County Leitrim, Ireland’s smallest county, offers a serene blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural treasures for travellers seeking a peaceful escape. With its shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and quiet villages, Leitrim provides a wealth of experiences for those eager to explore. From tranquil waterways to ancient ruins and scenic trails, this county invites visitors to discover its attractions at a leisurely pace.
Glencar Waterfall, a 15-metre cascade near Glencar Lough, is a picturesque highlight immortalised in W.
B. Yeats’s poetry. Visitors can follow a short trail to the waterfall, surrounded by lush woodland, and enjoy picnic spots by the water’s edge. The serene setting and nearby lake walks make it a perfect stop for nature lovers and photographers.
Lough Allen, one of Leitrim’s largest lakes, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Visitors can explore its shores by foot or bike, with trails leading to viewpoints over the surrounding hills. The lake’s quiet beauty and nearby Spencer Harbour, with its restored canal basin, create a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
Parke’s Castle, a 17th-century plantation castle on Lough Gill’s shore, combines history with scenic views. Restored by the Office of Public Works, the castle offers guided tours through its stone courtyards and furnished rooms, revealing tales of its Gaelic and English past. Visitors can wander the lakeside grounds, enjoying a peaceful retreat with a historic backdrop.
Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim’s largest town, sits along the River Shannon, offering a welcoming base for exploration. Visitors can stroll the riverside promenade, explore historic sites like Costello Chapel, one of the smallest in the world, or enjoy a boat cruise on the Shannon. The town’s cosy pubs and restaurants provide a relaxed atmosphere for sampling local fare.
The Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre, near Drumshanbo, showcases Leitrim’s mining heritage and natural landscapes. Exhibits detail the region’s iron-ore history, while walking trails lead to viewpoints over Lough Allen and the Sliabh an Iarainn hills. Visitors can explore the centre’s displays and nearby bogs, blending history with outdoor adventure.
Drumhierny Woodland, near Leitrim village, offers 400 hectares of forest trails through native oaks and conifers. Visitors can walk or cycle paths, spotting deer and birds, with boardwalks leading to the Shannon-Erne Waterway. The woodland’s quiet beauty and picnic areas make it an inviting spot for families and nature enthusiasts.
Fenagh Abbey, near Ballinamore, is a 6th-century monastic site with twin ruins of a medieval church and later abbey. Visitors can explore the stone remains, admire carved tombs, and wander the peaceful grounds, with interpretive signs sharing its history. The nearby village’s café and lake walks add to the tranquil experience.
The Organic Centre, near Rossinver, promotes sustainable living with its 19-acre gardens and eco-trails. Visitors can tour organic vegetable plots, explore a willow maze, and learn about permaculture through guided walks. The centre’s café serves fresh, local produce, creating a relaxing stop for those interested in green living.
Manorhamilton Castle, a 17th-century ruin in the county’s north, offers a glimpse into Leitrim’s plantation era. Visitors can explore its stone walls and towers, with information boards detailing its history. The surrounding town’s heritage trail, including the Famine Graveyard, provides a thoughtful walk through local stories and scenic streets.
The Shannon-Erne Waterway, linking Leitrim’s rivers and lakes, is a haven for water enthusiasts. Visitors can hire boats or kayaks to navigate its 63km of canals and lakes, passing quiet villages and historic locks. Cycling and walking paths along the waterway offer a leisurely way to enjoy the county’s serene landscapes and wildlife.
County Leitrim’s mix of natural wonders, historic landmarks, and cultural sites creates a rewarding destination. Whether admiring waterfalls, cruising tranquil waters, or exploring ancient ruins, travellers will find plenty to enjoy in this inviting corner of Ireland.
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.
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