Top 5 Lakes in Roscommon

For a wide range of family activities, Lough Key is an excellent choice. It features Lough Key Forest and Activity Park with an Adventure Play Kingdom, Boda Borg challenge, Zipit Forest Adventures, and a Tree Canopy Walk. Lough Ree also offers Baysports, a large floating water park, and Lough Errit has a bathing area and flat walks suitable for families.

Yes, there are several scenic walking and hiking trails. Lough Key Forest Park offers 8km of traffic-free trails and the Lough Key Nature Trail loop. You can also enjoy the Boardwalk at Lough O'Flynn, which takes you through beautiful moorland, and the tranquil shores of Lough Errit for peaceful walks.

Roscommon's lakes are rich in history. Lough Key has islands with ruins of an abbey and a 9th-century church, and Drumman's Island features old twisted yew trees and a stone bridge. Lough Ree is known for ancient monastic ruins on islands like Saints Island and Inchcleraun. Lough Allen also features remains of unique 18th and 19th-century sweathouses.

Lough Gara is a haven for wildlife, particularly a diverse bird population, due to its extensive surrounding wetlands, making it ideal for birdwatching. The Boardwalk at Lough O'Flynn also provides opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Lough Funshinagh, a designated Special Area of Conservation, supports specific vegetation and habitats, appealing to nature enthusiasts.

Lough Key offers kayaking and boat tours, including guided historical tours. Lough Ree is a popular destination for water sports, with many companies offering boat rentals for cruising on the Shannon, and Baysports for unique floating challenges. Lough Boderg, part of the River Shannon, is also accessible for cruising.

Yes, Lough Funshinagh is famously known as 'Ireland's amazing disappearing lake.' It is a turlough, a type of seasonal lake found in karst areas, which can unpredictably and rapidly empty, sometimes in as little as two days, and its water levels fluctuate significantly.

Absolutely. Lough Key Forest Park offers 8km of traffic-free trails suitable for cycling. You can also cycle around Drumman's Island. For longer routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes in Roscommon guide, which includes routes near various lakes.

Lough Ree is a popular spot for fishing, particularly for trout and pike. Lough Gara is also a noted fishing location for pike, rudd, roach, tench, bream, and eel. Additionally, Lough Boderg is recognized as a rich fishery, offering opportunities to catch bream, rudd, roach, northern pike, eel, and perch.

The best time to visit the lakes in Roscommon is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports. This period also offers the best conditions for enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife.

While specific accommodation and dining options vary by lake, popular areas like Lough Key Forest and Activity Park often have facilities or are close to towns with services. Lough Gara Country Pursuits, located on the shores of Lough Gara, offers various activities and is a good starting point for exploring the area's amenities. For more information on Lough Key, you can visit Visit Roscommon.

The lakes and their surrounding wetlands are home to diverse wildlife. Lough Gara is particularly noted for its extensive bird population. You can also observe local flora and fauna along the Boardwalk at Lough O'Flynn. Many lakes, being part of the River Shannon system, support various fish species and aquatic life.