Lough Key facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lough Key |
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Lough Key and Castle Island
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 Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | County Roscommon |
| Coordinates | 54°0′N 8°15′W / 54.000°N 8.250°W |
| Native name | Loch Cé Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Max. length | 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) |
| Surface area | 843.7 ha (2,085 acres) |
| Average depth | 5.1 m (17 ft) |
| Max. depth | 21.8 m (72 ft) |
| Water volume | 43 hm3 (35,000 acre⋅ft) |
| Islands | 32 (incl. Castle Island, Stag Island, Bullock Island, and Drumman's Island) |
Lough Key (Irish: Loch Cé) is a beautiful lake in Ireland. It is located in the northwest of County Roscommon, near the town of Boyle. People believe the lake is named after a mythical figure called Cé.
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What's in a Name? The Story of Lough Key
The name Lough Key comes from the Irish words Loch Cé. In ancient Irish mythology, Cé was a powerful druid (a wise person) who served the god Nuada.
How Lough Key Got Its Name
Cé was hurt in a big battle called the Second Battle of Mag Tuired. He ran south until he reached Carn Corrslebe to rest. From there, he saw a lovely plain full of flowers. He wanted to reach it, but when he did, he sadly died. When his grave was dug, a huge amount of water burst out. This water flooded the entire plain, creating the lake. That's why it was named Loch Cé, after him.
Exploring Lough Key's Geography
Lough Key is part of the northern River Shannon area. The Boyle River flows into Lough Key from Lough Gara. After passing through the town of Boyle, the river enters Lough Key. From the lake, the river continues east. It then joins the River Shannon near Carrick-on-Shannon.
Size and Views of the Lake
The lake covers an area of about 843.7 hectares (about 2,085 acres). Its average depth is 5.1 meters (about 16.7 feet). You can get a great view of the lake from the N4 road. This road goes up the Curlew Mountains after you pass Boyle. A modern steel sculpture of an Irish chieftain on horseback makes the view even more special.
A Glimpse into Lough Key's Past
The area around Lough Key and Boyle has been lived in for thousands of years. The lake is several kilometers wide. It has over thirty islands covered in trees. Some of these islands include Castle Island, Trinity Island, and Orchard Island.
The History of Castle Island
Castle Island has had buildings on it for many centuries. The oldest record is from 1184. It mentions a lightning strike that caused a fire. This fire damaged "The Rock of Loch-Cé," which was a "very magnificent, kingly residence." Today, you can see a beautiful folly castle on the island. It was built in the early 1800s by the King family.
Ancient Ruins on Other Islands
Trinity Island and Church Island also have old ruins. These are the remains of medieval priories, which were places where religious people lived and worked.
Lough Key Through the Centuries
In the 1600s, the King family took over the land around Lough Key. They changed the name of the area from Moylurg to Rockingham.
The Story of Rockingham House
In 1809, a large mansion called Rockingham House was built. It was designed by a famous English architect named John Nash. This house was the home of the Stafford-King-Harman family for many years. Sadly, it was badly damaged by a fire in 1957. The house was later taken down in 1970.
Discovering Lough Key Forest Park
Right next to the lake is Lough Key Forest Park. It's a very popular place for people who enjoy walking and exploring. The park opened in 1972. It covers 865 acres (about 350 hectares) that used to be part of the Rockingham estate.
Attractions at the Park
The Moylurg Tower is a viewing tower built in 1973. It stands where the old Rockingham House used to be. From the tower, you can see the lake to the north and green lawns to the south. The park has many fun things to do. You can take boat tours, rent boats, and enjoy other water activities. There's also a camping and caravan park, an outdoor playground, and a shop. In 2007, new attractions were added. These include a forest canopy walkway and more play areas for children.
How the Park Was Created
Sir Cecil Stafford-King-Harman (1895–1987) was the last Baronet of Rockingham. He made sure that the land went back to the people of Ireland. The Irish Land Commission divided the pasture land into several farms. These farms were given to local people. A large area around the old Rockingham house became the Forest Park. The Department of Forestry first looked after it. Now, Coillte, an Irish state company, takes care of the park. The park also has the remains of five ring forts. These show that people have lived in this area for a very long time.
Lough Key in Literature and Legend
The area around Lough Key is important in old Irish stories and legends. Around the year 1000 AD, the Annals of Boyle were written on Trinity Island. From 1253 to 1590, the Annals of Lough Key continued these records. Lough Key is also known for the legend of Una Bháin. A famous harp player named Turlough O'Carolan is buried at Kilronan, which is about 5 kilometers (3 miles) north of the lake.
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See also
In Spanish: Lough Key para niños
