- Keeldra Lough (Cloone): Keeldra Lough, near Cloone, is Leitrim’s only officially designated swimming spot, recognized for its excellent water quality and sandy shore, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors. It’s a well-maintained freshwater lake ideal for families and swimmers of all levels. A sheltered, sandy bay surrounded by boglands, offering a tranquil, rural setting with views of Leitrim’s rolling countryside. Clear, calm waters (10–15°C) with a gradual depth increase, suitable for beginners and experienced swimmers. A pier extends into deeper water for confident swimmers, but checking depth before diving is essential. Toilets, changing rooms, and parking are available, with lifesaving equipment on-site but no lifeguards. The area is popular for fishing and birdwatching, adding to the natural ambiance. Rated “Excellent” for water quality (EPA, 2014). Swim with a companion, use a tow float for visibility, and avoid diving without checking depth. Check for algae or muddy water after heavy rain.
- Lough Allen (Cormongan Pier): Lough Allen, one of Ireland’s largest inland lakes, offers a prime swimming spot at Cormongan Pier near Drumshanbo. It’s a scenic location within the Shannon Blueway, popular for swimming and water sports like kayaking and windsurfing. Expansive lake views with gentle shores, framed by Sliabh an Iarainn mountain and lush greenery, creating a serene, wild atmosphere. Calm, clear waters (10–15°C) with a slipway for easy entry, suitable for all skill levels. Shallow areas near the pier are ideal for beginners, while deeper waters suit longer swims. Parking at the pier, but no lifeguards or changing rooms. Nearby Drumshanbo offers amenities like The Copper Still pub for post-swim warming up. Water quality is not specifically tested for swimming (EPA, 2024). Check for boat traffic, use a tow float, and swim with a companion. Avoid swimming after heavy rain due to potential runoff.
- Glencar Lake: Near the famous Glencar Waterfall, immortalized by W.B. Yeats, Glencar Lake straddles Leitrim and Sligo, offering a tranquil swimming spot with crystal-clear waters and a stunning backdrop. It’s a protected site due to its ecological importance. Lush greenery, limestone cliffs, and the nearby cascading waterfall create an idyllic, poetic setting, perfect for a reflective swim. Clear, cold waters (10–15°C) with gentle shores, ideal for leisurely swims. The lake’s depth varies, so beginners should stay near the shore, while confident swimmers can explore further. Parking and tearooms near Glencar Waterfall, but no lifeguards or changing facilities. The nearby village of Manorhamilton has cafés like The Tea Shed. Not a designated bathing area, so water quality isn’t monitored (EPA, 2024). Swim with a companion, use swim shoes for rocky edges, and check for underwater hazards like weeds.
- Lough Melvin (Rossinver): Lough Melvin, near Rossinver, is a freshwater lake spanning Leitrim and Fermanagh, known for its sandy shore and excellent water quality, making it a favored wild swimming spot with a small marina nearby. A sandy bay with views of limestone shores and distant hills, offering a peaceful, natural escape. The lake is home to rare fish and birds, enhancing its ecological charm. Gradual depth increase with sandy underfoot conditions (10–15°C), suitable for all levels. Swimmers can venture to a small island for an adventurous dip. The water is clear but cold. Limited amenities; parking near the marina, but no lifeguards or changing rooms. Rossinver village offers small cafés for post-swim refreshments. Rated “Excellent” for water quality (Leitrim County Council, 2020). Swim with a companion, use a tow float, and avoid boat traffic near the marina.
- Only Keeldra Lough is a designated bathing area with monitored water quality. Other spots lack specific testing, so check EPA updates (www.beaches.ie) (www.beaches.ie) and avoid swimming after heavy rain due to runoff risks. Never swim alone, check for currents or boat traffic, and be aware of cold-water risks (hypothermia). Wetsuits, swim shoes, and warm post-swim clothing are recommended. Follow Water Safety Ireland guidelines.
Leitrim’s wild swimming is lake-based, with no significant coastal access (its 4km coastline is not noted for swimming). The Shannon Blueway enhances access to Lough Allen and other waterways, but rivers like the Shannon at Carrick-on-Shannon are better for boating than swimming due to currents. Bring a tow float for visibility, especially near boats or in deeper waters. Check local conditions via Leitrim County Council or wildswim.ie.
Nearby towns like Drumshanbo, Rossinver, and Manorhamilton offer cafés and pubs for post-swim comfort. Leitrim’s wild swimming community is small but enthusiastic, with local groups sharing tips on wildswim.ie. Events like the Lough Allen Swim Festival occasionally draw swimmers. Leitrim’s lakes, like Glencar and Melvin, are ecologically sensitive. Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife (e.g., birds, otters) and avoid littering.
County Leitrim:
Ireland’s county Leitrim is a haven of waterways and unspoilt scenery, with the Shannon-Erne Waterway offering tranquil boating and fishing opportunities. Carrick-on-Shannon’s historic Costello Chapel and vibrant marina provide cultural and leisurely appeal, while Glencar Waterfall adds natural beauty. Leitrim is Ireland’s seventh smallest county by size (1,525 square km) and smallest by population (35,199). Population peaked at 155,297 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 25,057 in 1996. In terms of hospitality, Leitrim is Ireland’s 29th most visited tourist county with around 39,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Wild swimming
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
