Things to Do
nearby & outdoors
Lough Key Forest Park
The 19th century parkland with majestic trees has numerous walks and trails through the native woodlands and its diverse habitats are home to many species of wildlife.
A number of historical and archaeological points of interest can be found throughout the Park including Ringforts, Fishing Pavilion, Fairy Bridge, Wishing Chair, Ice House, Bog Garden, Stables and Estate Chapel.
A visitor centre, with a lakeside café, is the starting point to a number of unique activities for all the family, including a Tree Canopy Walk, Boda Borg and Adventure Play Kingdom, Zipit, Electric Bike Trails and Woodland Segways.
Zipit
at Lough Key Forest Park
Zipit is a treetop high forest adventure park with a difference. A place for young and old, where children can let their imagination run wild and where adults can embrace their inner child. You can climb high into the treetops, swing into cargo nets, even ride a bmx across a bridge, before zipping down one of our many ziplines. Come as a family, come on your own, or bring along a group. Children from age 7 to adults can enjoy up to 3 hours of excitement and adventure.
Sliabh an Iarann walk
Sliabh an Iarainn Mountain is the wild and rugged mountain in County Leitrim. It rises 585 metres above sea level and is located on the eastern shore of Lough Allen. Sliabh an Iarainn or “Mountain of Iron” derives its name from the iron deposits to be found in the rocks. It is said that iron ore from the mountain was used in the construction of Dublin’s Halfpenny Bridge.
A visit to the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre in Drumshanbo tells more of the history of the region and there are three lovely looped walks perfect for exploring and enjoying this majestic landscape.
Lough Allen Adventure
Lough Allen Adventure is an award-winning adventure centre offering outdoor recreation in Leitrim. They have an exciting adventure program with activities ranging from fun and adrenaline fuelled watersports such as windsurfing on Lough Allen and kayaking on the Shannon Blueway to reaching the summits of North West Ireland’s fabulous mountains. And lots in between.
Leitrim surf
Leitrim Surf Company specialise in Stand Up Paddling and Surf with guided Stand Up Paddleboarding Safaris on the Shannon Blueway, the Shannon-Erne Blueway and tours of the Leitrim coastline. They offer tours of the Blueway – right across the road from McGuire’s Cottages. Their Shannon Blueway tour lasts for 2hrs – This safari explores the Shannon Blueway between Leitrim Village and Battlebridge and can conclude with refreshments at The Leitrim Marina Hotel or Beirnes of Battlebridge.
Electric Bike Trails
From their base in Leitrim Village, Electric Bike Trails hire a full range of regular bicycles, electric bicycles, children’s bicycles, child carts, child seats and tandems.
A leisurely bike ride is a wonderful way to explore the Leitrim countryside. You can enjoy a tranquil traffic free cycle along the banks of the Lough Allen Canal including the floating boardwalk at Acres Lake (just across the road!). It is an easy cycle suitable for all the family and is a 20 km round trip from the Electric Bike Trail base at Leitrim Village to Drumshanbo Village.
Carrick Quads
Set on over 100 acres of fantastic Irish countryside, this off-road motor-powered adventure is perfect for all levels – from the novice to the experienced – everyone will have an amazing time regardless of the weather!
Pol an eas waterfall
Not too far away just outside the town of Ballinamore is Pól An Eas Waterfall, a true haven of natural beauty. Off the beaten track, this little waterfall takes you deep into the tranquillity at the heart of Leitrim. It is an ideal place for a picnic.
Cavan Leitrim Railway
The Cavan and Leitrim Railway in Dromod was one of the most fascinating, and at one time busiest, of Ireland’s narrow-gauge railways. This lovingly restored railway offers you the chance to step back in time and experience the age of steam transport in rural Ireland.
Cycle Leitrim
Leitrim is a county of hills and lakes, quiet roads and mountain trails that are ideal for serious road cyclists and mountain bikers.
With some of the best road surfaces in the country, and with very little traffic it is a true pleasure to cycle around on a road bike. There are many varied loops from 30km to over 100km to be enjoyed with a massive variety of terrain from flat to very hilly. Leitrim is proud to host the Yeats 200 Sportive each September, which showcases the fantastic roads and scenery we have.
Leitrim’s quiet roads, beautiful hills and many off road tracks and trails, Leitrim is a mountain biker’s dream. The comprehensive www.cycleleitrim.com website shows you some of the fantastic routes and climbs on offer here in Leitrim.
Adventure Gently
Adventure Gently will take you on a guided trip along one of Ireland’s enchanting waterways in Canadian Canoes. As the name suggests Adventure Gently aims to provide a gentle, enjoyable and safe experience, but with a flavour of excitement and achievement.
Parke's Castle
Parke’s Castle is a restored plantation castle from the early 17th century and is situated on the picturesque shores of Lough Gill. It was once the home of Sir Robert Parke and his family. The Castle has been carefully restored using Irish oak and traditional craftsmanship. A permanent exhibition of artefacts from the 17th century including replica period costumes and furniture, is on display inside the grounds.
A guided tour of the Castle takes place every hour and the audio-visual presentation “Stone by stone” further explains the history and restoration of the Castle.
the organic centre
The Organic Centre in Rossinver, wants to inspire visitors and the general public to grow food organically and live sustainably. They demonstrate that through their wonderful gardens and polytunnels.
Glencar Waterfall
Glencar Waterfall is famous for being an inspiration to Ireland’s greatest poet William Butler Yeats and features in his poem ‘The Stolen Child’.
‘Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star.’
The waterfall reaches 50ft high and is situated at Glencar Lough. It creates a truly magical atmosphere. A short, picturesque wooded walk offers varied viewing platforms to enjoy the waterfall. There are more waterfalls visible from the road to Glencar, although none are quite as romantic as this one.