Exciting new boat tour that takes in Parke’s Castle launched by The Rose of Innisfree Boat Tours

Parke’s Castle has announced a brand new collaboration with The Rose of Innisfree Boat Tours for an exciting boat tour pilot with visitors being invited to step into a living story of Ireland’s northwest with a unique heritage experience.

Established in 1992 by George and Tina McGoldrick, The Rose of Innisfree Boat Tours is still a family business today, with the second generation proudly showing beautiful Lough Gill, the Lake Isle of Innisfree, Parke’s Castle, Leitrim and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to visitors throughout the year.

The skipper, Alan, provides an entertaining and informative commentary during the tour, pointing out places of interest, the varied wildlife and telling a few of the myths and legends associated with this landscape. There may also be some poetry recited (maybe even a song or two!).

Speaking to the Leitrim Observer, Alan said that the new tour began when the OPW launched a pilot scheme to bring visitors from the Wild Atlantic Way to the Hidden Heartlands. 

He continued: "It's essentially linking Parke's Castle with the Wild Atlantic Way and it will run up to September and next year it will be back for the summer. The tour is one hour up the lake from Sligo up to Leitrim; then you have an hour to visit the castle and an hour return journey into town. You can have tea and biscuits and you can pre order food if you wish."

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Every Wednesday, the Rose of Innisfree Boat Tour departs from Doorly Park Jetty, Sligo at 10:30am, offering a scenic cruise across Lough Gill to the majestic Parke’s Castle on the Leitrim shore. Once docked, visitors are welcomed with a guided tour of the castle at 11:30am, before the boat returns to Sligo at 12:20pm, arriving back by 1:30pm. Please note that boat charges apply. 

This experience, offers a new way to explore the shared cultural story of Sligo and Leitrim and the route evokes the poetic landscape of W.B. Yeats, bringing visitors through waters immortalised in The Lake Isle of Innisfree and into the heart of 17th-century Gaelic and English history at Parke’s Castle.

To make the most of the day, visitors are encouraged to visit Sligo Abbey, another OPW-managed site just minutes from the jetty. With its medieval cloisters and sculpted tombs, Sligo Abbey offers a perfect morning stop before embarking on the boat.

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Speaking about the initiative, Supervisor Guide Emma Timoney said:

“We’re excited to offer this seamless land-and-lake experience that links two counties, two OPW sites, and hundreds of years of Irish heritage. It’s a meaningful way to connect our natural landscape with our built history.”

For more information on taking a tour, you can call Alan on 087 259 8869, The Rose of Innisfree Boat Tours Instagram page,  Facebook page or contact Parke's Castle on 071 916 4149.