Tucked away in Ireland’s scenic northwest, County Leitrim holds the unique distinction of being the island’s least-populated county, a title that preserves its beautifully wild and wonderfully uncommercialised landscape. Deeply rooted in the ancient kingdom of Breifne, the county’s history is as compelling as its scenery, echoing the tales of the O’Rourke clan and providing a peaceful, immersive escape into authentic Irish heritage.
Leitrim’s natural beauty is quietly spectacular. The landscape is adorned with breathtaking wonders, most notably the majestic Glencar Waterfall. This magical cascade, which famously inspired W.B. Yeats’s poem “The Stolen Child,” drops dramatically into the tranquil waters of Glencar Lough. Further exploration reveals the sprawling beauty of Lough Allen and the sweeping, dramatic vistas of the North Leitrim Glens. Along the county’s surprisingly short but stunning stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, visitors are treated to legendary coastal curiosities like the Fairy Bridges at Tullan Strand, intertwining spectacular sea views with deeply held local folklore.
Beyond its serene landscapes, Leitrim offers a vibrant, engaging array of activities. The majestic Shannon Blueway invites explorers to walk, cycle, or kayak through pristine riverside scenery, while the charming Cavan & Leitrim Railway provides a delightful journey into the past aboard restored steam locomotives. Visitors can marvel at the exquisitely preserved 17th-century Parkes Castle, savour locally crafted spirits at The Shed Distillery, or experience the enduring community spirit at the beloved Rainbow Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne. Quiet, beautiful, and deeply welcoming, County Leitrim is a rewarding retreat for those seeking the unspoilt heart of Ireland.
Drumshanbo, leitrim
Waterways Ireland floated a 600 m timber boardwalk across Acres Lake in 2017 – the first water-based stretch of the Shannon Blueway, level enough for wheelchairs and buggies. It links to a 6.5 km traffic-free trail to Battlebridge Lock and a 20 km cycle loop, with e-bike hire delivered free within 8 km. The heated open-air pool beside the playground runs from June to the end of August.
Ballinamore, leitrim
Set on the banks of the Yellow River, Ballinamore blends 17th-century plantation history with a vibrant modern arts scene. Visitors can trace the town’s past along a self-guided heritage trail, hire a boat on the Shannon-Erne Waterway, or explore the only folk museum in County Leitrim.
Dromahair, leitrim
A swift, rain-fed tributary of the Garavogue system, the Bonet River delivers a compact white-water run just outside Dromahair. Paddlers tackle a striking 6-foot drop and class-3 rapids, while walkers and anglers enjoy its wooded valley and clear pools.
Northwest Ireland, leitrim
Bréifne was a Gaelic kingdom that split in two after the 1256 Battle of Magh Slecht, becoming the modern counties of Leitrim and Cavan. Its remains are scattered across the drumlins: Clogh Oughter Castle on a crannog, Drumlane's round tower, the Marble Arch Caves. The 500 km Beara-Breifne Way ends here, and Cuilcagh's 'Stairway to Heaven' boardwalk climbs the mountain.
Carrick-on-Shannon, leitrim
Once a bustling trading port on the River Shannon, Carrick-on-Shannon has reinvented itself as a dynamic inland resort. Enjoy riverside walks, guided boat tours, historic castle ruins, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Carrigallen, leitrim
Perched at the exact meeting point of three historic provinces, Carrigallen blends tranquil lakeland scenery with a lively cultural heartbeat. Discover award-winning angling, community theatre, and a gateway to the wilder shores of the Leitrim lakelands.
Carrigallen, leitrim
Carrigallen Lough sits at the heart of a quiet Leitrim village, offering a scenic setting for coarse fishing and peaceful lakeside strolls. Its shores are dotted with early medieval ring forts and historic graveyards, while the wider area connects to the Shannon-Erne waterway.
Dromod, leitrim
In the former Dromod station yard, volunteers run three-quarters of a mile of restored 3ft narrow gauge, a steam engine called Nancy, and an open-air collection that ranges from vintage buses to a Boeing 707 cockpit. Phone ahead to be sure the train is running.
Dromahair, leitrim
Founded in 1508 by Eóghan O'Rourke, Creevelea was the last Franciscan friary raised in Ireland before Henry VIII's Dissolution. It's free and open, and its cloister carries a rare carving of St Francis preaching to the birds.
Sligo, sligo
Explore the wild heart of north-west Ireland across the Dartry Mountains. From the wave-shaped ridge of Ben Wisken to the white limestone cliffs of Tievebaun, these peaks deliver dramatic landscapes, rich folklore, and rewarding hillwalking routes.
Dromod, leitrim
Dromod is a small Shannon-side village with an outsized attraction: a volunteer transport museum built around the old Cavan & Leitrim narrow-gauge railway, with aircraft cockpits you can climb into, vintage buses and wartime artillery. The harbour, in use for over 150 years, and the lakes of Bofin and Boderg do the rest.
