Shannon Blueway Trail | Leitrim

Overview

The Shannon Blueway is Ireland’s first integrated on‑water and land‑based trail network, stretching 146.5 km across the lush valleys of County Leitrim and reaching into Longford and Roscommon. It combines 100 km of paddling trails, 30 km of walking loops and 23.5 km of cycling paths into a seamless adventure that can be tackled in a single day or savoured over a relaxed weekend. Whether you arrive with a kayak, a stand‑up paddle board, a pair of hiking boots or an electric bike, the Blueway delivers calm river stretches, historic villages, crumbling castles and abundant wildlife.

The trail is anchored by the vibrant market town of Carrick‑on‑Shannon, a popular base with plentiful pubs, restaurants and a buzzing boating‑holiday scene. From there you can launch onto the Lough Allen Canal, drift past the medieval Boyle Abbey, explore the forested Lough Key Forest Park, or head south toward the Arigna Mining Experience for a glimpse of the region’s industrial heritage.

Recent Improvements & Funding

In 2016 the Irish Government allocated €500,000 from the LEADER programme to upgrade the Shannon Blueway between Acres Lake and Drumshanbo. The investment funded the construction of Ireland’s only floating boardwalk at Acres Lake, improved tow‑paths, and added signage and picnic facilities along the waterway. These enhancements make the trail more accessible for families, cyclists and paddlers alike.

Paddling Itinerary Highlights

Carrick‑on‑Shannon to Lough Drumharlow – Depart the Carrick‑on‑Shannon marina and follow the gentle bends of the Upper Shannon northwards to the first lake on the route, Lough Drumharlow. The stretch is ideal for beginners and offers quiet anchor points.
River Boyle & Castle Island – Continue west along the River Boyle into Lough Key. A short paddle brings you to Castle Island, home to an 800‑year‑old fort and a popular spot for picnics and bird‑watching.
Lough Key Forest Park – Moor at the park’s marina and enjoy a lakeside lunch at the Lakeside Café before exploring the park’s tree‑top walk, playground and Ireland’s only Boda Borg puzzle‑centre.
Acres Lake to Drumshanbo – The final leg follows the Shannon to Acres Lake, where you can cross the 600 m floating boardwalk (see the dedicated page for the boardwalk) and, in summer, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool.

Guided paddles are available from local operators; self‑guided routes let you drift past ancient villages, quiet islands and abundant birdlife.

Walking & Hiking

Battlebridge to Drumleague – A 10 km walk that showcases the river’s wild banks, historic bridges and panoramic views.
Acres Lake Boardwalk – A floating 600 m boardwalk that lets you wander over water‑lapped reeds and spot otters and kingfishers. See the dedicated page for the boardwalk: Acres Lake – Boardwalk and Visitor Centre.
National Looped Walks – A series of 20 km loops, including a four‑hour circuit that threads through the most picturesque sections of the Blueway.

Cycling Experiences

Electric Bike Trails – Based in Leitrim Village, they supply Kalkhoff electric bikes for an 18 km round‑trip from Leitrim Village to Drumshanbo, covering quiet county roads and tow‑paths. Rental contact: 4 Canal Side, Main St, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim, N41 T6V6 – email books@thereadingroom.ie – phone +353 71 962 3609.
Self‑guided 10 km cycle – A gentle ride from Leitrim Village to Kilclare, with opportunities to stop at the Sheemore Inn for a drink.

Heritage & Culture

Boyle Abbey, Co Roscommon Chris Hill Photographic, Tourism Ireland

Boyle Abbey – a 12th‑century Cistercian ruin just a short drive from Carrick‑on‑Shannon.
Arigna Mining Experience – guided tours led by former miners, offering insight into the region’s coal‑mining past.
Costello Chapel – reputed to be the smallest church in Europe, tucked away in the centre of Carrick‑on‑Shannon.
The Dock – a visual‑arts hub and gift store a few steps from the marina in Carrick‑on‑Shannon.
Olive Tree Café – a popular spot for coffee and baked treats in Carrick‑on‑Shannon’s Market Yard Centre.

Food & Drink Highlights

The Oarsman (Carrick‑on‑Shannon) – award‑winning riverside restaurant serving locally sourced trout and hearty Irish fare.
Jinny’s Bakery & Tea Rooms (Drumshanbo) – famous for the “Blueway Brunch” and picnics you can take on the water.
Waves Restaurant & Bar (Leitrim Village) – located in the Leitrim Marina Hotel, offering panoramic river views.
The Shed Distillery (Drumshanbo) – tours and tastings of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin and other craft spirits.
Olive Tree Café and The Dock (Carrick‑on‑Shannon) – great for a quick coffee or a bite of artisanal food.

Family‑Friendly Facilities

Acres Lake Heated Outdoor Pool – a 25 m heated pool with shallow and deep ends, changing rooms and ample parking; perfect for a post‑paddle dip.
Floating Boardwalk – Ireland’s only floating boardwalk, accessible for strollers and wheelchair users.
Playgrounds – located at the Acres Lake amenity area and within Lough Key Forest Park.

Practical Information

Access & Parking – Free parking is available at most trailheads, including the Carrick‑on‑Shannon launch site, Leitrim Village cycle hub and the Acres Lake car park.
Equipment Hire – Visitors can bring their own gear or rent from vetted providers listed on the Waterways Ireland page. Key providers include:
- Leitrim Surf Company – paddle‑boarding excursions on the Drumshambo stretch.
- Electric Bike Trails – electric‑bike hire (see contact details above).
- Local canoe/kayak operators – based in Carrick‑on‑Shannon and Drumshanbo; advance booking recommended in summer.
Safety – All water routes are monitored by Waterways Ireland; life‑vests and helmets are supplied by rental operators. The trail’s gentle currents and well‑marked tow‑paths make it suitable for families and beginners.
Accommodation – Options range from the historic Bush Hotel in Carrick‑on‑Shannon to cosy B&Bs in Drumshanbo and Leitrim Village. Many establishments offer packages that include bike hire or paddle‑craft rentals.
Maps – A detailed interactive map and downloadable PDF are available on the Waterways Ireland page, marking put‑in/take‑out points, parking, food venues and accommodation.

For the most up‑to‑date information on launch points, rental providers and seasonal events, visit the official Shannon Blueway page on Waterways Ireland (website pending verification).

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