Located on the River Shannon, Leitrim Village is a starting point for paddling routes and cycling trails, as well as the endpoint of the 56 km Leitrim Way. This means different roles for the village come to the fore when planning your trip: start a water route or finish a multi-day walk here. The focus of your stay can also help you choose accommodation in Leitrim.

Waterways around Leitrim Village

Leitrim Village is connected to the River Erne via the Shannon-Erne Waterway. Paddling routes begin in the village on the Shannon-Erne Blueway, which is divided into 15 sections of varying lengths and character. Leitrim Village also serves as a tourism starting point for the Killarcan to Kilclare Blueway and the Shannon-Erne Blueway. The varying section lengths and route characteristics can help you choose your paddling route. As local operating arrangements may change, check the latest information before planning a trip.

Walking and cycling

The Leitrim Way is a 56 km walking trail from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village. Its final stage leads to the village marina, where the trail ends. The Leitrim Way usually takes two to three days. If you include the walk, you can consider Leitrim the endpoint and factor the usual duration into your stage planning. A footpath also connects Leitrim Village with Battlebridge.

For cycling, there are two loops to choose from, with different lengths and routes. With Electric Bike Trails, you can take a 20 km traffic-free loop from Leitrim Village along the Lough Allen Canal. Another loop follows the Shannon Blueway to Kilclare and is 11 km long. This lets you take the stated distance and destination into account when choosing a route. Route information may change due to operational updates; check the latest details before setting out.

Culture in the village and County Leitrim

The remains of O’Rourke’s Castle can still be found in the centre of Leitrim. This local heritage site adds a historical point of interest in the village itself, alongside its waterways and routes. The wider destination of County Leitrim has other historic sites, each with its own character: Parke’s Castle is a restored early 17th-century castle on the northern shore of Lough Gill. Creevelea Abbey is a Franciscan abbey in County Leitrim, built in 1508. It lies on the Sligo Way, an 80 km walking trail with upland sections. These regional destinations are part of County Leitrim and should be distinguished from the features of Leitrim Village itself.

Plan a stay that suits your trip

If you’re looking for a hotel in Leitrim, first consider the role you want the village to play in your trip. It is the endpoint of the Leitrim Way, while the paddling routes and cycling trails mentioned here start in Leitrim Village. The walk usually takes two to three days. Plan your overnight stays around your stages and whether you want to finish a walk here or start a water or cycling route.

Discover more destinations: Kiltyclogher, Glenfarne, Manorhamilton, Tullaghan, Mohill, Rossinver, Kinlough, Drumgorman.

For the wider travel overview: County Leitrim.