Overview
Drumkeeran (also spelled Drumkeerin) is a working village of about 220 people, not a tourist town, and that is largely the point of it. It sits where the R280 and R200 meet in the drumlin hills at the foot of Corry Mountain, just north of Lough Allen – one of the most productive coarse and game fisheries in the country, and the reason most visitors turn off here in the first place. If you have a single afternoon, spend it on the water or on a stretch of the Leitrim Way rather than in the village, which is a handful of pubs, a shop and a heritage centre, and honest about it.
History & Background
The village’s origins are tied to the agricultural and industrial shifts of the 18th and 19th centuries. Historical surveys note that the area was once heavily wooded, but extensive deforestation occurred in the late 1700s to supply charcoal for the ironworks around Slieve Anierin. By 1782, large piles of cleared timber had already transformed the landscape into the open drumlin fields seen today.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Drumkeeran hosted annual fairs that drew farmers and traders from across the parish. A 1925 census recorded 54 houses in the village, eleven of which held liquor licences, underscoring its role as a local social and commercial crossroads. Community-led development has driven modern growth: the Drumkeerin Development Association formed around 1970, followed by the Community Council in 1986 and the Drumkeerin Tourist and Development Company in 1992, which helped establish the visitor facilities available today. The local GAA club, founded in 1933, continues to anchor community life.
What to See & Do
Drumkeerin Heritage Centre
The Drumkeerin Heritage Centre occupies a restored traditional Irish cottage and farmyard. Visitors can explore a recreated sweat house, pig sty, historic garden and a collection of vintage agricultural machinery that illustrates rural life in Leitrim. The on-site Donald Fidgeon Resource Centre features displays and memorabilia detailing the area’s involvement in the 1798 Rebellion. A craft shop sells locally made goods, and a coffee shop (open since June 1999) provides a convenient resting spot. The centre is primarily open during the summer months; guided tours are available by arrangement, so calling ahead is recommended.
Walking & Cycling
Drumkeeran is a recognised gateway for two of Ireland’s premier long-distance trails: the Miners Way and the Leitrim Way. Both routes wind through the drumlin terrain, offering steady climbs and sweeping views over Lough Allen, the Iron Mountains and the Arigna range. The village also serves as a practical starting point for shorter circular walks along the lakeshore, which are popular with cyclists and mountain bikers during the warmer months.
Fishing & Water Sports
Lough Allen is one of Ireland’s most productive fisheries, known for strong runs of pike, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, bream and roach. Anglers can fish from the public slipways near Drumkeeran or hire a boat for deeper stretches. A valid fishing permit from the relevant regional fisheries board is required. For those preferring motorised water sports, the nearby Lough Allen Adventure centre offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and guided tours through the surrounding waterways.
Golf & Equestrian
Golfers will find several 18-hole courses within a 30- to 35-minute drive, with Lough Allen Golf Club in Drumshanbo being the most accessible. The course plays along the lake’s southern shore and features a clubhouse restaurant. Equestrian visitors can arrange trail rides and lessons through the nearby Leitrim Riding School, which operates across the open drumlin countryside.
Architectural Highlights
The village’s main street is lined with three historic churches that reflect Leitrim’s multi-denominational heritage:
- St Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church (1869) – a straightforward stone building with a simple bell-cote.
- St Joseph’s Church of Ireland (1833) – an early-19th-century parish church retaining original stained-glass windows.
- St Patricia’s Presbyterian Church (1844) – a compact rectangular structure that continues to host regular services.
Notable People
The area has a strong tradition in Irish music and literature. Celebrated flautist John McKenna (1880–1947) was born in the parish, and his legacy is celebrated annually with the John McKenna Festival in early June. Traditional singer Mary McPartlan (1955–2020) also hailed from the area, while contemporary poet and playwright Vincent Woods (born 1960) grew up in the nearby townland of Tarmon.
Practical Information
Getting There
Drumkeeran is easily reached by car via the R280 and R200. Public transport options are limited but functional for weekend visitors. Bus Éireann route 462 stops in the village on Fridays, connecting to Sligo and Manorhamilton. Route 469 runs on Saturdays, providing links to Drumshanbo, Carrick-on-Shannon and Longford. TFI Local Link routes 566 and 567 also service the area. The nearest airport is Ireland West Airport Knock, approximately 80 km away.
Accommodation
Self-catering visitors often base themselves at Drumkeeran Holiday Homes, a complex of four detached bungalows on the north-western shore of Lough Allen. The properties range from two to three bedrooms, feature modern amenities including central heating and fully equipped kitchens, and sit within walking distance of the village centre and lakeshore. For a more alternative stay, the nearby Pink Apple Orchard offers eco-friendly yurts and a hand-built teepee set among cider apple trees, complete with communal kitchens and fire pits.
Dining & Nightlife
Drumkeeran has a handful of traditional pubs, including Davitts, Forde’s Inn and the Market Bar. Davitts is known for hosting a lively traditional Irish music session most Thursday nights. The village also has a small convenience store, a butcher and a petrol station, making it straightforward to stock up for day trips.
Nearby Attractions
- Creevelea Abbey – A 16th-century Franciscan friary (founded 1508) on the Bonet river near Dromahair, a short drive north-west.
- Glencar Waterfall – A striking 15-metre cascade in the Glencar Valley, ideal for a short scenic walk.
- Battlebridge – A historic riverside settlement on the River Shannon offering camping, pubs and water-based activities.
Seasonal Highlights & Accessibility
The John McKenna Traditional Music Festival, held in early June, is the one date worth planning around: the parish’s most famous son was a flute player who emigrated to New York and made some of the defining recordings of Irish traditional music in the 1920s and 30s. The heritage centre’s cottage has a few steps at the entrance, so anyone with mobility restrictions should ring ahead. The holiday homes and lakeside car parks are level and roomy.
For a normal visit, time it for a Thursday and eat early: the trad session at Davitts most Thursday nights is the closest thing the village has to a fixed attraction, and it costs nothing.