Lough Key Boats

About

The Walsh and McGreevy family have run boats on Lough Key since 1984, from the Old Harbour inside the forest park. The guided tour is an hour on the Trinity, a fully enclosed 40-seat boat, past the islands and close to the MacDermott castle on Castle Island, with a local guide on the history and the stories of the lake. You can also hire an 18-foot rowing boat for up to five people and go out on your own after a safety briefing, or book a private speed-boat trip with a skipper. This is Lough Key seen from Boyle's side of the water: if you are on a hire cruiser out of Carrick, you will be arriving at the same lake by the river instead. It is a summer operation, closed for the winter apart from private speed-boat trips by arrangement.

Highlights

• ✓An hour on the enclosed tour boat Trinity
• ✓Close views of Castle Island and McDermott's Castle
• ✓Self-guided rowing boats for up to five
• ✓Family business on the lake since 1984

Tips

• →Guided tours run daily in July and August and at weekends in September; check the operator for June
• →Tours depend on weather and minimum numbers
• →Book online in peak season

Best Season