Overview
Drumshanbo (Droim Seanbhó) is a small, well‑preserved lakeside town at the southern tip of Lough Allen in County Leitrim. Framed by the rolling slopes of Sliabh an Iarainn (the “Iron Mountain”) and the Arigna range, the settlement feels like a gateway to both water and mountain landscapes. Traditional pubs, a handful of shops and a lively festival calendar give the town a warm, community‑focused vibe, while the surrounding lake and forest trails provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.
History & Background
The town’s roots lie in the iron industry that flourished on the slopes of Slieve an Iarainn from the 17th century onward. Pig iron was smelted on the mountain, ferried across Lough Allen and forged in Drumshanbo’s finery forge before being exported to Dublin and Limerick. The name “ridge of the old huts” hints at an even earlier settlement, and the surrounding woodlands once supplied charcoal for the forges. The legacy of iron‑working is celebrated today at the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre.
After a long hiatus in Connacht’s spirit‑making tradition, the former Lairds Jam Factory was reborn as The Shed Distillery in December 2014. Founder PJ Rigney revived a craft that had vanished from the west of Ireland for 101 years. A €3 million visitor‑centre expansion in 2020 turned the site into a regional landmark, drawing more than 150 000 guests and employing over 100 locals. The distillery’s story is woven into the landscape of Lough Allen and the Iron Mountain, showcasing medieval copper pot stills, exotic botanicals such as gun‑powder tea and local meadowsweet, and the revival of single‑pot‑still whiskey.
What to See & Do
Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre
Located on the scenic Acres Lake, the centre offers a 12‑minute audio‑visual show on mining heritage, historic railways, canals and the natural beauty of the surrounding lakes and mountains. It also celebrates the area’s musical traditions. Open April–October; check the website for exact opening hours.
Shannon Blueway Boardwalk
A 600‑metre floating boardwalk stretches across Acres Lake, forming part of the 6.5 km Shannon Blueway trail that links Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock. It provides panoramic lake views and is ideal for walkers and cyclists. For more details see the dedicated page for the Acres Lake boardwalk.
Walking & Hiking
- Miner’s Way & Historical Trail – Drumshanbo to Dowra – 26 km along the eastern shore of Lough Allen, weaving through historic mining sites and offering sweeping lake vistas.
- Leitrim Way – Begins at Drumshanbo’s shoreline and climbs inland toward Dowra, mixing gentle lakeside strolls with more challenging upland sections.
- Slí Liatroma – A 48 km long‑distance walk linking Drumshanbo, Dowra and Manorhamilton for seasoned backpackers.
Water Sports on Lough Allen
Lough Allen is a playground for paddlers. Local operators from Lough Allen Adventure provide kayaking, stand‑up paddleboarding (SUP) and guided “Drumshamazon” cruises that explore quieter coves. Anglers can pursue trout, pike, perch, rudd and roach.
Moorlands Equestrian Centre
Just outside town, the centre offers pony trekking, mountain‑trail rides and lakeside gallops, catering to riders of all abilities.
The Shed Distillery
- Curious Journey Tour – A 1‑hour‑30‑minute guided experience led by a “Curious Ambassador”. Visitors travel through the seed/spice room, barrel/board room and PJ’s laboratory, watching the slow hand‑distillation process and even experimenting with flavour combinations. The tour ends with two tastings: Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (aged in Sherry Oloroso and Kentucky Bourbon barrels) and Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin.
- Jackalope Café – Run by Siobhan Smyth and David Fitzgibbon of Nua Bakehouse, the café serves hearty Irish dishes, homemade baked goods and specialty teas and coffees. Open Tuesday‑Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Botanical Glasshouse & Honey Badger Bar – The glasshouse houses the Honey Badger Bar, offering gin‑and‑tonic experiences with panoramic views of Lough Allen.
- Gift Shop – Showcases exclusive bottle editions (ceramic‑styled Gunpowder Gin, limited‑release single‑pot‑still whiskies), bespoke clothing and local artisan crafts.
- Special Events – Recent highlights include the Bruno Vanzan Edition gin launch (March 2025), Fizz & Fashion evenings and Full Moon Yoga sessions held in the glasshouse.
Practical Information
Location & Access
- Address: Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, on the southern shore of Lough Allen. The Shed Distillery sits beside the Methodist Church on Carrick‑on‑Shannon Road.
- Driving: Reachable via the N16 from Sligo or the N4 from Dublin.
- Public transport: Bus Éireann services stop at Drumshanbo bus stop, a short walk from the town centre.
Opening Times
- Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre – Open April to October (check the website for daily hours).
- Shannon Blueway Boardwalk – Open throughout the walking season as part of the Blueway trail.
- The Shed Distillery – Daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Jackalope Café – Tuesday‑Saturday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Parking & Accessibility
- Free car parks are available at the Visitor Centre, the boardwalk trailhead and the distillery grounds.
- The Visitor Centre and the distillery tour are wheelchair‑friendly; the boardwalk is level and suitable for most mobility aids.
Accommodation
A range of B&Bs, guesthouses and lakeside hotels are available in Drumshanbo and the surrounding Leitrim area.
Nearby Attractions
- Acres Lake – Boardwalk and Visitor Centre
- Ballinamore
- Battlebridge
- Creevelea Abbey
- Glencar Waterfall
Best Time to Visit
Late spring to early autumn offers the warmest weather for walking, water sports and open‑air events, while the distillery remains open year‑round.
Note: The website listed for the Acres Lake Visitor Centre is currently unreachable and should be verified.