Activities Available in the Area

Angling / Fishing

Ross Castle is situated on the shores of Lough Sheelin, one of Ireland’s preeminent Brown Trout lakes. The castle lies also in an area, surrounding Lough Sheelin, which is blessed, within a short drive, with extensive waterways such as the River Shannon, River Inny, Gowna Lakes or Lough Ennel, Owel and Ramor. The region provides many a fine opportunity for some exciting game and coarse fishing. This is simply an angler's paradise !

Wild Brown - and Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach and Eel are only some of the more prominent species of fish available to anglers in this area. Guests can hire a boat at neighbouring Ross House or one of the many facilities catering to anglers in the area.  

Bird Watching
Why not relax and listen to the rare corncrake on the water meadows of the Shannon near the monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise or take a walk through the forests at adjacent Mullaghmeen. Visit one of the many local bogs and shore areas teeming with an abundance of unique birdlife or travel the country roads looking for Irelands unique avi-fauna. 

Cruising
The Shannon-Erne Waterway is the leading and most extensive waterway in the British Isles. Cruising on the River Shannon and the Grand Canal is an ideal way to experience the Irish countryside. Ross Castle is ideally located to serve as base for cruising-day trips on the areas waterways. 

Cycling
Cycling is a unique and fitting way to experience the midlands around Lough Sheelin. The scenery around the Shannon and the loughs forms a beautiful accompaniment and fitting backdrop to any travel by bike. The roads are not busy and amenity areas are a regular occurrence and available to travellers. The Lough Sheelin Region has a particular attraction for the cyclist for its proximity to the dedicated cycling route from Killala in Co. Mayo to Ballinamuck in Longford as well as the Tan Trail, which passes by the lake. These and many small sideroads lend themselves to exploring rural Ireland by bike.

Flying
For guests interested in recreational flying, the quaint recreational airport of Abbeyshrule is only 12 kms away. 

Golf
Ireland is the home of Golf ! Numerous, excellent 18 hole parkland and link courses are situated in this region providing a challenge to golfers of all levels with a multitude of championship courses to choose from. The nearest course is only across the lake at Crover House. 

Greyhound Racing
Racing "the dogs" is an Irish tradition, a popular spectator sport where the thrill of the race ensures a thoroughly enjoyable night out. Greyhound Race tracks with frequent races are found in nearby Mullingar, Longford and Navan. 

Horse Racing
County Meath is horse country and contains four well known horse racing tracks, which hold numerous races during the year. Point to Point events are very popular among local horse racing followers in the area. Horse racing at Kilbeggan is an action packed spectator sport and on racing nights the quiet midland town is transformed into a festival. 

Horse Riding / Equestrian

The Ross House Equestrian Centre is found within walking distance to Ross Castle and offers riding in state-of-the-art facilities as well as trekking over farmland, mountain and forest trails. Pony trekking, cross country and show-jumping arrangements can be made at the Equestrian Centre which will meet all your horse related needs. It is possible to stable horses there if required. 

The Lough Sheelin region offers horse riding to suit all levels of experience and expectation. The varying terrain and beauty of the landscape paired with the many horse events and facilities make this area a very fitting destination for equine enthusiasts. 

Sailing
Lough Sheelin offers opportunities for sailing enthusiasts on the lake. In the region, Dromineer and Garrykennedy on the River Shannon are ideally suited for those who sail for fun or in competition. Sailing courses are available in some areas. 

Walking / Hiking
The Irish Midlands offer an abundance of hiking opportunities: Why not try the Boyne Way - Navan to Slane or the walking trails around the Loughcrew Hills. The Cavan Way offers excellent opportunities for the walker, as do the many unmarked trails and side roads. Mullaghmeen, an extensie forest park only a short distance from Ross Castle, is the most well known in this area and one of the largest hardwood forests in Ireland. With its well developed network of trails and vistas of the surrounding countryside it is a destination and delight for walkers and nature enthusiasts throughout the seasons. 

Water sports
Lough Sheelin is suitable for some water activities during the summer. Opportunities also exist at other lakes in the area, some of which are specialized for certain activities such as sailing, canoeing or motorized uses. 

Other Activities
Some more urban activities and entertainment such as bowling, carting, cinemas or pools can be found in the larger towns of Cavan, Longford, Navan or Mullingar, which are all within a 30 – 45 minute drive of Ross Castle.