Drumkeeran, leitrim
Set among the rolling drumlin hills of north-west Leitrim, Drumkeeran is a quiet village that serves as a perfect base for exploring Lough Allen. Visitors can step back in time at the heritage centre, follow long-distance walking trails, cast a line for pike and trout, or settle in for a traditional music session in one of the local pubs.
Lisgaveen, leitrim
Rustic timber walls and the faint smell of peat greet guests at Drumkeerin Heritage Centre. The reconstructed cottage, vintage farm tools and a working sweat house transport visitors back to County Leitrim’s agricultural past, while the on-site café offers a warm pause.
Drumshanbo, leitrim
At the southern tip of Lough Allen, Drumshanbo pairs an easy lakeside boardwalk with a hard industrial past in iron and coal. Walk the Acres Lake floating boardwalk, take in the mining story at the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre, and tour The Shed Distillery, home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder gin.
Tullamore, meath
The Esker Riada is a chain of low gravel ridges left by Ice Age meltwater that runs across the midlands from Dublin to Galway. As the only dry path over the bogs it became the Slí Mhór, the Great Way, linking Clonard, Durrow and Clonmacnoise and marking the ancient boundary between the north and south of Ireland. The N6 still roughly follows it, and the Esker Hills golf course near Tullamore is built on it.
Rossinver, leitrim
Follow the roaring Glenanniff River along a 3 km gravel trail through dense native woodland to Fowley's Falls. Enjoy picnic tables, wildlife spotting, and a recently restored path that connects to wider cycling and walking routes in County Leitrim.
Glenade, leitrim
Glenade’s crystal-clear lake lies in a dramatic glacial valley framed by the Dartry Mountains and the Arroo range. Protected as a Special Area of Conservation, it offers photographers, bird-watchers and nature lovers a rare glimpse of endangered eels, white-clawed crayfish and haunting local legends.
Glencar Lough, leitrim
The crystal-clear waters of Glencar Lough mirror the surrounding limestone hills, creating a peaceful focal point in north-west Ireland. A striking 15-metre waterfall spills directly into the lake, while two early-medieval crannogs hint at centuries of local history.
Glencar Valley, leitrim
Glencar Valley straddles the Leitrim-Sligo border, offering mist-shrouded waterfalls, a tranquil ribbon lake and dramatic limestone cliffs. From W.B. Yeats’s poetic inspiration to the wind-defying Devil’s Chimney, the valley delivers unforgettable scenery and straightforward outdoor pursuits.
Glencar Waterfall, leitrim
Step into the mist-shrouded valley that inspired W.B. Yeats's *The Stolen Child*. Glencar Waterfall's 15-metre plunge into a mossy pool is surrounded by accessible woodland trails, a tea-shed, and panoramic views of Glencar Lough.
Glenfarne, leitrim
Straddling the border of Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh, Glenfarne is best known as the real-life inspiration for the Ballroom of Romance. Beyond its celebrated dance hall, the village offers free access to tranquil lakeside walks, contemporary woodland art, and easy access to the wider border region’s natural attractions.
Rossinver, leitrim
Set against the quiet banks of the River Drowes, Gubalaun Abbey offers a peaceful walk among carefully restored medieval stonework. Recent conservation has stabilised the walls, uncovered historic doorways, and created safe roosts for local bat colonies, making this a rewarding stop for heritage and nature lovers.
Aghalateeve, leitrim
Hag’s Leap is a 330-metre limestone pillar above the Glenade valley in Leitrim, split from the mountain by Ice Age glaciers. At its foot is Poll na mBear, a now-sealed cave where excavators found brown bear skeletons dated to around 2000 BC. It is a free roadside viewing point, not a walk.
Kinlough, leitrim
Singularly, Kinlough is Ireland’s only village perched directly at the head of a lake that straddles the border with County Fermanagh. Overlooking Lough Melvin’s crystal waters, the settlement offers mountain vistas, historic island ruins and world-renowned trout fisheries that draw anglers from afar.
leitrim
A dramatic spine of ancient limestone and granite, the Leitrim Hills frame Glenade Lake and Lough Allen. Home to Ireland’s tallest free-standing rock tower, Hag’s Leap, the area offers accessible trails, wild swimming spots and quiet glens perfect for hikers and nature lovers.
Leitrim Village, leitrim
Glinting sunlight dances on the floating boardwalk over Acres Lake, while the gentle lapping of the Shannon invites quiet contemplation. The village's well-run caravan park and electric-bike hires launch adventurers onto tranquil country lanes and historic blueway routes.
leitrim
Tucked beside the restored ruins of Lough Rynn Castle, Lough Errill is a tranquil County Leitrim lake that mirrors the surrounding hills and sky. Ideal for quiet walks, photography, and escaping the crowds, it offers a peaceful pause in the heart of the midlands.
