The Office of Public Works (OPW) and the Rose of Innisfree Boat Tours have partnered again this year to offer visitors a unique heritage experience when visiting Parke’s Castle.

Every Wednesday from 1 July, the Rose of Innisfree Boat Tour departs from Doorly Park Jetty, Sligo at 10:30am, travelling 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.

The experience offers a new way to explore the shared cultural story of Sligo and Leitrim including waters associated with W.B. Yeats and the Lake Isle of Innisfree before reaching the 17th-century history of Parke’s Castle.

Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said “I am delighted to welcome this partnership between the OPW and Rose of Innisfree Boat Tours, which gives visitors a new and enjoyable way to experience Parke’s Castle every Wednesday. This initiative enhances access to one of our most valued heritage sites while also supporting local tourism and showcasing the unique beauty and history of the area.”

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.

For more information or for a full list of events at OPW locations nationwide visitwww.heritageireland.ie.

Event: Boat Trip to Parke’s Castle and Tour

Location: Park’s Castle, Leitrim

Date: Every Wednesday, from 1 July 2026

Departure: Doorly Park Jetty, Sligo – 10:30am

Return to Sligo: Departs 12:20pm, Arrives 1:30pm

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request. Please [email protected] more information and to arrange an interview.

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The Office of Public Works (OPW)

The OPW provides accommodation for Government Services and manages much of the State’s property portfolio.

It cares for 780 heritage sites, including national monuments, historic parks, gardens and buildings. It is the Government’s principal engineering agency, providing an engineering service to the Flood Risk Management and Estate Portfolio Management functions of the OPW as well as to other Government Departments.