In County Roscommon, acres of forests are calling upon to be explored. With its lush greenery, wildlife, and exciting trails, the Roscommon forests are perfect for an adventurous day outdoors. There are two main forest areas to be found here, including the Lough Key Forest and Activity Park which will offer you an immersive experience in nature.
Zipit Forest Adventures has one of our thrilling adventure parks in Lough Key, so we can suggest all the best things to see and do in the area, including trying out our Lough Key Zipit Course! Keep reading to find out more about the best outdoor adventures in Roscommon’s beautiful forests. Or, feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about our courses!
Enjoy a Zipit Forest Adventure in the Treetops
There’s no better way of experiencing Roscommon’s forests than by exploring high up in the treetops! At Zipit Forest Adventures in Lough Key, we offer thrilling canopy circuits for anyone ages 7 and up to enjoy.
Our Lough Key Activity Park Course includes six different circuits ranging in difficulty and height, reaching as high as 15 metres on harder courses. Challenge yourself to make it through each obstacle, whether that’s walking across a rope suspension bridge, climbing a wall, or ziplining through the trees.
From up here, you’ll be able to truly appreciate the verdant foliage and enjoy views across Lough Key! Come with your family or friends, or even arrange an Outdoor Group Activity in Ireland, whether for hen and stag do’s, parties, or more.
If you’re interested in a unique corporate event, you can also check out our blog on Team-Building in Ireland’s Treetops and Why Zipit Is Perfect for Groups!
Walk Along the Lough Key Trails
If you’d prefer to stay on solid ground, there are a number of trails to enjoy in Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. For a short and easy walk, you can follow the Slí Sláinte trail which is just 3 kilometres long and takes between 30 and 40 minutes. Along the Drumman’s Island Trail, you can walk along the lake shore and discover two beautiful bridges. This 3.5 kilometre trail is suited to wheelchair users, elderly walkers, and parents with young children, taking approximately an hour to complete.
To go deep into the forest, take the Miners Way Historical Trail, which passes oak, cedar, ash, and beech trees along 4.2 kilometres. For a more moderate walk, the 4-kilometre Bog Garden Trail takes you off the footpath onto boggy ground where you can admire the growth of azaleas and rhododendrons.
Go Boating on Lough Key
For a different experience of the forest, you can take a boat out on the tranquil waters of Lough Key. You can join a guided boat tour where you’ll sail around the islands and learn about their intriguing history as well as local legends. Or, if you’d prefer a more independent outing, you can rent a row boat or a kayak. Paddle around Castle Island, which is home to McDermott’s Castle dating back to the 13th century. At Trinity Island, you can dock your boat and explore the ruins of an abbey.
Cycle Through Lough Key’s Forest Wonders
To cover more ground in Lough Key in a shorter amount of time, you can go cycling on the traffic-free trails that span approximately eight kilometres. You can cycle through the woods and along the lake shore, passing by the bog garden along the way. You’ll also pedal around Drumman’s Island and pass the Drumman’s Bridge and Fairy Bridge. If you work up an appetite, the trail leads back towards the visitor’s centre where you can grab a bite at the Lakeside Cafe!
Embark on the Rockingham Remembered Tour
If you want to discover more about how Lough Key was formed, you can embark on the fascinating Rockingham Remembered Tour. This self-guided tour uncovers the park’s flora, fauna, and history through a unique trail. You’ll descend into underground tunnels, summit a 5-storey viewing tower, and stroll along a 300-metre tree canopy walk, the first of its kind in Ireland!
Explore the Mote Park Heritage Trail
About an hour’s drive from Lough Key is Mote Park, a forest spanning over 600 acres. This park provides a peaceful retreat back into nature with its walking trails and opportunities for bird-watching. A highlight of the park is the 11-kilometre Mote Park Heritage Trail. Mote Park was once the estate of the Crofton family from the 16th century until the 1940s, and many remnants of the estate remain. Follow the heritage trail and discover gems like the Derrydonnell Bridge, Lion Gate, and the site of the Mote Park House.
Join Us at Zipit Forest Adventures!
Ready to discover Roscommon’s beautiful forests? The team at Zipit Forest Adventures are here to welcome you! Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about our Lough Key circuit, or book online for the next available spot!
