Cruising from the scenic delights of Lough Key and up the Boyle River, you will enter the new harbour which is approximately 1 km from the town of Boyle. Located in the shadow of the Curlieu Mountains, Boyle is a lively town with a long history. It is one of the largest in the area and is on the main Dublin to Sligo (N4) route, making it an active place for travel and commerce. The town has recently become famous as the setting for the Emmy Award winning TV series ‘Moone Boy’. You can pick up a copy of the interactive ‘Moone Boy’ walking Trail map complete with QR codes from Úna Bhán Tourism in Boyle. The series creator and famous Hollywood actor Chris O’Dowd is from Boyle.
During July and August a great value shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors from the Lough Key Forest Park to and from Boyle town daily, see bus stops for a timetable.
Boyle’s history dates back to the 12thcentury when a Cistercian abbey was built with the support of the local ruling family, the McDermott’s. The ruins of the abbey were all but destroyed during the 17th century when the conquering English Cromwellian forces used it as a military barracks from which to launch attacks. Boyle abbey is one of the treasures of this area.
King House, explore this magnificently restored 18th Century Mansion , here you can delve into the dramatic episodes of its history with stories of a tragic Irish romance, feats of bravery and the hardship in war of the famous Connaught Rangers Regiment. The local Una Bhan Traditional Craft Shop showcasing a treasure trove of local crafts and tourist information is located within it’s grounds along with the award winning Boyle Farmers Market which offers high quality local produce and takes place here every Saturday from 10am to 2pm. The town is full of Georgian architecture, such as the tower clock in the square. A heritage trail can be undertaken which will guide you to some of the more notable examples. Clarke’s bar and family restaurant is the oldest in Boyle and it was established in 1889 when self made business man James Clarke returned from Australia and built the establishment. It is now enjoying its fourth generation of family ownership. During this period Boyle was a boom town and many of the streets date back to this time. The recently opened Bruno’s Restaurant and the Open Table Restaurant are located near the impressive Georgian tower clock and are getting great reviews.
Just 5 km outside Boyle is Drumanone dolmen or portal tomb. Dating back to 2000 BC, it is an ancient burial site of the megalithic inhabitants of this area. This dolmen is worth visiting and transport for this can be arranged by contacting Seamus Cab’s on 086 2600025.
Throughout the town there are plenty of restaurants and pubs to relax in as well as lots of shops for supplies. The Boyle Arts Festival is one of the largest in the northwest and takes place in the last week of July. It is full of street culture and music, with drama and fun for all the family.
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