Lough Key

Everything you need to know about access, tide times and best tips for your next outdoor swim here.
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May 2013

Our knowledge of places to swim in Roscommon is very limited so we were pleased to visit the attractive surroundings of Lough Key Forest Park. This is a very well maintained facility which also has a visitors centre, forest walk, and a marina.

We got in from the slipway across from the marina and it brings you about waist height into the dark fresh water. Like all lakes you need to move carefully and watch out for underwater rocks. No jumping or diving. About 200 metres to the right of the slipway there is a small sandy area with shallow water. We didn’t get in here but it looks like a place where children can splash in the summer.

If you walk around the back of the marina and follow the lake shore path for a few hundred metres you come to few concrete jetties and we were told that people swim here during the summer. There are steps down into the water. We didn’t venture in but again be careful.

All in all, Lough Key is a lovely place for a visit. Apart from the swimming there is plenty to do and it is an ideal place for families to visit.

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Directions

From Dublin or Sligo follow the N4 and Lough Key is located between Carrick and Shannon and Boyle. The entrance is well signposted and you drive all the way through the forest to the car park beside the lake. Car parking is 4 euro. The lake side and environs are buggy and wheelchair accessible.

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Tide times for nearby Sligo Harbour (Oyster Island)

map

16 September 2025

Time Type Height
01:48 high 2.88m
07:40 low 1.66m
14:32 high 3.02m
21:17 low 1.34m

17 September 2025

Time Type Height
03:25 high 2.99m
09:41 low 1.53m
15:50 high 3.25m
22:27 low 1.06m

18 September 2025

Time Type Height
04:27 high 3.27m
10:39 low 1.26m
16:45 high 3.55m
23:11 low 0.77m

View full 7 day tide times.

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Your Swim Stories & Adventures! πŸŠβ€β™€οΈ

We would love to hear your stories and memories from your visit to this spot. Whether it was a peaceful day soaking in the views or an adventurous outing braving the wild waters for a swim or a dip, your insights can inspire others.

Share your favourite moments, tips for navigating the currents, or even the best times to visit. Your experience matters to us and can help fellow outdoor swimmers discover the beauty of this hidden gem.

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