It was daunting at first , slowing down the boat , mooring on the side to wait our turn and watching how other boats did it . Be we need not have worried , the friendly lockkeeper was there to help us first timers through and it was actually quite fun , giving everyone a chance to get involved . One at the back , one at the front , avoiding slack on the guide ropes when going up and feed the rope out from around the base when going down . Other crews also came along to help out and spectate , as there was a real spirt of camaraderie amongst everyone . We seemed to follow the same route as “ Pat ”, an Irish man who was taking his family out on his private boat for a few days . He was always just ahead of us and ready to assist at any mooring point .
After navigating the Shannon-Erne waterway map , following the coloured and numbered markers , we arrived safe and sound into Lough Key . Kids were pier jumping , fishing , having picnics and playing games .
LOUGH KEY is an area of natural beauty , and home to Lough Key Forest and Leisure Park . If you are looking for guaranteed family fun , come rain or shine , then this is the place to be . Lough Key Forest Park offers stunning views , varied wildlife and historic buildings . It also has a wonderful Visitor Centre with a treetop canopy walk , outdoor adventure playgrounds , segway tours and activities , and a Lakeside Café .
Inside , you ’ ll find the innovative Boda Borg , a Swedish concept and unique to Ireland . A challenge for both adults and children , once you enter the two-storey complex only teamwork , ingenuity , trial and error will allow you to progress through its 47 rooms ! It contains fun-filled activities , imaginative puzzles and enjoyable tasks , but no instructions .
We were first time fishers as well , but the helpful staff in “ The Fish & Tackle ” shop in Carrick had sorted us with bait and a kids rod from the night before , so catching fish ( and releasing back ) was a major tick off the wish list that evening . The sunset was incredible , with the sky being lit up with a mix of oranges and yellows , reflecting off Lough Key . Wow Ireland we all thought !
Next morning we headed south , passing Carrick and stopping at the village of Dromod .
DROMOD is a small village with three lovely pubs and a restaurant , and is noted for its excellent fishing on nearby Loughs Bofin and Boderg . The Bog Oak water feature in the centre of the village is entitled ‘ The Weeping Tree ’ and was made by a local craftsman from a piece of bog oak which was found nearby . We moored up and went into the lively Cox ’ s Steakhouse for dinner and a pint of Guinness .
Next stop was ROOSKY , which is a beautiful village that is very well known and a popular tourist destination along the River Shannon . The old town is famous for its angling and the waterways are well stocked with perch , roach and bream . If you ’ re in the mood for exercise there are some lovely peaceful walking trails around the area . The harbour is well equipped with mooring points to spend the evening and there is plenty of ‘ craic ’ to be had in the local pubs . We were able get some fresh milk in the local supermarket and a few essentials in the local pharmacy .
Dromod - Guinness
Up early the next morning , we pushed on to TARMONBARRY , another friendly town with many signs of the past . Here you can discover the hidden Abbey in the church grounds , built in the 12th century , or enjoy the sight of the great Carriglas Manor . Built in the early 19th century , this Tudor revival house was designed by Daniel Robinson and formally the residence of the Lefroy Family . It is
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