About Boyle Ireland and surrounding area

One of the chief towns of County Roscommon, Boyle has a pleasant position at the base of the Curlew Hills and the north bank of the river Boyle, which connects Lough Gara and Lough Key. It is a good touring centre, with golf (9 hole), tennis, and river and lake fishing. Launch trips and boats for hire at Lough Key.

Nestling under the Curlew Mountains, Boyle is a town which is a blend of history and modern day activity. It is of significant historical interest as it is home to Frybrook House, a 12th Century Abbey and King House. Arriving in Boyle in 1603, the King family quickly became one of the largest land-owning families in Ireland.

Recently the subject of a complete restoration by Roscommon County Council, King House now plays host to an exhibition which details the story of the 'Kings of Connacht'. With various areas focusing on the turbulent history of the House and the elaborate pageantry of the Kings, on whose land the house was built, it is a three dimensional display which appeals to adults and children alike.

At the end of the 18th century, the Kings moved to Rockingham (now Lough Key Forest Park) and the house eventually fell to the Connaught Rangers to use as a military barracks. On the way North, if you call to the village of Keadue, you will find the burial place of O'Carolan, the last great Irish bard and to the west of Boyle is Drumanone Dolmen dating to 3000 BC.

The Lough Key Experience engages you in a journey of nature and history. It takes you through the nineteenth century underground servants tunnels up the Moylurg Viewing Tower and along Ireland's first Tree Canopy Walk, this walk is three hundred metres long created of timber and steel and gently rises nine metres above the ground offering a great view of the surrounding landscape. There also is an adventure Playground in the complex together with a unique and challenging adventure house for adults and children called Boda Borg.