus services

    By Boat

    Lough Key is part of the Shannon-Erne Waterway. For further information please log onto: Inland Waterways Association of
    Ireland: www.iwai.ie
    Waterways Ireland: www.waterwaysireland.org

    By Plane

    Ireland West Airport Knock is only 40 miles from Boyle. For further information please log onto www.irelandwestairport.com

    Parking

    There is no charge for exploring the many trails throughout the Park and Estate. The car parking fee goes towards the maintenance of the trails, grass cutting and the disposal of refuse. If you spend €20 on attractions, food or gifts in the Visitor Centre, then car parking is free. We have an annual pass for €45 which enables unlimited use of the Car Park and is great value for money. Available from Visitor Centre.

    Car Hire

    Budget car rental is a reputable car rental company which focuses on value for money. They have locations nationwide, including Roscommon town.

    FOREST PARK MAP

    With a host of activities and amenities in the Park, we do not want you missing
    anything or getting lost!

    DownloadForest Park Map

    DownloadWalking Path Map

    DownloadCycle trail map

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    Filming

    Filming

    Lough Key Forest Park has been used as a location for numerous filming choices where the historical estate lends itself well to different forms of filming from adverts to film locations.

    Some such included the park being the location for adverts for Ireland Hidden Heartlands and Tourism Ireland, the finale of ‘Irelands Fittest Family’, RTE’s ‘No Place like Home’, ‘Nationwide’, ‘Tracks and Trails’, numerous scenes filmed for the Chris O’Dowd acclaimed series – ‘Moone Boy’ and most recently ‘The Cellar’,  a horror film using our old servant Tunnels with actor Eoin Mackin and actress Elisha Cuthbert involved.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Visiting the Park

    • Is the park open all year round?

      Yes, the park is open all year round. The outdoor spaces, trails and car park are usually accessible at all times. Please check our Opening Times page for information about when facilities and activities are available.

    • What are the park’s opening hours?

      Opening hours vary depending on the season. Please check our Opening Times page for the most current information. If you are interested in the opening times of Zipit Forest Adventures or Lough Key Boat Tours, please contact them through their individual pages (linked above).

    • Do I have to pay to visit the park?

      There is a €5 charge for using the car park, payable on exit (for more information, see the next question). However, access to our outdoor spaces and Visitor Centre is free of charge. So if you are arriving on foot or by bicycle, or being dropped off, you will not have to pay. Activities are priced individually.

    • How can I pay for parking?

      The car park charge is €5, which you can pay on exit at the car park barrier. The barrier accepts coins and contactless payments. If you are a regular visitor, you might want to consider buying a yearly parking pass. These are available from the Visitor Centre and are excellent value for money.

    • Why do I have to pay to park my car?

      Since we do not receive outside funding, the park needs to support itself financially. The car park fees help to keep the park running and maintained to provide you with an enjoyable experience when you visit. Please note that parking is free for those with an EU Parking Card (or similar permit from another country).

    • Can I bring my dog with me?

      Dogs are welcome in our outdoor areas (apart from the Lough Key Experience). Assistance dogs are also welcome inside the Visitor Centre. However, please keep your dog on a lead and make sure to clean up after them. It’s important that the park remains clean and safe for all.

    • Is there wheelchair access?

      Yes. Smooth surfaces and ramps provide easy access around the Visitor Centre. Multi-access trails open up our woodland area for all and many of our activities are accessible to wheelchairs. Free parking is available for anyone with an EU parking card (or similar permit from another country). Find out more on our Accessibility page. (Note: link to be included when the Accessibility page is live.)

    • Is the park buggy friendly?

      Yes. Smooth surfaces and ramps provide easy access for buggies around the Visitor Centre. The majority of our trails are suitable for buggies to navigate.

    Activities

    • What can I do at the park?

      Popular ways to pass time at the park include:

      • Walking/Cycling: Enjoy our range of trails for all abilities
      • Picnics: Bring your own or purchase some food here at the park. A large number of picnic tables are provided. Many of these include BBQ grills which are free of charge to use.
      • Games: Bring along some games equipment and enjoy playing in our spacious grounds

      A range of on-site activities is available. Explore the options on our Activities page and get started planning your next visit!

    • Do I have to pre-book?

      Pre-booking is essential for Boda Borg and Zipit Forest Adventures. It’s not strictly necessary for other activities, but it’s always a good idea to ring ahead to avoid disappointment. Visit the individual activity pages for further information.

    • Can I swim in the lake?

      Since there are no lifeguards on duty, we do not recommend or encourage swimming in Lough Key. Anyone entering the water does so at their own risk.

    • Can I ride my horse in the park?

      No, horses are not allowed in the park.

    • Can I launch my boat in the lake?

      Yes, you are welcome to bring and launch your boat at our slipway which is located at the main car park. Please make sure to wear appropriate buoyancy aids when enjoying boating activities.

    • Are drones allowed in the park?

      If you are a licensed operator and have permission from the park, you are allowed to fly a drone. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

    • Are jet skis allowed on the lake?

      No, jet skis are not permitted. The lake is a no-wake zone, keeping it calm and safe for wildlife.

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