boyle local area plan 2012 - 2018 - Roscommon County Council

PART II: DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR 2012 – 2018 & BEYOND Chapter 5: Recreation, Leisure & Tourism
3. Roscommon was once hailed as an angler’s
paradise but its reputation has been affected by a
combination of limited access to the lakes and
rivers, the impact of the spread of zebra mussels
and other invasive species, competition from other
EU angling locations and lack of investment in
product and marketing.
4. It is essential to safeguard, for future generations,
the physical elements of the town that combine to
give its unique character. Improving the town’s
publicly accessible environment can bring about
significant long term social, cultural, environmental
and economic benefits for the town and its people.
5. Fishing is a major attraction in Boyle and the
surrounding area. This area is recognised as being
an angler’s paradise with several lakes and rivers
within close proximity. Activities such as boating,
fishing, watersports, walking, cycling, swimming
and bird watching are all available in the region.
The Council believes that this industry has the
potential to develop further and will support further
investment proposals that will expand and upgrade
the tourism product on offer.
The following are a number of the significant
attractions and events in and around Boyle;
‣ Lough Key Forest & Activity Park
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park includes some 350
acres of parkland on the shores of Lough Key in close
proximity to Boyle. This beautiful landscape is steeped
in history with remains of Neolithic and Bronze Age
settlements. In the 12th Century, the area surrounding
Lough Key Parkland served as a stronghold of the
MacDermott Clan. After Cromwell, the lands were given
over to the King family, who lived on the land for some
350 years until fire ravaged the manor home, completely
destroying it in the 1950’s. The property was
subsequently sold to the Government and was then
managed as a forest park. Lough Key is a scenic and
historical area with several interesting features. Guests
can enjoy walking through more than 10 kilometers of
forest walks which take you along magnificent lake
shore areas, canal banks and forested areas.
Photo 27: ‘The Gazebo’ in Lough Key Forest & Activity
Park
Photo 28: Lakeshore near car park in Lough Key Forest
& Activity Park
Photo 29: Cruising on the Shannon-Erne Waterway
The Lough Key Experience focuses on a journey of
nature and history. It takes the visitor through the
nineteenth century underground servant’s tunnels up the
Moylurg Viewing Tower and along Ireland's first Tree
Canopy Walk. The Tree Canopy Walk is approximately
300 metres long, is constructed of timber and steel, and
gently rises approximately 9 metres above the ground
offering a great view of the surrounding landscape.
There also is an adventure Playground in the complex,
together with an adventure house for adults and
children called Boda Borg.
Boda Borg is an innovative Swedish concept unique to
Ireland and is challenging for both adults and children.
It is indoor weather independent and offers a unique
challenge. Its 47 rooms contain fun filled activities,
imaginative puzzles and enjoyable tasks, but no
instructions! Boda Borg is open all year round for prebooked
groups and is an idea activity for family and
friends, school tours, youth clubs, stag and hen parties,
corporate groups, sports clubs, and social organisations.
‣ Boyle River
The Boyle River flows through the heart of Boyle and
is a major asset to the town, with potential for increased
use of the river and the riverside for recreation and
business. The Boyle River is canoed regularly by
members of the local community and visitors to the
area. The river and riverbanks are an important part of
Boyle’s identity and form an important wildlife corridor
and refuge.
The Boyle River flows from Lough Gara through the
town of Boyle and onto Lough Key, before joining with
Ireland's longest river, the River Shannon. It holds good
stocks of wild brown trout, with the best pools
Boyle Local Area Plan 2012-2018 Page 50