The Enchanted Woodlands of Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon, Ireland

Tina Devins

Sligo, Sligo, IE

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I’ve been visiting Lough Key Forest Park since I was a child. It’s a truly magical place with secret tunnels, a fairy bridge, a hidden Ice House (where I imagined a witch lived!), a wishing chair and a giant Western Red Cedar tree that you can walk inside. The lake has numerous islands, one of which, Castle Island was the original home of one of the ancient kings of Ireland in the 1100s. His castle was destroyed by lightning and the castle there today was built in the early 1800s. The park also has 5 ring forts, which are fortified settlements from the Bronze Age (2000 BC). A timeless, enchanted place where I’ve spent many pleasurable days walking!