County Leitrim: The Most Brimming Gem of Ireland

Updated On: April 30, 2024 by   ConnollyCove

It is filled with wild waterways, surprise shots of adrenaline, and a landscape that continues to muse artists of all sorts. County Leitrim is one of the most astounding counties in Ireland. ‘Hidden gem’ is potentially one of the most overused terms in travel, and when it comes to Leitrim, most certainly, the glove fits. The least populated county in all of Ireland, sparse Co. Leitrim has only around 30 thousand people living on its 1,590 square kilometres. Unsurprisingly, Leitrim is also the most minor known-about county in Ireland and, perhaps unfairly, doesn’t get its due.

The Heart of Leitrim

The small county with a big heart. What it lacks in size, Leitrim more than makes up for in energy and ambition. It offers beautiful, untouched countryside alongside busy small towns simply sparking with energy. A hidden gem in the West, Leitrim’s position on the River Shannon has always ensured it’s a tourist favourite spot. The County provides a vital link between popular counties Sligo and Donegal. It even allows the Midlands some Wild Atlantic Way action via a 5km bit of the N15 where a nib of Leitrim touches the sea.

Investors and businesses are now realising the benefits Leitrim can offer through its motivated and educated workforce backed up by a solid infrastructure connecting it with the rest of Ireland and beyond.

The delights of unassuming County Leitrim are a well-kept secret, and it seems the locals like it that way. Those who call it home genuinely cherish the feral landscape and authentic rural charm. Additionally, there is the astonishing lodge that resonates in the minds of fans of the hit TV show Game of Thrones called Leitrim Lodge.

History

County Leitrim was a poor and rather bleak county. Few gentlemen of fortune resided in it, and it was divided by the electioneering interests of the absentee landlords. However, Leitrim politics remained relatively stable throughout the century. Leitrim was affected by the excoriating famine in the 19th century, and subsequent generations struggled with mass emigration and unemployment. Still, today, it has become a beloved hideout for artists, writers and musicians and a considerable boating centre.

This district of western Ireland, remarkable for many peculiarities, is distinguishable for containing the smallest number of electors of any County in the kingdom. This circumstance was partly caused by the meagre state of its population and still more by the prevalence of the Popish faith throughout its entirety. But though their numbers are small, they have frequently shown themselves to be uninfluenced by a partial preference for particular names, and there is scarce a County in the nation wherein more gentlemen of different families have, at other times, been chosen its representative.

The Epitome of Eco-Tourism in Ireland

The Organic Centre offers eco-tourism every weekend from the end of February to the beginning of November with exciting and entertaining gardening, food and crafts courses. Participants are served by the in-house Grass Roof Cafe, run by Aisling Stone, from Aislings Homecooked Food. Hans and Gaby arrived in Ireland more than 30 years ago, inspired by the Nearings from Vermont in the USA, and now teach what they have done and still do daily to live a good and healthy life. This is an extraordinary Irish holiday break where you can experience the beauty of County Leitrim.

Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat was established 13 years ago. Tucked away near Dromahair in North Leitrim, it’s a unique retreat based around eco cabins stocked with antique furniture, wood pellet stoves, and views of the rolling countryside. Indulge your inner yogi, soak in the outdoor hot tub overlooking Lough Nahoo, or indulge in a massage.

Leitrim’s Nature

Sliabh an Iarainn

Sliabh and Iarainn is an astounding rugged mountain in South County Leitrim. Which ascends 585 metres from the eastern shore of Lough Allen, the first of the great Shannon lakes. Its terrain includes country roads, forest walks and open mountains. The location makes it a local treasure, and it has been a playground for many families for years. It is majestic yet simple; exploring the area could never become dull. Whether you are leisurely walking about the trails or boldly hiking the up edge of the mountain, it will induce a glorious sense of vitality courtesy of Irish nature.

The Shannon

The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, with a total length of 386 km. It rises at a place known as the Shannon Pot, near Dowra, in the Cavan Mountains. Still, the various tributaries and bogs along the spine of Ireland also filter into it and together have forged this great river.  It was formed at the end of the last Ice Age. Its route creates a natural border between Ireland’s western and eastern parts and runs through 11 counties.

The Shannon gets its name from Sionnan, the granddaughter of the Irish God of the Sea. She was a beautiful yet curious mortal living in a mythical Ireland. This was the time of the Druids. They would gather on sacred nights in unique places throughout the country to practice their ancient ways. One such place was The Well of Knowledge in the Cavan Mountains. It is here where Druids would gain insight into the land’s magic.

The River Shannon has long played an essential role in the history of Ireland. Providing a faster navigable route than moving across the land. The river has helped move goods and people across the country for hundreds of years. The Vikings used it for navigation, invading the inland areas quickly and easily. Today, the River Shannon produces hydroelectric power for its surrounding communities. It is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors boat tours and watersports like skiing. These cruises stop at various sites along the river, including castles, nature spots, and ancient cities.

Leitrim Towns

• Carrick-on-Shannon

The county town is the largest, although it has a population of under 5000. Like many aspects of southern Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon is defined by the stately River Shannon.

