Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Roscommon is one of our favourite places to visit in Ireland with kids. There’s a huge range of activities to keep the family busy, but with 8km of traffic-free trails winding through forest and along the lakeshore, it’s also a brilliant spot for a family walk.
Here are 7 interesting family walks to enjoy at Lough Key Forest Park, Roscommon, for the next time you visit.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 10 Unusual Activities and Things to Do at Lough Key
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 fits your family.
Here are some of the best trails to enjoy with kids.
#1. Drumman’s Island Walking Trail and Fairy Bridge
[[IMG:1]]
The Drumman’s Island Trail takes you along the shores of the lake and into the quieter reaches of the forest park. Along the way you’ll cross two bridges — Drumman’s Bridge and, further on, the magical Fairy Bridge.
Drumman’s Island Trail is a 3.5km loop walk, graded easy with multi-access.
#2. Miners Way Historical Walking Trail
[[IMG:2]]
The Miners Way Historical Trail is part of a longer Miners Way walking route. It’s a great choice for families who want to get back to nature, as it takes you right into the heart of Lough Key Forest Park.
Along the way 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 as you go.
The Miners Way route is 4.2km and graded easy.
#3. Slí na Sláinte Walking Trail at Lough Key
[[IMG:3]]
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 whole family’s hearts pumping a little quicker.
The Slí na Sláinte Trail is 3km and graded easy.
#4. Stroll Through the Tree Tops at Lough Key
[[IMG:4]]
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 above the ground, giving you sweeping views over the estate, lake and surrounding countryside. It’s fully enclosed and flat, so it suits buggies as well as little ones who like to run ahead.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Terrific Tree Top Adventures in Ireland and the UK
Get Active in Nature
From open-water swimming to tree top adventures, enjoying the outdoors has never been easier. See what Lough Key Forest & Activity Park has to offer.
[[IMG:5]]
#5. Test the Family’s Orienteering Skills
[[IMG:6]]
Test your outdoor orienteering skills using detailed maps to choose walking routes, navigate different terrain and visit control points in sequence. The routes were designed in conjunction with Coillte and range from basic to more challenging, so there’s something for every family member.
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
[[IMG:7]]
As part of the Rockingham Remembered Tour, you can walk through the old servant tunnels that once ran beneath 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. Designed by the famous architect John Nash in 1809/10, it was one of the largest mansions in the Boyle area, 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 today.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Uncover History Through Stories at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
#7. Leading Landmarks Walk
[[IMG:8]]
Enjoy a short stroll from the visitor centre to take in 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 actually walk into.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: New Adventures at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park for Families to Enjoy
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the family walking trails at Lough Key?
Trail lengths vary to suit different abilities — from the 3km Slí na Sláinte Trail to the longer 4.2km Miners Way Historical Trail, so you can pick a route that matches your family’s pace and energy levels.
Are any of the walks suitable for buggies?
Yes. The Tree Canopy Walkway is fully enclosed and flat, making it a good option for buggies, as well as for younger children who like to run ahead.
Is there a map of the walking trails available before we visit?
Yes, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park provides a downloadable walking path map so you can plan your route and choose the trail that best suits your family before you set off.
Related Articles
- 10 Unusual Activities and Things to Do at Lough Key
- Terrific Tree Top Adventures in Ireland and the UK
- Uncover History Through Stories at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
- New Adventures at Lough Key Forest & Activity Park for Families to Enjoy
Save This for Your Next Family Day Out
Planning a trip to Lough Key? Save this guide so you have all seven walks handy when you’re deciding which trail to take on the day, or browse more of our favourite outdoor adventure ideas for families.
Never Miss a Family Day Out Idea
Want more ideas like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for weekly inspiration on family days out, activities and adventures around Ireland.
