Overview
Ultrim sits in the rolling countryside of County Leitrim, a county often described as Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Though the village itself is modest, its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the dramatic landscapes, tranquil waterways and rich heritage that define this north‑west region. Visitors to Ultrim will find a warm welcome from locals, a handful of cosy B&Bs and self‑catering lodges, and the convenience of being within a short drive of the Shannon River, Lough Allen and a string of award‑winning attractions.
History of Ultrim
The name Ultrim (Irish: Uilltreamh) is thought to derive from the ancient Gaelic term for a “stream of the hill”, reflecting the village’s position beside the gentle flow of the River Bonet. Historically the area formed part of the territory of the O’Rourke clan, who ruled the Kingdom of Breffni from the nearby stronghold of Dromahair. In the 17th century the Plantation of Leitrim introduced new landowners, many of whom built manor houses that still dot the landscape. While Ultrim never grew into a market town, its crossroads location on the old road between Sligo and Enniskillen ensured a steady flow of travellers, a legacy still evident in the village’s modest pubs and shop.
What to See & Do
Glencar Waterfall
A short 15‑minute drive north of Ultrim brings you to Glencar Waterfall, a 15‑metre cascade that inspired W.B. Yeats’s poem The Stolen Child. A short woodland trail leads to a viewing platform where the mist‑filled plunge creates a romantic backdrop for photos or a quiet moment of reflection. More information can be found on the Discover Ireland page.
Creevelea Abbey
Just west of the River Bonet in Dromahair, the medieval Franciscan friary of Creevelea Abbey (founded 1508) remains one of the last pre‑dissolution abbeys in Ireland. Its cloisters, stone carvings and surviving bell tower offer a glimpse into monastic life before the Reformation. Visitors can explore the ruins at their own pace; the site is freely accessible.
River Shannon Cruises
Leitrim’s waterways are best experienced from the water. From Carrick‑on‑Shannon, a short 20‑minute drive from Ultrim, you can hire a traditional cruiser such as the Emerald Star or Carrickcraft for a leisurely journey along the Shannon and Erne rivers. The scenic cruise passes historic lock‑gates, tranquil lakes and charming riverside villages. Bookings are available via the Discover Ireland boat hire page.
Shannon Blueway Cycling
The traffic‑free Shannon Blueway offers a 20 km round‑trip that is ideal for families and casual cyclists. Hire an electric bike from the Electric Bike Trails hub in Leitrim Village and pedal past the floating Acres Lake boardwalk, enjoying panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills. The route is flat, well‑signposted and punctuated by picnic spots. Details are listed on the Electric Bike Trails page.
Lough Allen Adventure
The western shores of Lough Allen, a short 30‑minute drive from Ultrim, provide opportunities for kayaking, sailing and fishing. Several local operators in Drumshanbo run guided tours and equipment hire, making it easy to spend a day on the water. The lake’s clear waters are also popular for bird‑watching, especially for whooper swans and golden eagles.
Acres Lake Boardwalk
The floating boardwalk at Acres Lake, part of the Shannon Blueway, is a unique wooden walkway that appears to hover over the water. It offers excellent views of the lake, the surrounding hills and the occasional otter. The boardwalk is accessible from the electric‑bike hub near Leitrim Village and is suitable for walkers, cyclists and families with strollers.
Local Walks & Nature Trails
- River Bonet Walk – A gentle 4 km riverside trail that starts near Creevelea Abbey and follows the Bonet to the Shannon, ideal for wildlife spotting and picnics.
- Glencar Valley Loop – Extends the Glencar Waterfall path into a 6 km loop that passes the Devil’s Chimney rock formation and offers views over Glencar Lough.
- Hag’s Leap Viewpoint – While the rock tower itself is a short climb, the surrounding Dartry Mountains provide several marked routes for more ambitious hikers.
All these routes are dog‑friendly and largely level, making them suitable for families.
