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Lough
Key Resort centre is located in what was previously
known as Lough Key Forest Park, which is located
approx 2 miles outside of Boyle. The 350 hectare
estate contains many walks & trails through
the woodlands and forests, Bog Garden and
19th century parkland with it's majestic trees,
follies, bridges and canals.
The
350 hectares of parkland, formerly Rockingham
Estate, seat of the King Harman family, invites
you to walk along peaceful nature trails from
which you can enjoy the spectacular scenery
and panoramic beauty that is preserved and
protected in Lough Key Forest Park. You can
appreciate the full scale of the park from
the top of the Moylurg Tower, built on the
site of Rockingham Mansion, which was demolished
in the 1960's following a fire.
The
Nature Trail starting from Rockingham Harbour
takes you past the massive tent tree, over
the Fairy Bridge (left) and along the avenue
shaded by giant cedars, leading you to the
Bog Gardens. Enter by a small wooden bridge
along an unusual pathway paved with cross
sections of oak trunks cut from the forest.
The
Bog Gardens area is a particular feature of
the Park, displaying a wide selection of peat-loving
plants and shrubs, and an irregular maze of
pathways leading you to many fascinating little
nooks and crannies. Masses of colourful rhododendrons
(right) mingle with the sweet scented yellow
azaleas in early summer. Crossing Drumman's
Bridge onto the island, the walk brings you
through a delightful springtime bluebell forest.
With nothing to disrupt the tranquil atmosphere
of the Forest Park you may, at times, have
endless walks all to yourself.
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