My Leitrim Suggestions

I first published this post during lockdown when we were allowed to go exploring. It might be of interest to this of you looking for outdoor walks and places to visit in Leitrim. There is quite a lot of Leitrim that I haven’t explored yet so this isn’t an extensive list but there are some gems in it that I hope you enjoy.

Glencar Waterfall. Probably one of the best known locations on the list. A beautiful waterfall located across the road from Glencar Lake. It’s a lovely short walk up to the waterfall, I’d recommend going after a rain shower or even during one to see it at its best.

The heritage trail in Manorhamilton. A self-guided walk through the town taking in many of the historical locations. You’ll start at Manorhamilton Castle and work your way around the town visiting the workhouse site and more. There’s a handy map here: https://leitrimtourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Manorhamilton-heritage-trail.pdf

Milltown Woods, one of my favourite places in Leitrim. The River Bonet runs through these woods and it’s just so peaceful walking around there, listening to the water rushing and the birds singing.

Fowley’s Falls – often overlooked but absolutely stunning. Enjoy a 3km forest walk which ends at these magnificent falls. If you have time and if the centre is open continue on to The Organic Centre, acres of orchards, a sensory garden, polytunnels and more.

Glenade Drive. Take a spin into a glacial valley that is said to be home to Ireland’s answer to the Lough Ness Monster. Glenade is also known as Jealous Valley and Glenade Lake has a tale to tell. In the 1700’s Grainne, a local lady, was washing clothes at the lake when her husband heard her scream. He ran to see what was happening and found she had been killed by a Dobhar-chú (half dog, half water creature). He stabbed the Dobhar-chú and as it was dying it wailed and called it’s mate which arose from the lake and chased the man – after a long chase the man killed this Dobhar-chú as well. If you visit you Conwall Cemetery close to the lake you will see a gravestone where Grainne is said to be laid to rest and on that gravestone is a carving of the Dobhar-chú. Keep a look out for the old Irish telephone box too.

Explore Glenfarne Demesne which is situated on the shores of Lough MacNean. The lake marks the border of Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh. It’s a really beautiful area with lovely forest walks and a sculpture trail. Suitable for walks or cycles. There’s a trail map here: https://leitrimtourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Glenfarne-forest-walk.pdf

Dromahair is a lovely village. Park near the Abbey Hotel and take the walkway to Creevylea Abbey along the banks of the River Bonet, it’s a very pretty area and well worth exploring.

Near Dromahair you’ll find Cartron or Troll Wood. This is a lovely forest walk alongside a river, there are signs to warn you of trolls, so it’s a bit of fun for the kids too. Let me know if you spot a troll.

Enjoy a walk down by the river in Carrick-on-Shannon, watch the swans glide by and check out the boats. On a clear day the reflections are gorgeous. There’s a little biodiversity garden there too which is well worth a look.

The floating boardwalk over Acres Lake in Drumshanbo. You can actually walk on water! It’s a lovely walk, watching the dragonflies darting around the waterlilies. The water is so clear you can see the tiny fish swimming. It’s a beautiful walk.

Check out the Blueway too, you can walk, cycle or kayak along the waterway. It’s just something very special. Keep a look out for kingfishers and all other kinds of wildlife. Find out more about the Blueway on this website https://www.bluewaysireland.org/destinations/shannon

So there you have it, some of my suggestions in Leitrim. As I said I know there are many more but it’s a county I haven’t explored fully yet. I’ve added a map which you can view here: https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/my-leitrim-suggestions_592503#9/54.2347/-8.0365