Page 211 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 20: Legends and Lakes 209

Above Ponies enjoy the good life at the Sathya Sai Sanctuary Trust, a charity founded to take care of
elderly and abandoned ponies and donkeys
style and size, are particularly good 6196; open Apr–Oct: weekends, Wed–Fri
examples of Irish passage tombs. phone ahead for appointment). From
One of them is similar to Newgrange Carrowkeel, follow the signs for the
(see p160), except that in Carrowkeel equine sanctuary a little further
the inner chamber is lit by the sun down the same road.
on the summer solstice (21 June), ª Leaving the sanctuary, head south
rather than on the winter solstice as on the N4. At the first exit for Boyle,
happens at Newgrange. continue on the N4 for approximately
Children might enjoy a visit to 8 km (5 miles). The entrance to Lough
the Sathya Sai Sanctuary, a rest Key Forest Park is on the left. Go down
home for neglected ponies and the driveway to enter the car park.
donkeys (www.donkeys.ie; 071 966
i Lough Key
Boyle, Co Roscommon
Lough Key Forest Park (park: open daily;
visitor centre and attractions: check website;
www.loughkey.ie) is one of Ireland’s EAT AND DRINK AROUND
most extensive parks. It comprises CARROWKEEL MEGALITHIC
some 350 hectares (530 acres) of CEMETERY
stunning forest and mixed woodland,
with walking trails including a tree Coopershill House
moderate–expensive
canopy walk suspended 9 m (30 ft) Have a drink by the fire before
above the ground. Among the park’s enjoying a superb gourmet meal
lakes and islands, Trinity Island houses served in the elegant, authentic
the remains of an ancient abbey. Georgian dining room of this
Boats are available for hire, and country-house hotel.
Clearly signed 2 km (1 mile) from
there are also picnic areas, a lakeside Riverstown; 071 916 5108;
Above The entrance to one of the passage tombs visitor’s centre and a well-equipped www.coopershill.com;
at Carrowkeel children’s playground. closed 1 Nov–31 March
DAY TRIP OPTIONS County Museum. Drive to Drumcliffe Ancient Ireland
Sligo Town is an ideal base for 4, where the poet is buried. Drive south to Carrowmore
exploring Yeats Country and the Continue to dramatic Glencar Lough Megalithic Cemetery q for a guided
ancient cemeteries. and Waterfall 5, and return to the tour of the passage tombs. Continue
town via Lough Gill 6, where boat south to Carrowkeel Megalithic
Yeats Country trips to Yeats’ beloved Isle of Innisfree Cemetery u.
Poetry lovers and romantics could
take a trip around the places that are available from Parke’s Castle jetty. Follow the drive’s instructions to
inspired W B Yeats. In Sligo Town 7, Take the N15 to Drumcliffe, then follow Carrowmore. From there, take the R292
pay homage to the poet’s statue, the drive’s instructions to Glencar to the N3, then N4, and turn off at
and see his Nobel Prize medal in the Lough and Lough Gill. Castlebaldwin for Carrowkeel.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive under €25; moderate €25–€50; expensive over €50

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