Boyle Travel Guide

Explore Boyle, Ireland with our travel guide. From cultural attractions and natural wonders to food and drink scene, find everything you need for your trip to Boyle.


Introduction to Boyle

Boyle is a quaint town located in County Roscommon, in West Ireland. This beautiful region offers a mix of rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and delightful cuisine. From hiking to biking, exploring museums and historical places, enjoying scenic views, or simply savoring local dishes and beverages, Boyle has something for everyone.

In this travel guide, we will introduce you to the top attractions, activities, and things to do in Boyle, along with essential tips and recommendations for planning your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Boyle

Boyle is a fascinating place, with cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and scenic views. Here is the list of top places to visit in Boyle:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • King House: King House is one of the most famous cultural attractions in Boyle. This 18th-century mansion was once home to the King family and is now an important museum showcasing the history of the region.
  • Boyle Abbey: Boyle Abbey is a 12th-century Cistercian monastery that offers a glimpse into the region’s religious history and architecture.
  • Lough Key Forest Park: Lough Key Forest Park is a beautiful forest park that offers a mix of historical sites, woodland walks, and adventure activities for all ages.

Natural Attractions of Boyle: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Boyle River: Boyle River is a beautiful river that runs through the town and offers stunning views, along with the opportunity for kayaking and fishing.
  • Caves of Keash: The Caves of Keash are a natural wonder in Boyle. These limestone caves offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Lough Key Lake: Lough Key Lake is a picturesque lake that provides a stunning backdrop for numerous outdoor activities, including boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Boyle

Boyle is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous hiking and biking routes to choose from. Here are the top hiking and biking routes in Boyle:

  • Lough Key Forest Park: Lough Key Forest Park has a variety of trails that wind through woodland and along lakeshore, each offering different levels of difficulty.
  • Carrowkeel Loop: Carrowkeel Loop is an easy hiking trail that leads to the ancient Carrowkeel Megalithic Tombs, with stunning panoramic views along the way.
  • The Curlew Mountains: The Curlew Mountains offer breathtaking views and a range of hiking and biking trails to explore.

Best Things to Do in Boyle: Activities and Tours

Here are the top activities and tours in Boyle:

  • Horseback Riding: Boyle is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it the perfect place to take a horseback riding tour for novice or experienced riders.
  • Golfing: Boyle has several golf courses that offer beautiful views and challenging courses for golf enthusiasts.
  • O’Carolan’s Trail: This tour allows visitors to discover the life and works of the famous Irish harper and composer Turlough O’Carolan through visits to historical sites and performances by local musicians.

Week-Long Itinerary for Boyle

Here’s a seven-day itinerary for exploring Boyle:

Day Activities
1 Visit King House and Boyle Abbey; explore the town center
2 Hike or bike Lough Key Forest Park; take a boat cruise on the lake
3 Visit Lough Key Adventure Park; go zip lining or kayaking
4 Take a scenic drive around the region and visit the Caves of Keash
5 Go horseback riding in the countryside; visit the local farmers’ market
6 Play golf at Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club; take a visit to Drumshanbo
7 Visit the Arigna Mining Experience; enjoy the scenic beauty of the Curlew Mountains

Food and Drink Scene of Boyle

The food and drink scene of Boyle is a mix of traditional and modern, with several excellent restaurants and pubs. Here are the must-try dishes and local beverages to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Boxty: Boxty is a traditional Irish dish made with grated potato, flour, and buttermilk, fried on a griddle and served with bacon and cabbage or savory fillings.
  • Lamb Stew: Lamb Stew is a hearty Irish dish made with local ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and onions, slow-cooked with tender lamb and lots of herbs and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Guinness Stout: This iconic Irish beer needs no introduction, and you’ll find it on tap in most pubs in Boyle.
  • Irish Whiskey: Ireland is famous for its whiskey, and you can find a wide variety of local brands to taste in Boyle, such as Jameson or Bushmills.

Where to Stay in Boyle: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Boyle offers a variety of accommodation options, whether you’re looking for luxury hotels or budget hostels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Boyle:

  • Kilronan Castle: Kilronan Castle is a luxurious castle hotel located on the shores of Lough Meelagh, with beautiful views and a range of amenities.
  • Rosdarrig Bed & Breakfast: This cozy B&B offers comfortable rooms, a generous Irish breakfast, and a friendly service.

What to Buy in Boyle: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Boyle has several local products and souvenirs that make perfect gifts or reminders of your trip. Here are the top items to bring home:

  • Silk Scarves: Boyle is known for its silk scarves made by local artists, available at several local shops and galleries.
  • Handmade Crafts: From pottery to glassware and jewelry, Boyle offers a variety of handmade crafts that showcase the region’s art scene.

Local Culture and Customs of Boyle

Boyle has a rich cultural heritage and traditions that are worth exploring during your visit. The town is known for its lively music scene, festivals, and local crafts, and friendly locals who are always happy to welcome visitors.

Best Time to Visit Boyle

The best time to visit Boyle is from June to August, when the weather is mild and sunny, and several festivals and events take place. Spring and fall are also excellent times to visit Boyle, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Boyle

Do:

  • Do explore the local history and architecture through visits to museums and historical sites.
  • Do engage with locals to learn more about their customs, culture, and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t be disrespectful towards local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Boyle

Boyle is a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s always essential to take necessary safety precautions while exploring the outdoors, such as carrying a map, wearing appropriate gear, and staying in safe areas.

Health in Boyle

Boyle has several medical facilities catering to the healthcare needs of residents and visitors. It’s also advisable to carry a basic first aid kit and travel insurance.

Getting to Boyle: Transportation Options and Logistics

Boyle is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including:

Airports Near Boyle

  • Ireland West Airport Knock: This airport is located 52 km from Boyle and receives flights from several European destinations.

Bus Stations Near Boyle

  • Boyle Bus Station: Boyle Bus station connects with several cities in Ireland, including Dublin, Galway, and Sligo.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: Car rental is a great option to explore the region at your leisure.

How to Get Around in Boyle

Boyle is a small town, and most of the attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance. Biking is also a popular option and a great way to explore the countryside.

Where to Go Next from Boyle: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Boyle is a great base to explore other nearby attractions in the region, including:

  • Lough Key Forest Park
  • Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery
  • Drumcliffe Church and Round Tower
  • Arigna Mining Experience

Conclusion

Boyle is a charming destination with a mix of natural beauty, culture, and history. From hiking and biking to exploring museums and savoring local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful town. We hope this travel guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Boyle.

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