As parents, we know how quickly a day out with the kids can add up. So we’ve put together a list of genuinely free things to do in Roscommon with kids — no entry fee, no catch, just a great day out.
In this guide:
- Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
- The Moone Boy Trail
- Family walks around the county
- Hill walks for all ages
- Fishing and swimming spots
- The Mart and local Farmers Markets
- Boyle Abbey and local burial grounds
- Libraries and playgrounds
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
Located in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, and set in the grounds of the old King-Harman Estate on the shores of island-studded Lough Key, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park offers hours of entertainment for the whole family.
There are miles of biking trails and orienteering courses, plus plenty of picnic spots. Some picnic tables are equipped with grills, so bring a disposable barbecue if you’d like to make a day of it.
Orienteering at Lough Key
Coillte previously offered downloadable orienteering course maps for Lough Key, including courses aimed at primary and secondary students that tie in with the Science Curriculum. It’s worth checking the current Lough Key Forest Park website or on-site noticeboards for the latest orienteering maps and course details before you go.
Moone Boy Trail
Take the Moone Boy Trail around Boyle and see how many filming locations from the much-loved TV series about Chris O’Dowd’s Boyle childhood you and the kids can spot. It’s a fun, free way to explore the town with older children who enjoy a bit of a treasure hunt.
Other Good Places for a Family Walk
Derryvunny has three trails, including one multi-access route with lovely picnic spots, and Mote Park just outside Roscommon town has looped trails and picnic areas too — both are great free options for a family walk.
Related: Great Family Walks in Roscommon
Climb a Hill in Roscommon
These are gentle hills, well suited to family hikes with children.
The Historical Trail section of the Miners Way takes you to the site of the Battle of the Curlews (1599), overlooking Boyle.
You can also climb Sliabh Bán, outside Strokestown, and see if you can spot Croagh Patrick to the west on a clear day.
Fishing in Roscommon
With the Rivers Shannon and Suck, and lakes dotted throughout the county, there’s usually a fishing spot not far away. Local angling clubs run children’s competitions and “learn to fish” events throughout the year — as always, keep young anglers supervised near water.
Swimming in Roscommon
There are recognised swimming spots at Doon Shore, just off the N4, and in Lough Key Forest Park, both near Boyle. Neither has a lifeguard on duty, though both have shallow entry points and life belts and are popular with local families. Never let children swim unsupervised, and check locally about current conditions before you go in.
Go to the Mart
Roscommon Town has a large mart where you can watch livestock being bought and sold. For many children, it’s a real eye-opener — a chance to see that burgers and lamb chops don’t simply appear wrapped in plastic at the supermarket.
Just keep an eye on little ones near the ring — you don’t want to come home with an unexpected new pet!
Visit a Farmers Market
Boyle and Ballaghaderreen have markets on Saturday mornings, while Roscommon and Strokestown have theirs on Friday mornings. Expect buskers, plenty of banter, and a great range of stalls for the kids to explore.
Boyle Abbey
Boyle Abbey is an impressive and well-preserved Cistercian monastery, founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. The OPW has previously offered free entry to some heritage sites on set days each month — check the OPW website for Boyle Abbey’s current opening times and any free-entry days before you plan your visit.
Related: OPW Free Days: Visit Irish Heritage Sites
Children can be fascinated by the past — finding graves of local characters, interesting inscriptions, or the resting places of those who lived through the World Wars can really get them thinking about heritage and the generations who built the communities they live in today.
Burial Grounds in Roscommon
Roscommon County Council has compiled a list of burial grounds across the county, with maps, photos and descriptions. Among them are Famine graves, the graves of World War I soldiers, and rarer sites such as the Mahon Mausoleum in Strokestown and the graves of descendants of Ireland’s last High King in Castlerea.
Libraries in Roscommon
Your local library is a genuinely wonderful free resource for families — well worth checking out for classes and events running throughout the year.
Many branches run popular annual summer reading programmes, along with parent-and-toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts, book clubs, games and activities, and exhibitions. There’s usually free computer access too, plus books and DVDs to borrow. For a change of scenery, why not try a different branch to your usual one?
Visit a Playground
Roscommon has some great playgrounds — free, fun, and always a hit with the kids.
Pack some snacks and drinks, or a picnic lunch, and make an afternoon of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free things to do in Roscommon with kids?
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, the Moone Boy Trail in Boyle, family walks at Derryvunny and Mote Park, hill walks like Sliabh Bán, local libraries and playgrounds are all great free options for families in Roscommon.
Is Lough Key Forest Park free to visit?
Yes, entering the park and using its trails and picnic areas is free. Some individual activities or attractions on site may carry a charge, so it’s worth checking current details before you visit.
Where can families go for a free walk in Roscommon?
Derryvunny and Mote Park both offer looped, family-friendly trails with picnic spots, and there are gentle hill walks such as Sliabh Bán near Strokestown and the Historical Trail near Boyle.
Is Boyle Abbey free to visit?
Boyle Abbey has previously offered free entry on certain days through OPW schemes. Opening times and any free-entry days can change, so check with the OPW directly before you go.
Are libraries and playgrounds in Roscommon free for kids?
Yes — local libraries offer free membership, events and activities for children, and Roscommon’s playgrounds are free to use, making them two of the easiest free days out in the county.
Related Articles
- Great Family Walks in Roscommon
- OPW Free Days: Visit Irish Heritage Sites
- Free Things to Do with Kids Around Ireland
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