Lough Key is an Irish lake in County Roscommon, less than 3km east of the town of La Boyne. The lake is particularly popular with anglers, who come to enjoy a spot of angling, as well as with walkers, who like to drag their hiking boots through Lough Key Forest Park, a 320-hectare park bordering the lake…
Lough Key takes its name from a druid named Cé, who is said to have drowned here when the lake was formed. Today, Lough Key has a rather triangular shape, and is made up of some thirty islets, all of which are mainly wooded (including Castle Island, home to a medieval castle, Stag Island, Bullock Island, Drummand Island, etc.).
It belongs to the northern part of the Shannon watershed, and then flows into a short tributary of the River Boyle.
Fishermen love to paddle here for an afternoon: the area is renowned for its trout, pike and wild salmon! The area is actually quite nice, and the wait for a fish won’t be too long, if you like to revel in the lovely panoramas overlooking the lake and Lough Key Forest Park.
The park also boasts a lovely viewpoint: Moylurg Tower, overlooking the lake, its peat bogs and grassy expanses. And don’t miss the five ring-forts located in Ough Key Forest Park. Most are in ruins, but the sites are well worth a visit!
Want to extend your visit without having to rush around? Here are a few well-located places to stay near the must-see attractions.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
on the N4 road: a belvedere offers views of the lake and park, Boyle (County Roscommon) - Republic of Ireland
54.001502, -8.253790
30 minutes
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