By Helen Lavin

WHERE
Thirty minutes from Sligo. Three hours from Dublin, in West Central Ireland.

WHY GO?

Great Scenery, beautiful Forest Park, walking and hiking trails, world-class fishing and golfing.

WHEN?

April to October

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Though you can get to Boyle by rail, it is best to hire a car in Dublin, Shannon or other port of entry. Make it part of your Irish idyll.

BEST ATTRACTIONS

Boyle Abbey, a Cistercian Church founded in 1161.

Lough Key Forest Park, an 865-acre (350 hectacre) park with boating, nature trail, hiking, camping.

Arigna Miner’s Way, 75 miles of walking trails through three counties and past many of Ireland’s historic sights.

BEST UNUSUAL ATTRACTIONS

King House and Strokestown House, restored mansions worth checking out.

BEST ACTIVITIES/LOCAL GUIDES

Walking and Hiking. No guides are necessary. Just pick up maps at the Forest Park and Tourism Centre. For fun, take a boat tour on Lough Key or evening and night tours on the River Shannon.

BEST ALTERNATIVES

The area is an angler’s paradise. Rent a boat and go fishing on the River Boyle, Lough Nasool, Lough Feenagh, Lough Key, Lough Arrow and other nearby rivers and lakes. Inquire at the Tourism Centre in Boyle and at Forest Park House Bed and Breakfast.

BEST LODGINGS

Forest Park House Bed and Breakfast – Huge Irish breakfasts, homey rooms. Inexpensive.
bed-and-breakfast-boyle.com
forestparkhse@hotmail.com
tel: +353-79-62227

BEST EATS

Home cooking at Forest Park House, Blue Moon Restaurant, The Barge

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Boyle Arts Festival in late July. See iol.ie/~boylecoc for details.

BEST LOCAL HAUNT

All Pubs around. Great music and drink.

BEST SHOPPING

Sligo Town, 30 minutes away, has all the major shops. Good bookstores. Look for Irish-made cheeses, wool and more.

MONEY AND COMMUNICATIONS

ATMs are available in Boyle, Sligo and other nearby towns and Travelers’ Checks are widely accepted. Irish Punts are the currency.

Cybercafes available in Sligo

BEST RESOURCES

iol.ie/~boylecoc

unabhan.com

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