Carrick-on-Shannon is Leitrim’s beating heart, the cruise capital of the Shannon, and an ideal place for a wander from the marina. Its visitors can grab a beef and Guinness stew at a gastropub, or check out Costello Chapel, a souvenir-sized memorial with a big heart. Erected by local merchant Edward Costello after the premature death of his wife in 1877, the couple’s coffins still rest under glass today.

• Drumshanbo

It’s a small town at the end of Lough Allen and the head of the Shannon navigation. It’s a lovely place surrounded by gorgeous scenery of lakes, woodlands, rolling hills, and mountains.

• Ballinamore

This is one of the largest and busiest towns in County Leitrim, located 19km from the border of Co. Fermanagh. The town is known for its abundance of coarse angling water. Within a 10km radius, 40 lakes are found. It is a place full of architecture and heritage. Some oldest buildings include the Old Court House and The Church of Ireland. One was built in the 1830s, and the other in c. 1780.

During a visit to Ballinamore, you can take part in various Attractions, including horse riding and golfing, and there are great pubs and restaurants.

Attractions in County Leitrim 

Glencar Waterfall

One of the most stunning features found in County Leitrim is the breathtaking Glencar Waterfall. At 50 feet high and located at Glencar Lough, the waterfall is awe-inspiring, especially after it rains; it’s just majestic. There is also a lovely wooded walk, a children’s park, a cafe and a picnic area around the Glencar Waterfall. The attraction offers fantastic photo opportunities for any keen photographer, with the backdrop of the waterfall, lakes and mountains at Glencar Lough.

The waterfall has also inspired the famous poet William Butler Yeats. The attraction has been featured in his poetry ‘The Stolen Child’. A part of the poem is shown below:

Parke Castle

A part of Leitrim’s historic past is the recently restored plantation Castle, first built in the early 17th century. It is located on the pretty shores of Lough Gill. Robert Parke and his family owned the castle. Stroll around the courtyard grounds to explore some evidence of the early 16th century with the tower house structure.

Guided tours are available for those curious about exploring the castle and discovering more of its history. It is one of Ireland’s most beautifully designed medieval castles, restored using traditional materials and craftsmanship.

Explore the Great Outdoors

The best thing that Leitrim has to offer is its fantastic outdoors. One thing you can’t miss out on is a visit to Ireland’s first floating boardwalk. Located in Acres Lake between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon, the 600-meter-long boardwalk is part of a 14-kilometre trail to Leitrim village, and there is a network of recreational trails that offer walking, kayaking, and cycling routes as well.

The many lakes found in Leitrim offer a great place to enjoy a variety of fun water sports, such as stand paddleboarding. With Leitrim Surf Company, you can learn to paddleboard and surf by trained professionals and explore the beautiful Leitrim coastlines.

Or head on a guided tour with Adventure Gently, where you can explore the waterways of Northwest Ireland in canoes. They provide an enjoyable and safe experience that still offers some excitement. The Northwest of Ireland, where County Leitrim is located, is home to unspoilt scenic waterways you must explore. It is the perfect opportunity to spot wildlife, take gorgeous photos, and uncover hidden gems in the county.

Enjoy Some Amazing Food in Leitrim

Leitrim’s food scene is worth checking out for such a small rural county. Here are a few places that should be on your list when visiting.

Lena’s Tea Room

Lena’s Tea Room is at the top of our list, located on the main street in Carrick on Shannon in Leitrim. It offers a unique 1920s decor inside that is welcoming and friendly. The menu sounds fantastic with its variety of home-baked goods, including cakes, scones, and tarts. Given the name, they specialise in afternoon tea with various delicious teas and coffees. It’s the perfect place to stop off after a busy day of checking out tourist attractions.

DiVino Italian Restaurant

This newly opened restaurant, also located in Carrick on Shannon, is the place to check out if you want to try authentic Italian food. The gorgeous decor evokes typical Italian style with a touch of class. The fantastic food, including pizzas and pasta, is made from scratch using the best Italian ingredients and tastes delicious.

The Oarsman

Check out this award-winning gastropub restaurant in the heart of Leitrim, ‘Carrick on Shannon’. The restaurant has been providing fantastic hospitality in the county for over seven generations. It is a great place to enjoy some of the finest food in Leitrim and try a great selection of wines, craft beers, and spirits. The menu includes many different seafood options, perfect for people wanting to try something different and exciting.

Festivals

There may not be an Electric Picnic or anything in Leitrim, but plenty of festivals remain to keep you going.

The Carrick Water Music Festival brings music and art to Carrick-on-Shannon in July, while the free Ballinamore Fringe Festival takes place in August each year.

Nice Quiet County

As pointed out, County Leitrim is full of nature, lakes, and other amenities, making it the perfect place to relax.

Walking out in the countryside can be a welcoming break, especially if you live in a place with more than one traffic light, so you should visit it.

Leitrim is a place to head to if you are looking to unwind and relax. You can lose yourself in the beauty of County Leitrim, which has quiet towns and cinematic scenery. Leitrim will not let you down if you want to explore the beautiful Irish outdoors.

Other Worthy Reads:

Getting Around Antrim| Mesmerising Beauty of County Sligo| The Beauty of County Limerick| Clare and the Irish Wonder of the Atlantic| The Rich History of County Down|