DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Leitrim

County Leitrim, tucked away in Ireland’s northwest within the province of Connacht, is the country’s least populous county, with approximately 35,199 residents (2022 census). Known as “Lovely Leitrim” and part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the Wild Atlantic Way, it offers a serene escape with stunning waterways, rugged mountains, and a rich cultural heritage. Despite its small size and 4km coastline, the shortest in Ireland, Leitrim is a hidden gem, perfect for slow adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking authentic Irish experiences. Centered around the lively county town of Carrick-on-Shannon, the county includes charming villages like Drumshanbo, Dromahair, and Kiltyclogher. Leitrim is Ireland’s seventh smallest county by size (1,525 square km) and smallest by population (35,199). Here’s what visitors can expect outside Carrick-on-Shannon:

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities:

Glencar Waterfall: Located near Manorhamilton, this 50ft waterfall, immortalized by W.B. Yeats in his poem The Stolen Child, is a must-visit. Its accessible paths, picnic areas, and nearby Teashed Café make it family-friendly. The surrounding Glencar Lough offers scenic walks and fishing for bream and pike. Free entry.
Lough Allen: This expansive lake, splitting Leitrim’s hilly northwest from its flatter southeast, is ideal for water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing. Lough Allen Adventure Centre provides rentals and guided tours (€20–€50), including wilderness therapy with bushcraft and foraging. Glamping options enhance the experience.
Shannon-Erne Waterway and Shannon Blueway: Leitrim is a boating hub, with the River Shannon and its 16-lock waterway connecting to the River Erne. Hire cruisers from Carrickcraft or Emerald Star (€100–€300/day) or join Moon River or Rose of Innisfree boat tours (€15 adults) for leisurely cruises through villages like Drumsna and Dromod. The Shannon Blueway offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and cycling trails, including Ireland’s first floating boardwalk at Acres Lake.
Slieve an Iarainn (Iron Mountain): This rugged mountain in Leitrim’s east provides hiking trails with views of Lough Allen and the Dartry Mountains. The Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre in Drumshanbo explores the region’s mining history (free entry).
Hag’s Leap: In the Dartry Mountains near Kinlough, this 330m limestone tower, Ireland’s highest free-standing natural rock formation, offers stunning views from a designated viewing area (no hiking access). Nearby Poll na mBear cave, with 2000 BC bear bones, adds intrigue. Free to visit.
Slieve Bloom Mountains (Shared with Laois): In southeast Leitrim, these ancient mountains offer trails like the Glenbarrow Eco Walk, showcasing waterfalls and rare wildlife (free).

Historical and Cultural Attractions:

Parke’s Castle: On Lough Gill’s shores near Dromahair, this 17th-century fortified manor offers guided tours (€5 adults) exploring its O’Rourke clan history and connections. The visitor center includes exhibits, and the lake’s Isle of Innisfree, also linked to Yeats, is visible by boat.
Creevelea Friary: Near Dromahair, this 1508 Franciscan friary, one of Ireland’s last before Henry VIII’s dissolution, features well-preserved cloisters and a bell tower. Its peaceful riverside setting along the River Bonet is perfect for a reflective stroll (free).
Seán MacDiarmada’s Cottage: In Kiltyclogher, this National Monument, the restored home of the 1916 Easter Rising leader, offers insights into Ireland’s revolutionary history (free, seasonal opening).
Glenview Folk Museum: In Ballinamore, this private collection of over 6,000 pre-Famine artifacts, including farm tools and household items, provides a glimpse into rural Irish life (€5 adults).
Arigna Mining Experience: Near Arigna, this former coal mine, operational until 1990, offers underground tours (€12 adults) detailing Leitrim’s industrial past, led by ex-miners. The site includes a café and gift shop.
Leitrim Genealogy Centre: In Ballinamore, this center helps visitors trace Leitrim ancestry, ideal for those with Irish roots (€50–€100 for research services).

Cultural and Craft Experiences:

Traditional Music and Pubs: Leitrim’s music scene thrives in pubs like Anderson’s Thatch Pub in Carrick-on-Shannon (sessions Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday) and Paddy Mac’s in Drumshanbo (Fridays). The Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne, a historic dancehall, hosts concerts and tea dances, with a showband memorabilia exhibit (€5–€10).
The Shed Distillery: In Drumshanbo, this distillery, home to Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, offers tours (€20) with tastings of gin and whiskey in a botanical glasshouse. Part of Slow Adventure packages, it includes cycling the Shannon Blueway and dining at Jinny’s Tearoom.
Boxty Tradition: Leitrim’s culinary heritage shines with boxty, a traditional potato pancake. Producers like McNiffe’s and Dromod Boxty offer tastings at local markets or restaurants like The Oarsman in Carrick-on-Shannon (€10–€15).
The Organic Centre: In Rossinver, this eco-conscious hub offers organic gardening courses, foraging tours, and a Grass Roof Café with local produce (€10–€30).

