Overview
The Shannon Blueway was Ireland’s first inland blueway, and its most photographed stretch is the floating boardwalk at Acres Lake in Drumshanbo, where 160 m of walkway rides on the surface of the lake. In all it runs to 146.5 km of waymarked routes, of which over 100 km is paddling. It is not confined to County Leitrim: the on-water and land-based trails run from Leitrim through Roscommon into County Longford.
If you have half a day and want the single best taste of it, walk or cycle the Acres Lake boardwalk and paddle the sheltered water beside it. The whole network is flat, Grade 1 water and gentle towpath, which makes it forgiving for first-timers, but it is worth being honest that this is a river through towns and farmland, not a wilderness. Carrick-on-Shannon is the main hub for hire, beds and riverside food.
Paddling the Blueway
Over 100 km of water trails form the core of the Blueway, with marked put-in and take-out points and calm currents along most of the network.
- Carrick-on-Shannon to Drumshanbo – a sheltered upper-Shannon stretch that connects to Acres Lake, the floating boardwalk and the heated outdoor pool. Good for beginners, with quiet bays for a picnic.
- Carrick-on-Shannon to Rooskey – a longer 30 km run downstream for paddlers wanting a fuller day on the water.
- River Boyle and Lough Key – head west onto the River Boyle and into Lough Key, where a short paddle reaches Castle Island and its ruined fortification. Herons, kingfishers and otters are regular here.
Bring your own gear or rent from a vetted provider; guided paddles run in peak season, and self-guided routes work year-round. Waterways Ireland developed and maintains the blueway, and rental providers supply life jackets and a safety briefing. Check the wind and the forecast before you set out, and read the Waterways Ireland paddling-safety notes.
Walking and cycling
The land trails start on the Acres Lake boardwalk and spread into a mix of looped walks, heritage trails and quiet cycle routes.
- Acres Lake Boardwalk – Ireland’s first floating boardwalk, 600 m long with about 160 m of it floating over the lake. It is fully accessible and gives close views of the reed beds and waterfowl. More on the Acres Lake – Boardwalk and Visitor Centre page.
- Leitrim Village to Kilclare – a 10 km self-guided cycle on paved, largely traffic-free surface, passing a few traditional pubs. This section overlaps the start of the separate Shannon-Erne Blueway, which continues on to Ballinamore and Belturbet.
- Looped and riverside walks – several waymarked loops and short heritage trails trace the banks and adjacent woodland, most of them flat and suitable for all ages.
For bike hire, Electric Bike Trails in Leitrim Village supplies Kalkhoff e-bikes; details are at www.electricbiketrails.com. E-bikes make light work of the longer, flat sections.
Heritage and local culture
The Blueway runs through an area of medieval sites and 19th-century industrial heritage.
- Boyle Abbey – a 12th-century Cistercian ruin a short drive from the trail, with intact arches and cloister.
- Arigna Mining Experience – underground tours led by former miners, with a museum on the region’s coal-mining history.
- Costello Chapel – a very small church in the centre of Carrick-on-Shannon, noted for its proportions.
- O’Rourke’s Castle – ruins of a Gaelic stronghold near Leitrim Village.
- The Dock – a visual-arts hub and gift shop steps from the Carrick-on-Shannon marina.
Food and drink
The trail is lined with independent cafés, riverside pubs and food producers, most happy to see cyclists and paddlers.
- The Oarsman (Carrick-on-Shannon) – riverside dining built on local, seasonal ingredients.
- Jinny’s Bakery & Tea Rooms (Drumshanbo) – known for packed picnic boxes for the trail.
- The Shed Distillery (Drumshanbo) – tours and tastings of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin.
- Olive Tree Café (Carrick-on-Shannon) – coffee, pastries and light lunches in the Market Yard Centre.
Family-friendly features
- Acres Lake heated outdoor pool – a 25 m heated pool with changing rooms and parking, open in summer.
- Floating boardwalk – accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, with clear sightlines for wildlife.
- Playgrounds – at the Acres Lake amenity area and in nearby Lough Key Forest Park.
Planning your visit
- Access and parking – free car parking at the main trailheads, including Carrick-on-Shannon, the Leitrim Village cycle hub and Acres Lake.
- Equipment hire – kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and e-bikes come from registered operators; between May and September, book a week or so ahead.
- Maps – route maps and PDFs are on the Waterways Ireland site, marking put-in and take-out points, parking, refreshments and emergency contacts.
Bring your own gear or hire locally, watch the wind on the open lakes, and if you only manage one thing, make it the Acres Lake boardwalk.