Overview
The Leitrim Hills form a striking spine of limestone and granite that runs through the north‑west of County Leitrim. Part of the larger Dartry Mountain range, the hills dominate the Glenade Valley and frame the shimmering waters of Glenade Lake, Lough Allen and the Shannon Blueway. Their rugged contours have inspired poets, attracted cyclists, and provided a dramatic backdrop for the iconic natural rock tower known as Hag’s Leap – the highest free‑standing rock tower in Ireland at 330 m.
Visitors to the Leitrim Hills are greeted by a landscape of rolling green, craggy outcrops and deep river valleys. The area is a haven for wildlife, with limestone pavements that host rare alpine plants and limestone‑derived caves that once sheltered brown bears over four millennia ago. The hills are easily reached from the county town of Carrick‑on‑Shannon, the bustling marina hub that also serves as a gateway to the Shannon‑Erne Waterway.
History & Background
Geologically, the Leitrim Hills belong to the ancient Dartry Mountains, a range that was shaped during the Carboniferous period when the island was covered by warm tropical seas. Over time, the limestone was uplifted, folded and eroded, leaving the dramatic cliffs and plateaux that dominate today’s scenery. Human history in the hills is equally rich. The area has long been a corridor for travellers moving between the Atlantic coast and the interior river systems. Ancient cairns and stone circles dot the higher ground, hinting at Bronze‑Age ritual activity.
In more recent centuries, the hills supported a thriving agrarian community. Small villages such as Drumshanbo and Manorhamilton grew at the foot of the slopes, providing a base for farmers, millers and later, tourists drawn to the region’s natural beauty. The Hag’s Leap rock tower, perched on the edge of Glenade Valley, became a celebrated landmark in the 20th century, celebrated for its sheer height and the legend of Poll na mBear, a cave where bear bones dating to 2000 BC were discovered.
Flora & Fauna
The limestone pavements of the Leitrim Hills support a specialist flora, including alpine saxifrages, thyme, and the rare Irish rock‑rose (Helianthemum nummularium). These plants thrive in the thin soil pockets that collect between the fissures. Birdwatchers can spot peregrine falcons, ravens and the occasional hen harrier soaring over the cliffs. The historic Poll na mBear cave is a reminder that the area once hosted brown bears, a fact that adds a touch of prehistoric intrigue to the landscape.
Points of Interest
- O’Rourke’s Table – A modest hill on the edge of Dromahair with a metal box at the summit where walkers can leave a note. The climb offers sweeping views of Lough Gill, Parkes Castle and Sligo Bay.
- Eagles Rock – A 3.5 km, 335 m gain hike that leads to a striking outcrop with panoramic vistas over the surrounding glens. The route is unmarked, so good navigation skills are essential.
- Costello Chapel (Carrick‑on‑Shannon) – A tiny marble‑clad memorial built in 1877 by Edward Costello for his wife Mary. The coffins lie beneath glass panels and the chapel is free to visit, opening 9 am‑6 pm.
- The Oarsman (Carrick‑on‑Shannon) – A gastro‑pub serving locally sourced dishes and craft beers. It’s a popular stop for hikers and cyclists looking for hearty food after a day on the hills.
- Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat (near Dromahair) – An eco‑friendly glamping site offering insulated cabins, a hot‑tub with lake views and yoga classes. Ideal for a relaxed overnight stay after exploring the hills.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Hag’s Leap | Ireland’s highest free‑standing natural rock tower (330 m). The viewing platform offers panoramic views of the Dartry range and Glenade Valley. | Hag’s Leap |
| Glenade Lake | A tranquil lake set against the towering peaks of the Dartry Mountains. Ideal for picnics, gentle walks and bird‑watching. | Glenade Lake |
| Shannon Blueway | A 20 km traffic‑free trail that weaves through the hills, passes the floating Acres Lake boardwalk and follows the River Shannon’s banks. | Shannon Blueway |
| Fowley’s Falls | A limestone‑carved cascade where the Glenaniff River drops dramatically, offering a dramatic photo opportunity. | Fowley’s Falls |
| Glencar Waterfall | 15 m high waterfall that inspired W.B. Yeats’s poem The Stolen Child. A short woodland trail leads to the plunge pool. | Glencar Waterfall |
Beyond these highlights, the hills provide countless opportunities for hill‑walking, mountain‑biking and quiet contemplation. The Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk offers a unique perspective over water, while the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre in Drumshanbo tells the story of the region’s iron‑working heritage.
Walking & Cycling Routes
- Leitrim Way – A 138‑km long‑distance trail that traverses the Leitrim Hills, linking Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton and the Shannon‑Erne Waterway. Sections such as the Glenade Loop are suitable for day‑walks.
- Shannon Blueway – The traffic‑free 20 km stretch that starts near Drumshanbo and follows the riverbank, ideal for families and casual cyclists. The trail is largely flat and well‑signposted.
- Hag’s Leap Viewpoint – A short, well‑maintained path from the main car‑park leads to the viewing platform. The route is wheelchair‑accessible up to the viewpoint.
- Leitrim Kingfisher Loop – A 56 km circular cycling route that starts at Ballinagleragh, passes Ballinamore and Drumshanbo and showcases the county’s varied terrain. It is best suited to experienced cyclists.
Family‑friendly Walks
Leitrim’s varied terrain makes it perfect for walkers of all ages. Some popular, easy‑to‑moderate routes highlighted by local guides include:
- Glencar Hill Walk – Starts at Glencar Lake, climbs past Glencar Waterfall and finishes with sweeping views over Sligo Bay, Knocknarea, Truskmore and the Leitrim Hills. Suitable for families with older children.
