Overview
Acres Lake, set against the rolling hills of County Leitrim near the village of Drumshanbo, is home to two linked attractions: Ireland’s pioneering 600 m floating boardwalk and the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre. The boardwalk hovers just above the lake’s surface, providing a seamless gateway to the 6.5 km Shannon Blueway trail that runs to Battlebridge Lock. Together they form a vibrant hub for walkers, cyclists, families and anyone seeking a gentle “slow‑adventure” in a striking blue‑space setting.
History & Background
The floating boardwalk was completed in 2017 by Waterways Ireland, funded by a €500,000 grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Outdoor Infrastructure Scheme. Its innovative design – concrete‑anchored pontoons supporting a wooden walkway – overcame land‑ownership and environmental hurdles, creating the first continuous water‑based path along the Shannon Blueway. The Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre, meaning “Mountain of Iron”, opened shortly afterwards. Operated with support from the Leitrim Local Community Development Committee and the EU‑funded LEADER programme, the centre interprets the area’s layered industrial past – 19th‑century iron‑ore mining, the narrow‑gauge railway, the Shannon‑Erne Canal – and celebrates local music and culture.
What to See & Do
- Floating Walk – Stroll (or wheel) the 600 m boardwalk, enjoying uninterrupted lake views, transparent railings and frequent sightings of swans, mallard ducks and other waterfowl.
- Shannon Blueway Trailhead – From the boardwalk, follow the well‑signposted 6.5 km linear trail north to Battlebridge Lock. The route is gentle enough for families, cyclists and casual walkers, with interpretive panels on ecology and navigation history.
- Cycling Loop – The boardwalk forms part of a 20 km round‑trip traffic‑free cycle on the Shannon Blueway, starting from Electric Bike Trails in Leitrim Village and returning via Drumshanbo. Guided electric‑bike tours (the “Jackalope Cycle Tour”) are available; see the Bike Hire Details section for prices and booking.
- Extended Looped Walks – Connect to a 14 km network of loops that wind through woodlands, riverbanks and historic sites such as the Battle of the Boyne memorial.
- Audio‑visual Exhibition – Inside the visitor centre, a 45‑minute short film weaves together the geology, industrial heritage and cultural traditions of the Arigna‑Sliabh an Iarainn area, suitable for all ages.
- Family Facilities – A playground and an open‑air heated swimming pool (operational July–August) are located at the Acres Lake amenity area. Picnic benches and grassy lawns line the lakeshore.
- Community Events – The boardwalk hosts school outings, local festivals, an annual fun run and occasional craft markets.
Wildlife & Photography
Acres Lake is a quiet haven for birds. In addition to the resident swans and mallards, visitors often spot kingfishers darting over the water and pine martins nesting in the surrounding trees. In summer the lake is dotted with lily pads, creating reflective surfaces that are perfect for early‑morning photography. The best light for photos is around sunrise and late afternoon when the water catches the golden hue of the hills.
Guided Tours & Events
- Jackalope Cycle Tour – A 3.5‑5‑hour guided electric‑bike experience led by local legend Seamus Gibbons. The tour includes stories of the historic canal (opened 1817), wildlife spotting, a stop at the boardwalk for photos, and a complimentary visit to the Shed Distillery with a tasting of Gunpowder Gin and Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Cost: €86 per person (electric bike) or €66 (standard bike). Minimum group size: 4, maximum 10 on e‑bikes.
- Annual Fun Run – Held each spring, the 5 km run starts and finishes at the visitor centre, winding along the boardwalk and canal towpath.
- Craft Markets & Seasonal Festivals – Throughout the summer months, local artisans set up stalls at the Lakeside Amenity Area, offering handmade goods, food stalls and live music.
Bike Hire Details
Electric Bike Trails (Leitrim Village) provides a range of hire options:
- Adult electric bike (over 16) – €45 per day
- Adult 21‑gear hybrid bike – €25 per day
- Children’s bike (20‑24 in wheel) – €12 per day
- Children’s double buggy – €12 per day (suitable for 1‑8 year‑olds)
- Child seat – €5 per day
- Helmets, bike locks, route maps and a pannier bag are included.
Contact: info@electricbiketrails.ie | +353 87 738 6439 | +353 86 828 8747. Bikes can be collected and returned at the hire base in Leitrim Village or delivered to your accommodation within an 8 km radius at no extra charge.
Seasonal Highlights
- Heated Open‑Air Pool – Open in July and August, the pool offers a rare chance to swim outdoors in a lake‑side setting.
- School & Group Visits – The visitor centre welcomes educational groups; a 45‑minute programme is available on request.
- Fun Run & Craft Markets – Typically run in May (fun run) and July–August (markets), these events add a lively community vibe to the site.
Practical Information
- Opening hours: The visitor centre is seasonal – call ahead to confirm dates (phone: +353 71 9641851). The boardwalk is open year‑round; hours follow daylight (approximately 09:00‑17:00 in summer, 10:00‑16:00 in winter). Admission is free.
- Website: https://sliabhaniarainnvisitorcentre.com/
- Parking: On‑site car parking is available at the lake’s edge.
- Access: Reachable via the R208 road through Drumshanbo; the site is also a short walk from the centre of Drumshanbo.
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic benches, wheelchair‑friendly boardwalk and visitor centre, playground, and a seasonal heated pool.
- Bike hire: See Bike Hire Details above.
- Nearby amenities: Jinny’s Bakery and Tearooms (short walk) for coffee and cakes; the Shed Distillery (Gunpowder Gin) in Drumshanbo for adult visitors.
Nearby Attractions
- Battlebridge – Lock and historic bridge a few kilometres north, the end point of the Shannon Blueway trail.
- Carrick on Shannon – The county’s bustling riverside town, ideal for a lunch break or a boat trip on the Shannon.
- Glencar Waterfall – A 50‑foot cascade set in a wooded valley, a short drive from Drumshanbo.
- Glencar Valley – Scenic walks and the famous Devil’s Chimney rock formation.
- Cavan & Leitrim Railway – Heritage railway at Dromod, offering a nostalgic ride through the countryside.
Enjoy the unique blend of engineering marvel, natural beauty and rich heritage that makes Acres Lake a standout destination in the Shannon Valley.