things to do near drumshanbo
Moon River Cruiser
A boat tour is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend an afternoon. You’ll find Moon River at the quayside in Carrick on Shannon. Moon River cruises will take you on a lovely one hour round trip along the River Shannon. The entertaining Moon River captain will explain points of interest and folklore of the area while you relax and enjoy the scenery and light refreshments available on board.
Costello Chapel
Costello Chapel is the smallest chapel in Europe and the 2nd smallest chapel in the world. Like the Taj Mahal, it is a testament to a man’s love for his wife. This unique building was erected in 1879 by Edward Costello, a wealthy merchant. He built it as a memorial to his wife Mary Josephine who died aged 46. The remains of Josephine (1889) and of Edwards who died in 1891 are both interred in this beautiful memorial.
St. George's
Heritage & Visitor Centre
St. George’s Heritage and Visitor Centre combines the stories of two historically important buildings in Carrick on Shannon – St. George’s Church and the Workhouse.
A visit to these sites begins at the visitor centre, adjacent to St. George’s church, where the story of Leitrim, its landscape, its history and the hardships faced by its people during the 1800s is introduced in an audio-visual presentation.
The Dock Arts Centre
The Dock is housed in the beautiful 19th Century former Courthouse building in Carrick on Shannon. The building has been sensitively restored into an integrated centre for the arts including a 100+ seat performance space, three art galleries, artists studios and an arts education room. It is home to The Leitrim Design House and The Jury Room Café.
Carrick Cineplex
The multiple award-winning, four-screen boutique independent cinema is located in Carrick-On-Shannon bringing you all the new releases for both the big and little people in the family.
Boda Borg
at Lough Key Forest Park
The innovative, weather independent Boda Borg is a Swedish concept unique to Ireland and is challenging for both adults and children.
With 15 Quests, 47 challenges and no instructions, Once you enter the two-storey Boda Borg only teamwork, ingenuity, trial and error and skills you probably didn’t know you have will allow you to progress through its 47 rooms! It contains fun-filled activities, imaginative puzzles and enjoyable tasks but no instructions Every adventure starts in your own mind… new paths are explored… together… with curiosity, laughter and excitement.
Lough Key Boat Tours
Experience the history and tranquillity that Lough Key has to offer by spending an hour relaxing, meeting new people and simply just enjoying the lake and sights with Lough Key Boat Tours. The boat tours are run by Lough Key locals who will share interesting and quirky stories about Lough Key as well as taking you on a professionally guided tour of the greatest Lakes in Ireland.
Glenview folk museum
Glenview Folk Museum in Ballinamore is a lovely exhibit of rural Irish heritage from the early part of the 20th century.
A full street scene has been fully reconstructed to give a real feel of 1930s Ireland. Shops are stocked and dressed as they would have been in the past and a large set of tradesmen’s tools on display are indicative of the skill and the ingenuity of past owners and communities.
Arigna Mining experience
Within a short drive you’ll discover Arigna in a picturesque valley in north Roscommon with breathtaking scenery and an unspoilt landscape. The Arigna Mining Experience is the country’s first coal mining museum documenting Ireland’s first and last coal mines. Experience what it was like for yourself on a guided tour underground with a former coal miner who brings the history of the coal mine and previous iron mine to life.
Marble Arch Caves
In nearby County Fermanagh, the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is host to one of Europe’s finest show caves.
Marble Arch Caves invites visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers. Lively and informative guides conduct tours that pass an impressive variety of delicate cave formations, winding passages, lofty chambers with stalactites that glisten overhead.
Fenagh Abbey & Visitor Centre
According to the Book of Fenagh, the founder of the original monastery at the site of Fenagh Abbey was St. Caillin, who was said to have arrived in Fenagh from Dunmore in County Galway in the 5th century. The Fenagh Visitor Centre houses a small exhibition about the abbey and the significant archaeological sites in the surrounding fields.
King House
King House, in Boyle, County Roscommon. King House is a sensitively restored Georgian mansion built circa 1730 by Sir Henry King, 1st Baronet Kingston.
Today, children and adults alike can explore this unique architectural treasure and enjoy a range of interactive presentations that offer an enchanting view of Ireland’s heritage and culture
Rose of Innisfree Tourboat
A boat tour is a wonderfully relaxing way to spend an afternoon in Leitrim. The Rose of Innisfree Tourboat operates on the picturesque Lough Gill. You will experience some of the most spectacular scenery, spoken so fondly of by the poet WB Yeats, who was inspired to pen his famous poem ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree’ here. On board commentary highlights the poetry of WB Yeats, points of interest and tells of the history, culture, myths and legends of the area as you travel from Parke’s Castle to Doorly Park in Sligo. Full bar facilities are also available.
Leitrim Tourism Office
At “The Old Barrel Store” by the bridge in Carrick-on-Shannon.
Lough Key Forest Park
The 19th century parkland with majestic trees has numerous walks and trails through the native woodlands and its diverse habitats are home to many species of wildlife.
A number of historical and archaeological points of interest can be found throughout the Park including Ringforts, Fishing Pavilion, Fairy Bridge, Wishing Chair, Ice House, Bog Garden, Stables and Estate Chapel.
