Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Roscommon is one of our favourite places to bring the kids in Ireland. Alongside its zip lines, boat trips and adventure play, the park has around 8km of traffic-free trails winding through forest and along the lakeshore, making it a brilliant spot for a family walk.
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Here are 7 interesting family walks to take at Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon, on your next visit.
Family Walks at Lough Key
Lough Key has a number of walking trails graded to suit all abilities. Before you travel, download the walking path map and pick the route that best suits your family.
Here are some of the trails to enjoy with kids:
#1. Drumman’s Island Walking Trail and Fairy Bridge
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The Drumman’s Island Trail follows the shores of the lake into the quieter reaches of the forest park. Along the way you’ll cross two bridges — Drumman’s Bridge and then the magical Fairy Bridge.
This loop walk is 3.5km and is graded easy with multi-access.
#2. Miners Way Historical Walking Trail
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The Miners Way Historical Trail is part of a longer walking route and takes you into the heart of Lough Key Forest Park — a lovely choice for families who want to get back to nature.
Here you’ll find majestic red cedar trees alongside Norway spruce, evergreen oak, lime, ash and beech. Keep an eye out for birds, squirrels and other wildlife along the way.
This route is 4.2km and is graded easy.
#3. Slí na Sláinte Walking Trail at Lough Key
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Developed by the Irish Heart Foundation, Slí na Sláinte trails (“path to health”) can be found across Ireland. The Slí na Sláinte Trail at Lough Key is a great option if you want to get the heart rate up a little. It’s 3km and graded easy.
#4. Stroll Through the Tree Tops at Lough Key
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Get a bird’s-eye view of the estate when you take a walk along the unique Tree Canopy Walkway at Lough Key. The walkway rises 9m from the ground for sweeping views over the estate, lake and surrounding countryside.
It’s fully enclosed and flat, so it’s suitable for buggies — or for little ones who like to run ahead.
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Get Active in Nature
From open water swimming to tree top adventures, enjoying the outdoors has never been easier at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park.
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#5. Test the Family’s Orienteering Skills
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Test your outdoor orienteering skills using detailed maps to plot routes through different terrain and visit control points in sequence. The routes were designed in conjunction with Coillte and range from basic to more skilled challenges for the whole family.
For visitors with limited mobility, Wheel-O offers the chance to take part in orienteering on safe, specially designed trails.
#6. Take a Historical Underground Walk
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As part of the Rockingham Remembered Tour, you can walk through the old servant tunnels that once ran under Rockingham House. A self-guided audio tour fills you in on the history as you go.
Rockingham House once stood where the Moylurg Tower now stands. It was one of the largest mansions in the Boyle area, designed by architect John Nash in 1809/10, and home to the King family and their many servants. The house was destroyed by fire in 1957, but the servant tunnels survived and have been preserved for visitors to explore.
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#7. Leading Landmarks Walk
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Enjoy a short stroll from the visitor centre to see some of Lough Key Forest Park & Activity Centre’s leading landmarks. Nearby you’ll find the stable yard, chapel, fishing temple and ice house.
Stroll up towards Zip-It High Ropes Adventure and head right to see if you can find the giant tree you can walk into.
Lead image courtesy Tourism Ireland
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many walking trails are there at Lough Key?
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park has around 8km of traffic-free trails, including several graded routes to suit different abilities, from easy lakeside loops to longer forest walks.
Are the walking trails suitable for buggies?
Some are. The Tree Canopy Walkway, for example, is fully enclosed and flat, making it buggy-friendly. It’s worth checking the trail map before you set off if you’re bringing a buggy, as surfaces vary across the park.
Is there a map of the walking trails?
Yes, a walking path map is available to download before your visit, so you can choose the route that best suits your family’s fitness and interests.
Is orienteering suitable for younger children?
Yes, the orienteering routes range from basic to more skilled challenges, and there’s also a Wheel-O option designed for visitors with limited mobility, making it accessible for a range of ages and abilities.
Related Articles
- 10 Unusual Activities and Things to Do at Lough Key
- Terrific Tree Top Adventures in Ireland and the UK
- New Adventures at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park for Families to Enjoy
Save This for Your Next Visit
Not heading to Lough Key just yet? Bookmark this article or save it to your family activity list so you have it ready the next time you’re planning a day out in Roscommon.
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