Lough Key Forest Park
Stretching for miles along the shores of Lough Key, encompassing lush woodlands, a glassy lake, and a dozen islands, this park holds nature walks, ancient monuments, ring forts, a central viewing tower, picnic grounds, a cafe, and a shop. All of it was privately owned until 1957, when it was sold to the Irish Land Commission. Sadly, Rockingham House, the mansion designed by John Nash, burned down in the 1950s, but even without it, there's plenty to see and do. In addition to cypress groves and wildflower meadows, there are bog gardens filled with unusual peat-loving plants and shrubs. Wildlife, including deer, otters, and shy hedgehogs, has the run of the place. The ruins of a 12th-century abbey can be seen on Trinity Island, while on Castle Island, a 19th-century castle stands there, as if taunting you for not living someplace this beautiful. Powerboats and rowboats are available to rent if you want a closer look. Pony and cart rides are a good way to explore the park without breaking a sweat, and the Lough Key Experience takes you through a 9m-high (30-ft.) tree canopy walk and a section of Victorian tunnel. There's plenty for kids here, too, with the Adventure Kingdom, a vaguely castle-themed playground, and Boda Borg, a rather peculiar indoor problem-solving game. If you're planning to do more than just the basics here, the day passes can be a significant saving, covering admission to everything at a cost of €18 adults, €17 seniors and students, €21 children, and €60 for families.
Stretching for miles along the shores of Lough Key, encompassing lush woodlands, a glassy lake, and a dozen islands, this park holds nature walks, ancient monuments, ring forts, a central viewing tower, picnic grounds, a cafe, and a shop. All of it was privately owned until 1957, when it was sold to the Irish Land Commission. Sadly, Rockingham House, the mansion designed by John Nash, burned down in the 1950s, but even without it, there's plenty to see and do. In addition to cypress groves and wildflower meadows, there are bog gardens filled with unusual peat-loving plants and shrubs. Wildlife, including deer, otters, and shy hedgehogs, has the run of the place. The ruins of a 12th-century abbey can be seen on Trinity Island, while on Castle Island, a 19th-century castle stands there, as if taunting you for not living someplace this beautiful. Powerboats and rowboats are available to rent if you want a closer look. Pony and cart rides are a good way to explore the park without breaking a sweat, and the Lough Key Experience takes you through a 9m-high (30-ft.) tree canopy walk and a section of Victorian tunnel. There's plenty for kids here, too, with the Adventure Kingdom, a vaguely castle-themed playground, and Boda Borg, a rather peculiar indoor problem-solving game. If you're planning to do more than just the basics here, the day passes can be a significant saving, covering admission to everything at a cost of €18 adults, €17 seniors and students, €21 children, and €60 for families.
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