In Kinlough, church architecture and activities around Lough Melvin can be considered as distinct focal points for a stay. Two churches each have their own building history and details; Lough Melvin Eco Park includes woodland, lakeshore and trails, and a 32 km cycle route starts in the village. Which themes you choose to combine depends on whether you want to focus on architecture, time outdoors or activities on the water.

Church architecture: two different periods

Kinlough Church (Rossinver) was built around 1820 in the style of the Board of First Fruits. It retains gas lamps, a bellcote, a cantilevered stone staircase and ceiling cornices. These features draw attention not only to the period in which it was built, but also to individual details, from the light sources and staircase to the junction between the wall and ceiling. The church’s decorative details are considered to be of architectural, technical and artistic interest.

Saint Aidan’s Catholic Church was built in 1854 as a detached, cruciform Roman Catholic church. Its elaborate stained-glass windows have artistic value, and its decorative bellcote is visible from a distance. The church is one of Kinlough’s most prominent landmarks. The construction dates and building types show two different approaches: the circa-1820 building in the style of the Board of First Fruits, and the detached cruciform design of 1854. The stained-glass windows and visible bellcote give Saint Aidan’s additional distinctive features.

Lough Melvin Eco Park and planned connection

Lough Melvin Eco Park in Kinlough covers 17 acres and includes woodland, lakeshore and wildlife habitats. The park has walking trails and information boards, as well as a picnic area and a play area. This offers several ways to enjoy the park: trails for a walk, boards for information and orientation, and areas for a break or playtime. When planning your trip, you can consider the landscape and existing facilities as a focus in their own right alongside the churches.

A footpath with public lighting is planned along Rossinver Road (R281) in the County Development Plan. It is intended to connect Kinlough with Lough Melvin Eco Park, including its woodland and lakeshore trails, playground and picnic area. As this is a planned project, check its current status when planning your route.

Cycling, fishing and water sports

The Lough Melvin Loop Cycle Route starts in Kinlough and is a 32 km cycle route around Lough Melvin. On the section from Kinlough towards Rossinver, the lake is on the left and Arroo Mountain is on the right of the route. This describes the section towards Rossinver, not necessarily the entire loop. As local route conditions can change, check them before setting out.

On the eastern edge of Kinlough, Lough Melvin is an established destination for fishing and water sports. The lake is home to three fish species unique to it: Gillaroo Trout, Sonaghan Trout and Ferox Trout. These offer distinct interests at the lake beyond the cycling loop. For those particularly interested in fishing, the three named species provide a specific connection to Lough Melvin’s natural history; water sports are another established focus.

Choose hotels based on your travel interests

When looking for hotels in Kinlough, you can first decide what you want to focus on: churches and architecture, the trails and areas of the Eco Park, fishing or water sports on Lough Melvin, or the cycle route around the lake.

Discover more destinations: Drumkeeran, Drumgorman, Leitrim, Keshcarrigan, Kilclare, Drumsna, Mohill, Dromahair.

For the broader travel overview: County Leitrim.