Border of County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) and Counties Cavan & Leitrim (Republic of Ireland), fermanagh
Straddling the border of County Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim, Lough MacNean’s sparkling waters are dotted with historic islands and crannogs. Visitors can cast for pike, wander foot-bridged islands, or set off on the Cavan Way, all from a well-equipped amenity area near Blacklion.
Northwest Ireland, leitrim
Glassy surfaces stretch across the border, reflecting the sky in a flawless mirror. Its pristine, oligotrophic waters nurture the endemic Melvin charr and the uniquely Irish gillaroo and sonaghan trout, making it a premier destination for anglers and nature lovers alike.
Gortletteragh, leitrim
Lough Rynn Castle occupies a sweeping 300-acre peninsula between Lough Rynn and Lough Errill. Once the seat of the Earls of Leitrim, the restored Victorian estate now offers luxury rooms, a John McGahern Library, and three tiers of formal walled gardens open to visitors.
Manorhamilton, leitrim
Northern Leitrim’s most northerly market town, Manorhamilton, anchors the crossroads between Sligo and Enniskillen with a vibrant market heritage. Its 17th-century castle ruins overlook the Owenbeg River, while heritage trails, a famine graveyard and the nearby glens invite history buffs and hikers alike.
Roscommon, roscommon
The Miners Way and Historical Trail is a 118 km figure-of-eight that loops out of Arigna, where coal was mined until 1990. It threads three loughs, the low Curlew and Bricklieve ranges, and one of Ireland's densest clusters of Neolithic passage tombs at Carrowkeel. About half of it is on tarmac.
Leitrim Village, leitrim
A single weathered wall stands in the heart of Leitrim Village, but it once anchored a powerful tower house at the centre of Gaelic resistance. Walk among the ruins of O’Rourke’s Castle, trace the footsteps of O’Sullivan Beare’s survivors, and explore the surrounding heritage trail at no cost.
Northern shore of Lough Gill, leitrim
Standing guard over Lough Gill, Parkes Castle blends Gaelic medieval foundations with a 17th-century planter manor. Discover how a family tragedy sealed its fate, then explore the restored gatehouse, courtyard exhibitions, and scenic lakeside grounds.
cavan
Rockfield Lake sits quietly on the border between County Cavan and County Leitrim, where the Cullies River winds through calm waters surrounded by rolling drumlins. Known for reliable coarse fishing and peaceful shoreline walks, it’s a straightforward stop for anglers and visitors seeking a quiet slice of midlands lake country.
Rossclogher, leitrim
MacClancy Castle stands on a small artificial island in Lough Melvin, offering a striking glimpse into medieval Gaelic lordship. The site shelters a 16th-century tower-house ruin, a 13th-century church, and a lakeside plaque marking where Spanish Armada survivors found refuge in 1588.
Rossinver, leitrim
Set on the southern shore of Lough Melvin, Rossinver blends ancient monastic ruins with dramatic limestone waterfalls and a pioneering organic learning hub. Visitors can wander the abbey’s 13th-century stonework, trek to Fowley’s Falls, and discover sustainable gardening at the Organic Centre.
leitrim
The Shannon Blueway connects 100 km of calm river paddling, 30 km of walking loops and 23.5 km of cycling paths across County Leitrim. Paddle past medieval ruins, cycle quiet towpaths or walk the floating boardwalk at Acres Lake in a landscape shaped by waterways and industrial heritage.
Carrick-on-Shannon, leitrim
The Shannon-Erne Waterway winds 63 km across the Irish border, linking the River Shannon with Upper Lough Erne via a series of lakes, rivers and 16 smart-card-operated locks. From historic villages to wildlife-rich Blueway trails, it offers a seamless blend of cruising, paddling and cycling for every explorer.
Carrick-on-Shannon, leitrim
The River Shannon winds through County Leitrim as a wide, tranquil waterway perfect for self-drive boat cruises and paddling. Historic harbours like Leitrim Village and Carrick-on-Shannon offer easy access to the river, surrounded by oak woodlands, monastic ruins and rich birdlife.
Acres Lake, leitrim
Rising 585 m above Lough Allen, Sliabh an Iarainn combines Carboniferous fossils, rugged moorland, and a rich industrial past. The free Acres Lake Visitor Centre and 600 m boardwalk provide an accessible starting point for exploring the mountain and the nearby Shannon Blueway trail.
Border of County Leitrim and County Sligo, leitrim
Rise above the Dartry Plateau on Tievebaun, the highest independent summit in County Leitrim. This challenging 18 km loop rewards hikers with dramatic limestone pinnacles, including the arrow-shaped Eagle’s Rock, and uninterrupted panoramas stretching to the Sligo coast and Slieve League.
Dartry Mountains, sligo
Ascend the zig-zagging access road to Truskmore, where a 175 m broadcast mast dominates a rugged plateau. At 647 m, the summit holds cairns for both Sligo and Leitrim, framing panoramic views of Benbulbin, distant sea cliffs, and the patchwork of north-west Ireland.