The Shed Distillery – Gunpowder Gin
On the edge of Lough Allen in Drumshanbo, the Shed Distillery produces the county’s famed Gunpowder Gin. Guided tours showcase copper pot stills, the botanical selection process and the story of founder PJ Rigney. The tour concludes with a tasting in the on‑site Honey Badger Bar. More about the experience can be found here.
Parke’s Castle
Overlooking Lough Gill, Parke’s Castle is a plantation‑era fortified manor that once belonged to the O’Rourke clan. The courtyard reveals foundations of an earlier defensive structure and a 17th‑century blacksmith’s forge. Inside, an audio‑visual exhibition narrates the history of the Kingdom of Breffni. Visit the castle’s official page for opening times and visitor information.
Hag’s Leap
For a dramatic natural landmark, drive north to the Dartry Mountains and stop at Hag’s Leap, Ireland’s highest free‑standing rock tower (330 m). While the viewing area is accessible by car, the surrounding landscape offers excellent photo opportunities of the limestone cliffs and the historic bear‑bone cave, Poll na mBear.
Practical Information
Getting There
Ultrim is reachable by road from Dublin in about two hours via the M4 and N4, or from Ireland West Airport Knock in roughly 45 minutes. The village lies close to the N4 national route, making it convenient for self‑drive visitors. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is in Carrick‑on‑Shannon, where regular services connect to Dublin, Sligo and Enniskillen.
Parking
- Glencar Waterfall – Free car park beside the visitor centre (capacity ~30 cars).
- Creevelea Abbey – Small free lot off the R280, a short walk to the ruins.
- Acres Lake Boardwalk – Designated parking area adjacent to the electric‑bike hub.
- Lough Allen launch sites – Paid parking at Drumshanbo marina (approximately €5 per day).
Accommodation
While Ultrim itself offers a handful of self‑catering cottages and guesthouses, the wider Leitrim area provides a range of options—from the eco‑friendly Cullentragh Lodge in Glenfarne to the luxury Old Rectory Country House near Manorhamlet. Booking platforms such as the Leitrim Tourism Network list available properties.
Dining
Food lovers will appreciate the growing culinary scene. In nearby Carrick‑on‑Shannon, the Osta Restaurant at W8 serves contemporary Irish dishes, while the Oarsman Gastropub in Carrick offers seasonal menus with locally sourced produce. For a traditional experience, Charlie Farrelly’s Bar in Carrigallen remains a beloved local haunt.
Seasonal Highlights
Summer brings the Carrick Carnival, a ten‑day festival of music, food and family activities. Autumn colours transform the Shannon Valley, making it a prime time for photography and walking tours. Winter visitors can enjoy cosy evenings in local pubs with live traditional music.
Accessibility & Dog‑Friendliness
Most of the major attractions listed—Glencar Waterfall, Creevelea Abbey and the Shannon Blueway—feature level paths and parking areas suitable for wheelchair users. However, some historic sites have uneven stone surfaces; visitors with limited mobility should check individual venue information before arrival. All the walking routes mentioned are dog‑friendly, and most cafés in the area welcome well‑behaved pets.
Nearby Attractions you can combine with Ultrim
- Acres Lake – Boardwalk and Visitor Centre (/acres-lake-floating-boardwalk/)
- Ballinamore – A lively market town on the River Shannon, great for angling and cycling.
- Drumshanbo – Home of the Shed Distillery and a gateway to Lough Allen water sports.
- Glenfarne – Visit the historic Ballroom of Romance and enjoy lakeside walks.
- Cavan & Leitrim Railway – Heritage railway offering scenic rides between Dromod and Belturbet.
- Bonet River – Ideal for quiet fishing spots and gentle riverside strolls.
Useful Links
- Leitrim Tourism Official Site
- Discover Ireland – Things to Do in Leitrim
- Visit Leitrim App (iOS)
- Visit Leitrim App (Android)
Ultrim may be modest in size, but its position at the heart of County Leitrim makes it a perfect launchpad for exploring the county’s waterfalls, historic ruins, river cruises and culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat or an active adventure, the surrounding landscape offers a rich tapestry of experiences that showcase the very best of Ireland’s hidden heartlands.