ERDF Stories
Contact NWRA
Northern & Western Regional Assembly
Dillon House, Ballaghaderreen
Co. Roscommon
F45 WY26
Ireland
+353 (0) 94 986 2970
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Tourism Development
Part of €6.5 Million Project
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, a unique 860-acre parkland and forest located in Co Roscommon, offers Irish and international visitors a world of wonder and adventure for all ages.
Originally part of the vast and historic Rockingham Estate which suffered a catastrophic fire in 1957, the vast area of natural beauty was seen as the perfect location for a world-class leisure amenity.
There are grassy meadows, historic ruins, paddle boats, a multigenerational play centre and a zip liner across forest grounds.
“The concept and idea for the activity centre was always there, but it wouldn’t have been possible to develop it without the €6.5 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)” says Eimear Dowd, County Tourism Officer, Roscommon County Council.
The park, which features Ireland’s only tree-canopy walk, a lakeside visitor center, an outdoor playground, and an exploration of servant’s tunnels, attracts visitors of all ages from around the country and beyond.
“As Roscommon’s foremost attraction its hugely beneficial to the county. The park employs over 50 local people during the peak season and there were over 200,000 visits to the park in 2017 – this includes both domestic and international tourists who also visit other local businesses while in Roscommon,” explains Ms. Dowd.
Since opening in 2007, the park has grown to include more attractions, such as Zipit – a high wire aerial adventure centre, boat tours and the Boda Borg puzzle house.
“There are lots of interesting and inclusive activities for families – from toddlers all the way up to grandparents – to enjoy together. Some local families visit on a regular basis, either for the day or just a couple of hours to enjoy our walking trails, or just relax in the lakeside café,” says Geraldine Keegan, Social Media and Marketing Officer, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.
