Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.)

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.

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!

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.

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.

No, horses are not allowed in the park.

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.

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.

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

The caravan park is generally open from Easter to October each year.

Yes, all bookings must be made online and paid in full prior to arrival. You can find more information and our booking form on our Caravan Park page.

Yes, tents are very welcome but we have limited tenting space. We have three separate tenting areas in a scenic woodland setting.

We do not typically provide individual electricity for tents. If it is required for special/medical reasons, we will do our best to help, although we cannot make any guarantees. Please let us know in advance if you think you may require it.

• We want your stay to be as comfortable as possible. To help ensure this, you will find:
  Cooking facilities (including two freezers, a large fridge, cooking hobs and sinks)
• Shower block (including shower and toilet facilities for people with disabilities)
• Laundry room (including washing machine and dryer)
• Indoor seating and recreational area (including pool table and vending machines)
• Free charging points for mobile phones and electronic devices

A small charge applies for some of these facilities.

Currently, we have no Bike Hire available on site but you are more than welcome to bring your own.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your four-legged friends. However, we ask you to please keep them on a lead at all times.

Yes, so long as they are contained within a raised fire pit. Please do not light any fires directly on the ground, even if you have cleared an area to do so.

You will find a number of excellent shops in Boyle, which is a 5-minute drive. If you’re looking for a wider range of supermarkets, Carrick-on-Shannon is 15 minutes away.

Snacks, meals and beverages are available at the Lough Key Visitor Centre beside the lake. Please visit the Food Offerings page to find out more.

No, we’re a family-friendly site and have a quiet time policy from 11pm. However, there are many close by in Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon. Transport information is available from reception.

• A wide range of fresh, homemade food and drink is available from our indoors café and food truck. These include:
  Savoury meals and snacks such as toasties, soup, pizza and burgers
• Home baking such as cakes and traybakes
• Hot and cold beverages

Vegan, vegetarian and coeliac options

Visit our Food Offerings page to find out more.

Opening times vary depending on the season. Visit our Opening Times page to find the latest information.

Yes, we want everyone to be able to enjoy a snack, treat or meal when they visit us. You can look forward to a range of tasty vegan, vegetarian and coeliac choices.

To help you have a comfortable stay, our 50-berth marina offers:

• Toilets
• Shower block
• Electricity charging area

Snacks, meals and beverages are available at the Lough Key Visitor Centre beside the lake. Please visit the food page to find out more.

Unit cards are available to buy at the Visitor Centre.

No, you’re welcome to moor at our marina so long as there is space available. However, we recommend you check our Opening Times page to be sure of what park facilities will be open during your stay.

Lough Key is part of the Shannon Navigation system. From here, you have access to the longest river in Ireland and the UK. You can find out more about the waterway here.

Carrick-on-Shannon (15 minutes away by car) is home to many boat rental services. A quick Google search will give you plenty of options.

For information about local taxi and bus services, please visit the information booth/Visitor Centre or contact us in advance. There is also a daily Local Link Bus Service that picks up and drops off at Lough Key.