Hidden among the peaceful woodland islands of Lough Key Forest Park, Church Island, lovingly known as Teddy Bear Island, is one of the most charming family experiences in the west of Ireland.
Accessible by boat with Lough Key Boats, the island invites children into a world of imagination, storytelling and outdoor adventure. Surrounded by nature, it feels like stepping into a magical woodland where teddy bears might be enjoying secret picnics beneath the trees and fairies could be hiding along the forest paths.
For younger children especially, Teddy Bear Island creates a sense of wonder that turns an ordinary family outing into a truly memorable adventure.
Part of the charm is the feeling that a magical teddy bear picnic is happening somewhere deep within the woods. Children love exploring, imagining tiny woodland homes, hidden teddy bears and secret picnic spots tucked among the trees.
It is a calm, screen-free outdoor experience where families can slow down, enjoy nature and let childhood imagination come alive.
Visitors regularly mention Teddy Bear Island as one of the highlights of their boat tour experience. One Tripadvisor guest described it as “a magical added touch for the kids,” while another said “Teddy bear island was a highlight” and “my niece loved it.”
Lough Key Boats has become one of the most loved family attractions in Roscommon and is proud to be recognised with Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice awards year after year, placing it among the top-rated visitor experiences.
Families consistently praise the friendly atmosphere, storytelling, scenery and magical experiences for children.
Tripadvisor reviews describe the tours as:
Teddy Bear Island can be experienced as part of a boat trip on Lough Key with Lough Key Boats.
Travelling across the lake adds to the excitement, giving children the feeling of reaching a hidden island surrounded by water, woodland and wildlife. The boat journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
Visit www.loughkeyboats.com to plan your magical family adventure.
Discover the story of Church Island in Roscommon, as part of your journey through Lough Key’s historic and natural attractions. While the island itself remains protected and closed, its presence adds depth, mystery, and meaning to the surrounding landscape.
This Island is also called Teddy Bear Island, and this enchanting stop is a highlight of any visit to Lough Key, especially for families with young children.
Designed to spark imagination and wonder, this special woodland area invites children to step into a storybook setting where fairies might be hiding among the trees and teddy bears could be tucked away in cosy forest homes.
Teddy Bear Island is located on Church Island in Lough Key Forest Park, near the town of Boyle.
The island is affectionately known as Teddy Bear Island because of its magical woodland atmosphere, imaginative teddy bear displays and the sense of adventure and storytelling it creates for children.
The island is accessed by boat with Lough Key Boats. The boat trip across the lake is part of the overall experience and adds to the excitement for children and families.
Yes. Teddy Bear Island is especially popular with toddlers, younger children and families looking for gentle outdoor adventures, imaginative play and nature experiences.
The experience is particularly magical for children aged approximately 2 to 10 years old, although older children and adults also enjoy the scenery, storytelling and sense of adventure.
No, but many families love bringing their favourite teddy along for the adventure and for photos on the island.
The experience forms part of the wider boat tour and lake adventure with Lough Key Boats. Duration can vary depending on the tour chosen and lake conditions.
Boat trips generally operate seasonally and are weather dependent. It is always best to check directly with Lough Key Boats before travelling.
Yes. Teddy Bear Island forms part of the wider Lough Key Forest Park experience and is one of the most loved family highlights on the lake.
The combination of woodland scenery, storytelling, imagination, nature and the excitement of arriving by boat creates a magical family experience unlike anywhere else in Ireland.
Yes. Many Tripadvisor visitors mention Teddy Bear Island as a highlight of their experience with Lough Key Boats, particularly families travelling with younger children.
Yes. Lough Key Boats has received Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice recognition, including Best of the Best recognition, based on outstanding visitor reviews and experiences.
Absolutely. The woodland setting, lake views and magical atmosphere make it one of the most photogenic family experiences in Roscommon.
Comfortable footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, cameras, snacks for children and, of course, a favourite teddy bear if you wish.
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