Roscommon Local Activities

Lough Key Forest and Activity 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 new development also includes the tree canopy trail, Boda Borg Challenge, and the adventure play kingdom. Details of each are outlined below.

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 lakeside visitor centre provides an ideal base for gentle leisurely activities or more energetic pursuits in the park.

During the Christmas season, why not browse around our gift shop for that special Christmas present. Free gift wrapping service available with all purchases in December.

Zipit Forest Adventures
Nestled in the treetops of Lough Key Forest & Activity Park, Ireland’s first forest aerial course provides a fun-filled, environmentally-friendly, adrenaline-pumping experience with activities ranging from 1 – 15 metres high. Enjoy hours of fun in the treetops experiencing the forest from a new and exciting perspective. Our trained instructors will provide help and encouragement all the way – everyone works to their own capabilities with no pressure to push on further than you are comfortable with – although we are sure you will surprise yourself!

Once fitted with a safety harness, you get to hurtle down a zip wire, even ride a BMX across a tree-top bridge, climb suspended ladders, swing into cargo nets, balance on a rope…and much, much more! For those who claim they are fearless, there is always the base jump. This exciting day out re-introduces adventure to participants, challenging and motivating them to reach the next level and getting a buzz from their achievements. No experience or skill is required, just a desire to have fun and be adventurous.

The course contains four individual circuits suitable for different heights, ages and abilities. Children from the age of seven upwards can participate, as long as they are at least one metre in height. Participants aged seven to seventeen must be supervised by an adult, either from the ground or in the trees.

Once fitted with our ultra-safe harness and briefed at the initiation circuit you are ready to venture into the tree canopy. With a kid’s circuit (green), a family circuit (white) and two progressively challenging circuits (blue and red) for teenagers and adults, providing hours of fun for a great family day out. Family and group discounts apply and it truly is an adventure packed with activities for all ages. Give yourself three to four hours to complete the full course as there are over 750m of ziplines and over 1.3km of activities. The course is all-weather – only high winds or extreme conditions will close the site.

This is also an ideal activity for groups, clubs, school tours, or as an addition to summer camps. All participating children will be provided with a certificate to prove that they were brave enough to climb it, swing it, surf it, and zip it with Zipit Forest Adventures.

Hodson Bay Watersports
One-hour, boating Eco tours for just €25 per person, are the latest way to spend your day when you visit beautiful Hodson Bay on Lough Ree, just outside Athlone. Explore the history and natural beauty of Lough Ree with your own personal guide on one of our Eco Boat Tours operating throughout the day from Hodson Bay Pier.

Looking for an exciting day out for your group? Try our one-day Level 1 Powerboat course operating each Monday to Friday from 10.00-17.00 including a three-course lunch and complimentary apres course drinks. Put together a group of 6, and the sixth student (You!) goes free. Price only €240 each!!!

Shannon River Adventure
Shannon-River Adventure is an outdoor adventure centre located beside Lough Bofin on the River Shannon at Rooskey, Co Roscommon.

Kayaking is probably one of the most popular activities at Shannon-River Adventure. Visitors can have a fun taster session on one of the sit-on-top kayaks or take things a little more seriously with one of the cockpit kayaks. Venues such as the tranquil waters of Lough Bofin and Lough Boderg are used.

Canoeing, or open boating as it is also known, is a little more relaxed than kayaking with usually 2-3 to a boat. On a relaxing open boat trip, you will get to visit some of the many islands surrounding the beautiful waters of the river Shannon and Kilglass Lakes.

Test your target skills with one of the oldest sports in the world. Traditional long bows and straw targets set on tripods are used. The archery shed at Shannon-River Adventure is sheltered from the elements, so that you can build your skills in a safe comfortable environment.

Pier jumping is an all-time favourite, and gives great enjoyment to adults and children alike. It is a great way to get started with the adventure activities available at the Centre.

There is a variety of team games and challenges which can be tailored to suit all ages and groups. Try your hand at building your own raft and taking it out on the river.

Baysports
Baysports – Boat Training and Water Sports centre located at Hodson Bay on Lough Ree on the outskirts of Athlone, Co. Roscommon is a state of the art boat training and water sport facility and will be a centre of excellence in adventure sports, training and adventure tourism. Activities include – Sailing, Kayaking, Pedal boating, wind surfing, power boat, team building and sight seeing boat trips.

Lough Ree Power Boat School
Lough Ree Power Boat School is the leading Motor Boat and Power Boat Training School in Ireland.

Our motto is – “”We train the Professionals!””

We have a full range of training courses to suit everyone, from absolute beginner to advanced Instructor.

Enjoy the same standard of training we provide to the majority of Government, Commercial and Professional Agencies’ Boat squads.

The school operates an extensive and modern fleet of Training Craft which range from Shannon Cruisers to Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs).

The Irish Sailing Academy
At the Irish Sailing Academy, we cater for both beginners and thrill-seeking pros. Our 21′ keelboats use the latest design innovations to ensure that our courses offer state-of-the-art fun and to provide the best challenge, progression and improvement at every level.

All our courses are run by instructors who are experts in their field and are focused on providing challenging, yet safe environments in which to maximise your learning, fun and success.

Participants from 10-14 years should be accompanied by an adult. One to one training is available at the Academy.