Discover Boyle: Abbey, Culture and Cycle Way
Accommodation in Boyle
Boyle offers a range of options for your trip: history at the abbey and King House, a cultural programme, a market and a route for cycling or walking. The local offerings can be distinguished by their themes. You can decide whether to focus on historical connections, events, local produce or outdoor activity.
Abbey and King House: two historical highlights
Boyle Cistercian Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in the 12th century by monks from Mellifont Abbey. The local ruling family, the MacDermotts, acted as patrons at its founding. The restored gatehouse dates from the 16th or 17th century and serves as an interpretation centre where visitors can learn more about the abbey’s history. This brings together the founding of the monastery and a much later part of the complex with its own interpretive role. The abbey is in Boyle and can be reached via the N4, the Dublin-Sligo Road.
King House Historical & Cultural Centre offers a different historical perspective. The restored Georgian mansion is in Boyle, County Roscommon, just off the N4. King House tells the story of the King family and of the house’s time as a barracks for the Connaught Rangers. While the history of the Cistercian monastery is central at the abbey, King House focuses on the King family and the house’s use as a barracks. The two sites are therefore clearly distinguished by the historical subjects they present.
Cultural programme in Boyle
The Boyle Arts Festival is a ten-day event. Its programme includes classical music, jazz, traditional and contemporary music, several exhibitions, children’s events and workshops, as well as theatre, comedy, film and poetry. It also features a series of lunchtime concerts that continues to this day. The festival offers a different cultural format from the history of the abbey and King House: alongside music, it includes performing arts, film and literary events, as well as activities for children. If you would like to plan your travel dates around the festival, check the dates and programme before making plans.
Walk or cycle to Lough Key
The Boyle to Lough Key Cycle Way runs through Boyle Marina, along the Boyle Canal and through woodland on its way to Lough Key. You can use the route on foot or by bicycle. It is 7.9 km long and rated easy to moderate. So when choosing this activity, the destination, Lough Key, is not the only consideration: the route is described as suitable for both walking and cycling. Its length and rating give you concrete points of reference for weighing this activity alongside Boyle’s historical and cultural attractions.
Saturday market at King House
The Courtyard Market takes place every Saturday from 10:00 to 14:00 on the grounds of King House. Visitors can meet local producers and browse a selection of products. These include locally produced artisan foods, crafts and organic produce. The market has a different focus from the historical interpretation at King House: here, the emphasis is on producers and their products. Details about dates and other information may change, so check the opening times before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Termonbarry, Ballyfarnon, Cootehall, BĂ©al Na MbuillĂ, Lisacul, Ballaghaderreen, Elphin, Tulsk
For the broader travel overview: County Roscommon.
