On the northern shore of Lough Gill stands Parke’s Castle, a restored castle dating from the early 17th century. Its setting brings together a clearly dated building and a specific connection to the landscape, offering an introduction to County Leitrim’s cultural history. The county’s heritage centres also bring history to life: sometimes through one individual, sometimes through the themes of an entire region.
Castles and stories from history
Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre houses an exhibition about Seán MacDiarmada, a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation. Audiovisual displays and explanatory panels accompany the exhibition. In Drumshanbo, the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre turns its attention to the region of the Arigna and Sliabh an Iarainn mountains. Its audiovisual exhibitions cover the railway, canal, lakes, iron and coal mining, and musical heritage. The centre operates seasonally. Different approaches sit side by side here: an exhibition about a named individual and a broad selection of regional themes.
Creevelea Abbey adds an older historical perspective to these discoveries: the Franciscan abbey was built in County Leitrim in 1508. It lies on the Sligo Way, an 80-kilometre walking trail with elevated routes. In turn, the St George’s Heritage & Visitor Centre in Carrick-On-Shannon connects the history of St George’s Church with that of the workhouse. The themes therefore range from an abbey and a long-distance trail to the history of two buildings.
Landscape, views and trails
Hag’s Leap is a 330-metre-high, isolated natural rock pinnacle in the Dartry Mountains in the north of County Leitrim, and the highest isolated natural rock pinnacle on the island of Ireland. The site is exclusively a viewpoint; there is no access for walking or hiking in this area. By contrast, Glencar Waterfall can be viewed from a wooded path. The 15-metre-high waterfall is near Glencar Lake, 11 kilometres west of Manorhamilton, and inspired William Butler Yeats. At Glencar Alpacas, you can enjoy guided alpaca walks with panoramic views of Glencar Lake and valley.
The trails also vary in length and format. The first section of the Shannon Blueway comprises 16.5 kilometres of waterways, as well as circular routes for walking and cycling between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. At Acres Lake, a 600-metre boardwalk connects a short section of trail with a 6.5-kilometre linear walking and cycling route: it runs from the lake in Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock near Leitrim Village. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.
For a longer walk, the Leitrim Way offers a different scale: this 56-kilometre long-distance trail runs from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village and usually takes two to three days. The Ballinamore to Aghawillin Greenway, meanwhile, connects Leitrim’s landscapes with its railway heritage and rich wildlife. Together, these examples highlight different ways of exploring the area, without suggesting that one route suits every outing.
Gardens, courses and local offerings
Practical learning is at the heart of the Organic Centre in Rossinver. The centre runs more than fifty weekend courses each year, including classes on cheese-making and organic gardening. Its demonstration gardens include seven polytunnels, where visitors are given guidance in organic gardening. The courses and garden areas offer two practical ways to explore the centre’s themes.
For homemade food and drinks, visit the Jackalope Café at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo. Fenagh Visitor Centre brings together a heritage centre, a café and an indoor play area. These varied offerings complement the historical exhibitions and trails with additional places to visit around the county.
Discover more destinations: Leitrim, Mohill, Drumshanbo, Carrick On Shannon, Carrigallen, Keshcarrigan, Ballinamore, Drumnafinnila, Drumkeeran, Dromahair, Drumod, Glenfarne, Manorhamilton, Kiltyclogher, Tullaghan, Drumsna, Kilclare, Carnhill, Kinlough, Rossinver, Cloone, Drumgorman, Drumreagh, Fenagh.
For the broader travel overview: Connacht.
