5 Best Places to Walk Your Dog In Roscommon
This month for Operation TransPAWmation, we’re shining a light on all the different ways you can have fun and get out and exercise with your furry friend. Regular exercise is essential to help keep our dogs from gaining excessive weight, and to ensure their overall physical and mental health remains intact. Getting out and about helps keep the brain active, is a great stress reliever and boredom buster; both for dogs and humans!
Check out our blog post below on the best walking trails both you and your dog can avail of in County Roscommon.
1.Lough Key Nature Trail
A beautiful place to enjoy with the whole family, get up close and personal with nature with your furry companion by your side. There are plenty of easily accessible trails throughout the forest and around the lakeshore. Well-maintained and neat, you dog will have plenty to sniff about and explore while you take in the stunning views surrounding you. The bluebells and rhododendrons make for a beautiful sight when in bloom. The lakeside food truck offers snacks and light lunch options for when you need to re-fuel after your stroll, offering plenty of picnic tables to sit and relax at.
2. Kilronan Castle Doon Point Loop
This unique trail offers beautiful views of Meelagh Lough as well as an abundance of gorgeous trees and woodland. Starting in Kilronan Castle Car Park, you and dog can meander through the forest along the northern shore of Lough Meelagh. Let your dog explore the outdoors while you embrace woodland scenery, captivating castle views and beautiful lakeshores. Taking around an hour to complete, there’s no doubt it’s the ideal trail to walk your dog on a brisk Sunday morning.
3. Knockranny Woods
Looking for a shorter, peaceful route to stroll out with your dog? Experience this 1.1-km loop trail near Keadew, County Roscommon. This trail is ideal for dog owners who enjoy the slower pace of life, as it takes you along peaceful forestry paths alongside Knockmeelagh Lake. It’s an easy-going route which is suitable for most abilities, so a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors with the whole family. While exploring the wood, visitors will have the opportunity to interact with local fauna and flora, enjoying the benefits of reconnecting with nature.
4. National Famine Way
One for the history buffs, this 165km walk marks the poignant ill-fated story of assisted emigration in Ireland during the Famine in 1847 when 1,490 poor and hungry were forced to walk the 165km from the Strokestown Park Estate, County Roscommon to Custom House Quay in Dublin. The route is marked by more than 30 pairs of bronze children’s shoes. The Roscommon section of the trail runs from Strokestown Park House to Tarmonbarry which is 18km. Mainly off road, following the Royal Canal towpath, this trail suits families, dog walkers and cyclists alike.
5. Lough Key Drummans Island Trail
Head out on this 3.7-km loop trail near Rockingham, County Roscommon. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of an hour to complete. This beautiful coastal trail is marked with red signage. It’s situated nearby to McDermott’s Castle, and close to Bullock Island. This trail is flat the majority of the way and is suitable for the whole family, both two and four legged, so a wonderful chance to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. There are a variety of stunning photo opportunities along this trail.
What is Operation TransPAWmation?
Petmania’s Operation TransPAWmation began in 2017 to highlight the rise in overweight dogs in Ireland. Since then we have extended the campaign to a whole-health campaign for dogs and cats, helping 1000’s of pet owners get to grips with their pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
Now in its 7th Year, Operation TransPAWmation is designed to help dog and cat owners identify and make small changes that can help improve their pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
For in-person support on your #PetmaniaOT journey, you can also drop into any one of our pet shops nationwide and speak with a member of our team.