A visitor centre, with a lakeside café, is the starting point to a number of unique activities for all the family, including a Tree Canopy Walk, Boda Borg and Adventure Play Kingdom, Zipit, Electric Bike Trails and Woodland Segways.
Zipit
at Lough Key Forest Park
Zipit is a treetop high forest adventure park with a difference. A place for young and old, where children can let their imagination run wild and where adults can embrace their inner child. You can climb high into the treetops, swing into cargo nets, even ride a bmx across a bridge, before zipping down one of our many ziplines. Come as a family, come on your own, or bring along a group. Children from age 7 to adults can enjoy up to 3 hours of excitement and adventure.
Sliabh an Iarann walk
Sliabh an Iarainn Mountain is the wild and rugged mountain in County Leitrim. It rises 585 metres above sea level and is located on the eastern shore of Lough Allen. Sliabh an Iarainn or “Mountain of Iron” derives its name from the iron deposits to be found in the rocks. It is said that iron ore from the mountain was used in the construction of Dublin’s Halfpenny Bridge.
A visit to the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre in Drumshanbo tells more of the history of the region and there are three lovely looped walks perfect for exploring and enjoying this majestic landscape.
Lough Allen Adventure
Lough Allen Adventure is an award-winning adventure centre offering outdoor recreation in Leitrim. They have an exciting adventure program with activities ranging from fun and adrenaline fuelled watersports such as windsurfing on Lough Allen and kayaking on the Shannon Blueway to reaching the summits of North West Ireland’s fabulous mountains. And lots in between.
Leitrim surf
Leitrim Surf Company specialise in Stand Up Paddling and Surf with guided Stand Up Paddleboarding Safaris on the Shannon Blueway, the Shannon-Erne Blueway and tours of the Leitrim coastline. They offer tours of the Blueway – right across the road from McGuire’s Cottages. Their Shannon Blueway tour lasts for 2hrs – This safari explores the Shannon Blueway between Leitrim Village and Battlebridge and can conclude with refreshments at The Leitrim Marina Hotel or Beirnes of Battlebridge.
Electric Bike Trails
From their base in Leitrim Village, Electric Bike Trails hire a full range of regular bicycles, electric bicycles, children’s bicycles, child carts, child seats and tandems.
A leisurely bike ride is a wonderful way to explore the Leitrim countryside. You can enjoy a tranquil traffic free cycle along the banks of the Lough Allen Canal including the floating boardwalk at Acres Lake (just across the road!). It is an easy cycle suitable for all the family and is a 20 km round trip from the Electric Bike Trail base at Leitrim Village to Drumshanbo Village.
Carrick Quads
Set on over 100 acres of fantastic Irish countryside, this off-road motor-powered adventure is perfect for all levels – from the novice to the experienced – everyone will have an amazing time regardless of the weather!
Pol an eas waterfall
Not too far away just outside the town of Ballinamore is Pól An Eas Waterfall, a true haven of natural beauty. Off the beaten track, this little waterfall takes you deep into the tranquillity at the heart of Leitrim. It is an ideal place for a picnic.
Cavan Leitrim Railway
The Cavan and Leitrim Railway in Dromod was one of the most fascinating, and at one time busiest, of Ireland’s narrow-gauge railways. This lovingly restored railway offers you the chance to step back in time and experience the age of steam transport in rural Ireland.
Cycle Leitrim
Leitrim is a county of hills and lakes, quiet roads and mountain trails that are ideal for serious road cyclists and mountain bikers.
With some of the best road surfaces in the country, and with very little traffic it is a true pleasure to cycle around on a road bike. There are many varied loops from 30km to over 100km to be enjoyed with a massive variety of terrain from flat to very hilly. Leitrim is proud to host the Yeats 200 Sportive each September, which showcases the fantastic roads and scenery we have.
Leitrim’s quiet roads, beautiful hills and many off road tracks and trails, Leitrim is a mountain biker’s dream. The comprehensive www.cycleleitrim.com website shows you some of the fantastic routes and climbs on offer here in Leitrim.
Adventure Gently
Adventure Gently will take you on a guided trip along one of Ireland’s enchanting waterways in Canadian Canoes. As the name suggests Adventure Gently aims to provide a gentle, enjoyable and safe experience, but with a flavour of excitement and achievement.
Parke's Castle
Parke’s Castle is a restored plantation castle from the early 17th century and is situated on the picturesque shores of Lough Gill. It was once the home of Sir Robert Parke and his family. The Castle has been carefully restored using Irish oak and traditional craftsmanship. A permanent exhibition of artefacts from the 17th century including replica period costumes and furniture, is on display inside the grounds.
A guided tour of the Castle takes place every hour and the audio-visual presentation “Stone by stone” further explains the history and restoration of the Castle.
the organic centre
The Organic Centre in Rossinver, wants to inspire visitors and the general public to grow food organically and live sustainably. They demonstrate that through their wonderful gardens and polytunnels.
Glencar Waterfall
Glencar Waterfall is famous for being an inspiration to Ireland’s greatest poet William Butler Yeats and features in his poem ‘The Stolen Child’.
‘Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star.’
The waterfall reaches 50ft high and is situated at Glencar Lough. It creates a truly magical atmosphere. A short, picturesque wooded walk offers varied viewing platforms to enjoy the waterfall. There are more waterfalls visible from the road to Glencar, although none are quite as romantic as this one.