- Aghacashel Looped Walk – A 3 km circular walk beginning in Drumshanbo, ideal for young children and strollers.
- Fowley’s Falls Trail – A short, well‑marked path to the falls in Rossinver, with picnic tables at the base – perfect for a quick nature break.
- Carrick‑on‑Shannon Slí Walking Route – A 5.5 km riverside walk that starts opposite the remains of Castle Carrickdrumruske, offering gentle riverside scenery.
- Acres Lake Boardwalk & Trail – Ireland’s first floating boardwalk (600 m) plus a 6.5 km linear trail linking Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock, suitable for walkers and cyclists.
- Drumleague Lock Loop – A 5 km loop from Battlebridge Lock along the historic Shannon‑Erne Waterway canal, great for families who enjoy water‑way heritage.
Outdoor Fitness & Swimming
- Drumshanbo Outdoor Gym – A fully equipped outdoor fitness area featuring cardio machines, strength equipment and a rowing machine. It sits a five‑minute walk from the Acres Lake boardwalk.
- Lough Melvin – A clear, sandy‑shore lake near Rossinver offering a natural swimming spot with excellent water quality. No lifeguard is on duty, so swimmers should take usual precautions.
Events & Festivals
The hills host the North Leitrim Glens Hill Walking Festival, organised by the Holey Soles Hill Walking Club. First launched in 1985, the festival celebrates the region’s seven glens, dramatic cliffs and lake vistas each Easter. The event features guided walks, charity ramble routes and a welcoming atmosphere that showcases Leitrim’s hospitality. Details are usually posted on the club’s website and local tourism boards.
A newer addition to the calendar is the North Leitrim Gens Hill Walking Festival (held in April). This two‑day event offers a mix of moderate and challenging routes, including a long walk that links Luke’s Bridge, Kings Mountain, the historic Barytes Mines and finishes at the tea‑shed beside Glencar Waterfall. Participants enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and scones, as well as live music in the Glens Centre.
Additional Activities
Beyond walking and cycling, the Leitrim Hills area offers a range of adventure options:
- Stand‑up paddleboarding (SUP) – Leitrim Surf (www.leitrimsurf.ie) provides SUP sessions on the lakes and rivers, capitalising on the county’s mix of calm waters and occasional swell.
- Canoeing on River Bonet – Adventure Gently (www.adventuregentlyireland.com) runs guided Canadian‑style canoe trips down the scenic Bonet Valley.
- Wilderness‑therapy and outdoor courses – Lough Allen Adventure Centre (www.loughallenadventure.com) offers multi‑day programmes ranging from kayaking to team‑building in the hills.
- Electric‑bike tours – Big Day Out in Leitrim (www.bigdayoutinleitrim.com) organises electric‑bike itineraries that combine the Shannon Blueway, Leitrim Way sections and local heritage sites.
- Boat tours on the Shannon – Operators such as Moon River Cruise, Carrickcraft and Emerald Star depart from Carrick‑on‑Shannon, giving a water‑based perspective of the hills and lakes.
Practical Information
The Leitrim Hills are open year‑round and free to access. The main car‑park for Hag’s Leap is located just off the Glenade Valley road; parking is free and the viewing area is clearly sign‑posted. Please note that the rock tower itself is not open for climbing and there is no walking access beyond the designated viewpoint.
Access & Transport
- By road – The R280 and R207 provide the most direct routes from Carrick‑on‑Shannon and Drumshanbo. Signage to the Hag’s Leap car‑park is clearly marked.
- Public transport – Bus Éireann route 462 runs between Carrick‑on‑Shannon and Drumshanbo with a stop near the trailhead for the Shannon Blueway. The nearest railway station is in Dromod, offering connections to Dublin and Sligo.
- Bike hire – Local providers such as Electric Bike Trails (contact details to be confirmed) offer guided and self‑guided electric‑bike rentals suitable for the Blueway and Leitrim Way sections.
- Dog‑friendliness – Dogs are welcome on most of the walking routes and the Shannon Blueway, provided they are kept on a lead in the more sensitive limestone‑pavement areas.
For those interested in longer excursions, the Shannon‑Erne Waterway provides a network of locks and canals that connect Leitrim’s lakes to the wider Irish inland waterway system. Boat tours such as the Moon River Cruise or private hires like Carrickcraft and Emerald Star depart from Carrick‑on‑Shannon and allow visitors to experience the hills from a different perspective.
While the hills themselves have no formal visitor centre, the nearby Leitrim Design House in Carrick‑on‑Shannon showcases local crafts and offers a pleasant stop for coffee or a quick bite. Accommodation ranges from self‑catering lodges in Drumshanbo to boutique hotels in Manorhamilton, ensuring a comfortable base after a day of exploring.
Nearby Heritage Sites
A short drive north brings you to Creevelea Abbey, a well‑preserved Franciscan friary set in the townland of Dromahair. Its tranquil cloister and historic graveyard provide a peaceful complement to a day spent in the hills. Also worth a visit is Costello Chapel in Carrick‑on‑Shannon, a tiny marble‑clad memorial built in 1877 that houses the coffins of Edward and Mary Costello beneath glass.
Overall, the Leitrim Hills provide a blend of dramatic geology, quiet valleys and accessible outdoor activities that make them a compelling destination for anyone travelling through Ireland’s hidden heartland.