Want some ideas for walks this season? Roscommon has an incredible variety of autumn walks you can enjoy. From the brilliant vistas along the banks of The River Suck, to tranquil walks through Irelands famous Peatlands. Roscommon has it all and we cannot wait to share them with you.
Loughnane Sculpture Park Trail (650m/4 mins)
Only a few minutes away from Gleesons is the Loughnane Sculpture Park trail adjacent from Roscommon Castle. You will find hand craved wooden portraits of Queen Meave, Cú Chulainn, Felim O’Connor (King of Connacht) and Aedh O’Connor (Rebel of Connacht) along the beautiful scenic trail with amazing views of the castle across the pond. Take in your surroundings from The Nature Chair, a mighty wooden throne with beautiful carved wildlife around you.
Within the Loughnane Park you will also find Roscommon Castle a 13th century Norman castle which was once home to the King of Connaught. In 1641, it was obtained by the Parliamentarian faction and then confederate Catholics, under Preston, captured it in 1645. From then, it remained in Irish hands until 1652, when it was partially blown up by Cromwellian ‘Ironsides’, who then had all the fortifications dismantled. The castle was burned down in 1690 and ultimately fell into decay. Take a walk inside and explore the ruins and see for yourself the great castle it once was.
www.visitroscommon.ie/loughnaneane-sculpture-trail/
Suck Valley Way (9.4km/10mins)
The Suck Valley Way offers a truly tranquil walking experience, meandering along the banks of the River Suck, with its numerous lakes and drainage channels. This circular walking route is 105km in length and passes through counties Roscommon & Galway.
www.visitroscommon.ie/suck-valley-way/
Cloonlarge Bog walk(10.5km/12mins)
This looped Bog Road walk allows you to explore the flora and fauna of the Kilteevan Peatlands. Information boards on the local butterflies, a locally made Turf Hopper, together with quirky creative wood craft are all located along the trail.
www.visitroscommon.ie/cloonlarge-bog-walk
Sliabh Bawn (19km/26mins)
Throughout the forest are looped walks, a trim trail for fitness, an equestrian trail, a raised viewing platform and a new picnic area. home of the Sliabh Bawn Wind Farm which comprises 20 turbines and a substation. Walking trails range in distance from 2.7km to 6.5km and would be graded as either easy or moderate difficulty making them suitable for family groups to enjoy. The mountain is made up of two main peaks, the highest being 262m high. The second peak is 254m high and is the location of the Holy Year Cross.
www.visitroscommon.ie/sliabh-bawn-trim-trail
Lough Key Forest & Activity Park (46.1km/42mins)
A beautiful 200 acres forest with amazing walking and cycling trails. Previously the Rockingham estate you can take a tour of the underground servant tunnels, take in the views of Mac Dermot’s castle on the lake from the Moylurg Viewing Tower and stroll along the treetops on canopy trail. With many historical features to be discovered amongst the grounds there are also many activities from bike or rowboat hire to zip lines and kayaks. There is a Lakeside visitor centre and café on site at Lough Key.
