County Leitrim

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Leitrim is divided by Lough Allen into two distinct areas. The northern half is characterised by mountains, large lakes and deep glacial valleys that form a spectacularly scenic landscape. In the south, drumlins and small lakes abound. The Shannon Erne Waterway, Europe’s longest inland navigable waterway, stretches through the county...

After years of neglect and mass emigration, Leitrim is now prospering. As use of the Shannon by boat owners and hire craft increases, so have the facilities along the river such as marinas and mooring pontoons. The county town of Carrick-on- Shannon is now a busy river port and the boat hire capital of Ireland. It is also a major commercial centre as large companies establish a presence there.

History and Heritage

County Leitrim takes its name from the village of the same name situated close to the River Shannon and was a place of some strategic importance as the river nearby is comparatively shallow and narrow. Its boundaries were officially set in 1583, but it was originally part of the old Gaelic kingdom of Breffni.

Large portions of the county were confiscated from their owners in 1620 and given to English adventurers, the objective being to plant the county with English settlers, but this was largely unsuccessful.

Leitrim was badly affected by the Great Famine of 1846-50 and with its unfertile soil creating poor agricultural productivity, high emigration has been a feature of the county for many years until the recent revival.

Sites to see

Fionn Mac Cumhaill’s (Finn McCool) grave (cairn) in Sheemore. St. Caillain 6th century monastery & church ruins at Fenagh. Creevelea Friary, near Dromahair.

Sports and Leisure

Leitrim is anglers’ territory, for sure. Lough Allen is renowned as having the best pike fishing in Europe and boats can be hired for a nominal rate.

There are plenty of walking tours on offer and bicycles can also be hired for around good rate.

Horse-riding is also available and as everywhere Golf is increasingly popular.

Eat, Drink and Stay

It is said that Leitrim has the highest number of pubs per capita of the Irish population and the pick of the crop includes The Oarsman, Flynn’s Corner House and The Sheermore (Lynch’s Bar) in Carrick, The Arch in Jamestown, Fitzpatrick’s and Clarke’s in Mohill, Conway’s in Drumshanbo and The Tickled Trout in Kinlough.

The award winning Oarsman is also noted under the restaurant category and other fine eating houses in Leitrim include Cootehall Bridge Restaurant (Cootehall), Canal View House (Keshcarrigan), The Barge Steakhouse (Leitrim Town), Smyth’s (Ballinamore), The Courthouse (Kinlough) and a Lebanese restaurant Al Mezza in Jamestown. Also is the award winning Cox’s Steakhouse at the Brandywell in Dromod.

There is no shortage when it comes to looking for B&B accommodation in Leitrim as there are large number of approved establishments dotted throughout the county.

Festivals

March: Leitrim Roots Festival

June: An Tostal traditional music festival in Drumshanbo

July: Jamestown Heritage Week

August: Ballinamore Summer Festival Regatta Festival in Carrick-on-Shannon Carrick Waters Festival

Things you have to see or do

Parkes Castle – on the shores of lough Gill

Wild Rose Water Bus tour – around Lough Gill

Rossinver Organic Centre – centre for training, information and demonstrations of organic gardening, growing and farming

Glencar Waterfall – Situated just outside Manorhamilton

Costello Chapel – the smallest in Europe

green gBox – Ireland’s first ecotourism centre

Genealogical Centre – Ballinamore

Swan Island Farm – Ballinamore

Cavan/Leitrim Railway – Dromod

Useful links

County Leitrim www.leitrim.ie

Leitrim Tourism www.leitrimtourism.ie

Ireland North West www.irelandnorthwest.ie

The Glens Centre www.theglenscentre.ie

Ireland’s EcoTourism Destination www.greenbox.ie