Things to do in Boyle

Lough Key Forest Park and Leisure Park

Comprising some 350 hectares of mixed woodland, a lake and a number of islands, Lough Key constitutes one of the most extensive and picturesque forest parks in Ireland. Included in the Park's amenities are a well landscaped caravan and camping park, nature walks, a bog garden, observation tower, ice house, wishing chair and underground tunnels. The lake, Lough Key, one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland, is navigable from the Shannon via the Boyle River and the jetty at Lough Key harbours pleasure cruisers from that great river. Boats are available for hire within the Park. Guided tours are available for groups and school tours by arrangement.

A new lake side Visitor's Centre, provides an ideal base for gentle leisurely activities or more energetic pursuits in the Park. The new "tree canopy trail" will take you on an engaging journey through the history, Flora and fauna of the Park using the 19th Century underground tunnels, the refurbished 5 storey Moylurg viewing tower and a contemporary tree canopy walk, the first of its kind in Ireland. This 250m long creation of timber and steel gently rises 7m about the woodland floor. It offers an engaging "birds eye view" of nature as it meanders through the tree tops offering panoramic views of the shimmering island studded lake. Another unique attraction at Lough Key is the innovative weather independent Boda Borg challenge, a Swedish concept containing numerous rooms with fun filled activities, puzzles and enjoyable tasks, but no instructions! Once you enter the challenging two storey boda borg, only teamwork using countless different skills, ingenuity trial and error will allow you to progress through the various spaces.

An outdoor adventure play kingdom has been designed to provide stimulating and entertaining activities for children of all ages in a colourful and safe environment. Take time to explore the 350 hectare Estate from its 19 th Century Parkland with majestic trees, follies, bridges and canals to the numerous walks and trails through the native woodlands, bog garden and forest. Lough Key's forest and leisure park is located on the N4, just East of the town of Boyle.

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Boyle Origin Farmers Market

The Boyle Origin Farmers Market is located in the sheltered walled courtyard of the Georgian mansion, King House, Boyle and takes place every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Shoppers have the opportunity to buy local produce either made or grown close to home, and the opportunity to talk directly to the producers.

Available is the usual supply of local organic fruit and vegetables and a selection of imported organic fruit & veg that is not normally available in Ireland, organic free range eggs, organic beans and pulses, hand made bread, cakes, buns and pastries, flans and quiches, and hot soup to take away. Chicken supplies, layers' pellets and feed are also available for poultry keepers. There are several craftspeople selling their goods.

Come and watch one of our basket weavers following their traditional craft during the market, while shoppers can fill up on hand made chocolate truffles, fudge and brownies, delicious organic ice creams and fruit sorbets, a large selection of fresh fish, local pork including sausages, rashers and gluten free pork sausages,
A large selection of Irish farmhouse cheeses from Cheese Etc and smell the aroma of freshly made French Crepes.......

Time: Every Saturday 10am to 2pm
Venue: Grounds of King House, Boyle, Co.Roscommon
The Bridgestone Award winning Farmer's Market in Boyle, provides an excellent range of local, wholesome and healthy produce. "It has proven to be one of the success stories of the North-West" as stated in The Bridgestone Irish Food Guide.

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King House Interpretive Galleries and Museum

King House is a magnificently restored Georgian Mansion built around 1730 by Sir Henry King. The grand scale of the reception gallery, its original stone floor, tripartite windows and high vaulted ceilings portray the impression that this 18th Century residence was built as a symbol of status, wealth and power of the King family. After its first life as a family home, King House became a military barracks to the famous Connaught Rangers Regiment from 1788 until 1922. In more recent years King House has been a barracks for the Irish Army.

Today visitors can explore this unique architectural treasure and enjoy a range of interactive presentations that offer an enchanting view of Ireland 's heritage and culture. The exhibitions tell the story of the house, its people and the surrounding locality in an entertaining and informative manner. They focus on the world of Gaelic Ireland, the dramatic episodes in the lives of the King family, the architecture, construction and restoration of the House and the military history associated with the building. However you like your history, come to King House and you will definitely be looking forward to looking back.

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Boyle Abbey

Located in Boyle, stands the magnificent restored ruins of the Cistercian Abbey founded in 1161 by Maurice O'Duffy. It is a sister house to the first Franciscan Monastery in Mellifont, Co Louth. Consecrated in the year 1220, it was damaged during several wars and for 400 years withstood a succession of raids, burnings and plundering, caught as it was in the turmoil between the McDermotts and O'Connors, other Irish chiefs and in the wars between the Irish and English due to its position on an important communications route. Despite this it is still regarded as the finest of the Cistercian Churches to survive in Ireland with the majesty of the South Arcade unparalleled elsewhere in the country. Few Medieval Irish Abbey's show better than Boyle how stonemasons built their Churches. Various figures and animals carved on the Capitals of the columns near the Western end show scant regard for Cistercian desire for plain Churches which would not distract people from their prayers. A small interpretative centre is cited in the gatehouse. Opening hours are daily from Easter to the end of October 10:00 am to 18:00 hours. Tours average around one hour. There are guided tours available. Leaflets and guide booklets are available in most languages. There is public car parking and facilities.

Website: Heritage Ireland - Boyle Abbey

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Boyle Arts Festival

Boyle Arts Festival is now in its 19th year and has established a reputation for excellence earning it a place as one of the best festivals in Ireland each summer. The festival has been the winner of several national awards and we welcome new and innovative contributions. Events include a major art exhibition of works by contemporary Irish Artists, Classical and Traditional Music, Poetry, Drama, Lectures and Childrens events.

Boyle Arts Festival 2009 will take place on Thursday 23rd july 2009 to Saturday 1st August 2009.

For more information visit www.boylearts.com

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Boyle Civic Collection

Boyle Civic Collection is now widely considered as a collection of paintings and sculptures by the very best of contemporary Irish artists. The acquisition of works commenced in 1990, and the ever-expanding collection now is in excess of 150 paintings and sculptures.

The objectives of the Trustees are to:

* Build a collection of contemporary Irish art of the highest quality
* Encourage townspeople to visit and take pride in their collection
* Encourage artists, businesses and organisations to donate work

These works are currently on loan to Roscommon County Council for exhibition mainly in King House. Rotated regularly, a selection of the collection is on permanent view at King House during opening hours, except during the Arts Festival when they are removed to make way for the main exhibition. In keeping with our aim to make art and the arts more accessible to the people of Boyle, a number of works are also on loan to Boyle Railway Station, The Plunkett Home for the Elderly and schools for disabled persons.

The collection is acquired mainly from the revenue generated from the sale of works at BAF group exhibition each year. Donations have also been gratefully received from artists and from The Haverty Trust. Prize money received from AIB Better Ireland Awards has also funded the purchase of a number of works

To view the collection online please visit www.boylearts.com

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Arigna Mining Experience

Arigna Mining Experience opened Ireland's first Coal Mining Museum. With an exhibition area tracing 400 years of mining and a tour which actually takes you through what was a working mine but the whole experience is both educational and extremely intriguing for kids. All of the tour guides are ex-miners and are therefore able to relate a history of a life that no longer exists in a way which is both educational as well as being interesting.

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