Information
City: LeitrimCountry: Ireland
Continent: Europe
Leitrim, Ireland, Europe
Overview
Tucked in Ireland’s northwest, County Leitrim is small but striking, with quiet hills and winding rivers, and it shares its borders with Sligo, Donegal, Cavan, and Roscommon.Leitrim may be small, but it’s famed for its untouched beauty-still lakes that mirror the sky, rolling green hills, and villages that feel like old friends.It’s the perfect spot if you want a quiet escape, fresh air on a cliffside trail, and a taste of true Irish culture.First.Leitrim’s scenery blends rolling hills with shimmering lakes, winding rivers, and dense green forests.This county lies in the heart of the Irish Midlands, where the River Shannon traces its southern edge, its banks alive with reeds and herons, offering rich wildlife habitat and plenty of chances for boating or fishing.Lough Allen, a broad stretch of water in northern Leitrim, draws visitors for boating, fishing, and swimming, its surface often dotted with small boats on a calm summer afternoon.Shaded woodlands invite you onto winding trails and quiet picnic spots, while the River Shannon-the longest in Ireland-slips lazily through southern Leitrim, perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or drifting along on a river cruise.The Leitrim Way stretches the length of the county, leading walkers past deep forests, small villages, and still, glassy lakes.If you’re looking for a quieter, more natural setting, head to the Arigna Mountains in the county’s west, where rolling green slopes open to breathtaking views of the countryside.This area draws hikers and wildlife watchers, and its past is tied to the old coal mining days.Leitrim’s history runs deep-you can still spot crumbling castle walls, weathered ruins, and prehistoric stone monuments scattered across its hills.You can still spot its medieval roots and Celtic touches in local landmarks, from weathered stone churches to intricate carvings on old town walls.Creevelea Abbey, just outside Dromahair, is a 16th‑century Franciscan monastery, its weathered stone walls still standing strong after centuries.It’s a quiet place steeped in Irish religious history, where the stone ruins of Fenagh Abbey stand just outside the village of Fenagh.The abbey, founded in the 6th century, still stands in weathered stone ruins that draw history lovers from across the region.Drumshanbo, the county town of Leitrim, boasts landmarks like the old courthouse, along with the Alpaca Farm and the Drumshanbo Museum.Every year, it throws a lively Whiskey Festival, honoring the town’s long history of whiskey-making with rich aromas drifting through the streets.Leitrim’s towns and villages are small yet full of character, where life moves gently and neighbors greet you with a smile.Carrick-on-Shannon, often called the capital of Leitrim, sits buzzing with life along the wide, slow-moving sweep of the River Shannon.Visitors flock here for boating, fishing, and lazy river cruises, then wander between cozy pubs, lively restaurants, and little shops that spill light onto the street.The town also boasts the Dock Arts Centre, where music spills from the stage and art fills the walls year-round.Drumshanbo, with its rolling hills and the shimmer of nearby Lough Allen, is a welcoming market town.The town’s home to The Shed Distillery, where Drumshanbo gin and smooth whiskey fill the air with a warm, spiced scent.Not far away, Dromahair sits by Lough Gill, its Creevelea Abbey ruins framed by rolling green hills-a perfect starting point for countryside adventures.Down the River Shannon, Leitrim Village offers quiet streets, ivy-clad cottages, and easy access to the still waters of Lough Allen.It’s a perfect place for anyone who loves kayaking at dawn or strolling shady forest trails, and Leitrim’s rich heritage invites you to explore ancient ruins, browse small art galleries, and soak in its vibrant culture.In the heart of Carrick-on-Shannon, the Leitrim Design House bursts with color and texture, showcasing handcrafted pottery, textiles, and other works by local artisans.At the Leitrim Sculpture Centre in The Glens, visitors can explore sculpture exhibitions, join hands-on workshops, and even take part in artist residencies, all celebrating traditional Irish craftsmanship.If you love contemporary art, you’ll find plenty to see here.The Cavan and Leitrim Railway, once a narrow-gauge line rattling through the countryside, carried passengers and goods from 1887 until it shut down in 1959.In Dromod, the museum brings the railway’s past to life, showing how its iron tracks shaped the region’s growth.Leitrim’s wild hills and clear lakes make it a haven for anyone who loves the outdoors.The county’s full of ways to get outside-hit the forest trails, pedal along quiet backroads, paddle across the lake, or pause to spot a hawk circling overhead.Lough Allen, one of the region’s largest lakes, is perfect for boating or casting a line from its quiet, stony shore.Wooded paths and quiet trails wrap around the area, making it perfect for a peaceful escape.The River Shannon, Ireland’s longest, winds through southern Leitrim, where you can kayak, paddle a canoe, or cast a line for trout.Near Dromahair, Lough Gill shimmers under the sky, dotted with small islands like Innisfree, the muse for W. B. Yeats’ “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.” And in Arigna, you can step into the old coal mines that once powered much of Ireland.At the Arigna Mining Experience, you can step into the dim, echoing tunnels and uncover the story of the region’s industrial past.Throughout the year, Leitrim bursts to life with festivals that showcase its music, art, and rich local traditions.Carrick-on-Shannon’s Summer Festival packs the streets with live bands, lively theatre, and outdoor fun-from dancing in the square to kayaking on the river.The festival showcases the best of Leitrim’s culture, drawing locals and travelers from all over Ireland; in Drumshanbo, the Whiskey Festival fills the air with the scent of aged oak during tastings, masterclasses, and lively music, while the Leitrim Live Festival gathers musicians and guests to revel in the region’s rich traditions, and the county’s food scene blends hearty Irish classics with modern dishes, highlighting fresh local produce and seafood.At Drumshanbo Distillery, you can sip some of Ireland’s finest gin and whiskey, crafted with care and rich in aroma; in nearby Carrick-on-Shannon, cozy pubs and restaurants serve fresh seafood, hearty Irish stews, and other dishes made from local ingredients; and at Leitrim’s farmers markets, stalls brim with seasonal produce, tangy cheeses, warm loaves of bread, and handmade treats-making Leitrim an ideal destination for anyone who loves good food and drink.
Landmarks in Leitrim