Towns and Villages:

Drumshanbo: A vibrant village with The Shed Distillery, Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre, and a lively music scene at Paddy Mac’s. It’s a hub for Shannon Blueway activities.
Dromahair: Home to Creevelea Friary and Parke’s Castle, this village offers a quaint base for exploring Lough Gill and Ard Nahoo Eco Cabins, with yoga and hot tubs (€100–€150/night).
Manorhamilton: A market town with the restored 17th-century Manorhamilton Castle (free entry) and access to Glencar Waterfall and Hag’s Leap.
Kiltyclogher: Known for Seán MacDiarmada’s Cottage and a strong heritage focus, it’s a peaceful spot for history lovers.
Ballinamore: Offers Glenview Folk Museum, fishing lakes, and the Leitrim Genealogy Centre, with a welcoming community vibe.
Outdoor and Adventure Activities:
Cycling: Electric Bike Trails in Leitrim Village provides e-bike rentals (€30/day) for exploring the Shannon Blueway or countryside trails, promoting sustainable tourism.
Fishing: Leitrim’s lakes (Lough Allen, Lough Scur, Lough Melvin) are angler’s havens for salmon, pike, and trout. The Drowes Fishery is renowned for spring salmon (€20–€50 permits).
Hiking: Trails like O’Rourke’s Table near Parke’s Castle and the Leitrim Way (48km) offer stunning views of the Dartry Mountains and Lough Allen (free).
Glencar Alpacas: Near Glencar Lough, this farm offers guided alpaca walks with lake views (€15–€25).

What’s New for 2026 in County Leitrim

The Leitrim Gathering (May 23–25): This annual homecoming festival, highlighted on X, invites the Leitrim diaspora and visitors to reconnect through heritage-focused events, guided nature tours, and walks using the Leitrim Walking Guide. New for 2026, expect expanded storytelling sessions and traditional craft workshops in villages like Drumshanbo and Kiltyclogher, emphasizing Leitrim’s small-town charm. Held in Carrick-on-Shannon and surrounding areas, it’s a cultural highlight (€10–€30 for some events).
Seán Mac Diarmada Summer School (May 30–31): In Kiltyclogher, this event explores Irish revolutionary history with talks, reenactments, and tours of Seán MacDiarmada’s Cottage. New additions for 2026 include interactive history workshops for families and a focus on Leitrim’s role in the 1916 Easter Rising (€10–€20).
Drumcoura City Country Music/Americana Festival (May 30–June 2): Held in Drumcoura, this festival features top Irish country artists like Jimmy Buckley and Mick Flavin, with new 2026 additions like Americana workshops and local food stalls, drawing music lovers to Leitrim’s rural heart (€30–€50 tickets).
Leitrim Tourism Photo Competition: Launched in January 2026, this competition invites visitors to submit photos of favorite Leitrim spots like Glencar Waterfall or Hag’s Leap, with prizes including local craft vouchers. It runs through March, encouraging exploration of Leitrim’s landscapes (free to enter).
Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Leitrim’s 2026 tourism push, supported by the Leitrim Local Community Development Committee, emphasizes eco-conscious experiences. New guided eco-tours along the Shannon Blueway and Slieve an Iarainn focus on sustainability, with local businesses like The Organic Centre and Ballykilcavan Brewery pursuing B Corp certification.
Cavan and Leitrim Railway Enhancements: In Dromod, this restored steam railway introduces new 2026 family-friendly rides and historical exhibits, enhancing its appeal as a nostalgic attraction (€5–€10).

Visitor Tips for 2026:

Best Time to Visit: May–June offers mild weather (10–15°C) and festivals like The Leitrim Gathering and Drumcoura Country Music Festival. September is quieter, ideal for uncrowded hikes and boat trips. Winter (December–February) brings lower accommodation rates but wet conditions, pack waterproof gear.
Getting Around: Leitrim is 2 hours from Dublin via the N4/M4. Irish Rail serves Carrick-on-Shannon and Dromod from Dublin Connolly (€20–€30). Bus Éireann connects to Drumshanbo and Manorhamilton. Renting a car is recommended for rural sites like Hag’s Leap or Creevelea Friary. Ireland West Airport (Knock), 45 minutes away, offers flights from the US via London Heathrow.
Accommodation: Stay at Lough Rynn Castle near Mohill for luxury (€150–€250), Ard Nahoo Eco Cabins in Dromahair for a unique retreat (€100–€150), or Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway’s lodges for a nature escape (€80–€120). Budget B&Bs in Ballinamore or Kiltyclogher cost €50–€80. Book early for festival weekends.
Accessibility: Glencar Waterfall, The Shed Distillery, and Arigna Mining Experience are wheelchair-accessible, but Parke’s Castle and Creevelea Friary have uneven terrain. Contact venues for details.
Currency: Euro (€) is used, with 10–15% tipping customary in restaurants if no service charge is added.
County Leitrim in 2026 promises a tranquil yet enriching experience with its waterways, historical sites, and vibrant cultural events, enhanced by new festivals and eco-tourism initiatives, making it an ideal destination for those seeking Ireland’s unspoiled charm.