Tucked away in Ireland’s northwest, Leitrim County is full of charm you’ll absolutely love! With rolling green hills, beautiful lakes and rivers, and cozy villages that feel like the Ireland you’ve always imagined. Here are the best things to do in County Leitrim Ireland!
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Just a couple hours away from Dublin, this underrated county in Ireland is known as Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and it has so much to see and do! From adorable small villages with brightly colored buildings to powerful natural wonders, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from on your trip to this northwestern county.
During my time in the county, I was so surprised by the variety of activities. And although I traveled without my husband and kids to Ireland, my kids would have loved Lough Rynn Castle and basket weaving. My husband would have loved the distillery tour and kayaking.
What to do in County Leitrim Ireland
There’s truly something for everyone. Let’s dive in!
1. Visit Carrick-on-Shannon
This small town in the heart of County Leitrim is such a gem! With adorable shops, friendly pubs, and absolutely delicious restaurants (I was seriously blown away!), you’ll love this place.
Whether you want to base yourself in Carrick-on-Shannon for your stay in Leitrim County, or you stay in multiple locations and visit this charming village for a day, there’s plenty to do and see.
I highly recommend the Red Bank Restaurant in Carrick-on-Shannon for dinner. Some of my favorite foods I’ve eaten in Ireland were here. And if you’re looking for a place to stay, The Landmark Hotel is the shining star of the town!
2. Take a stroll on the Boardwalk
Right on the River Shannon, this peaceful spot is a highlight of not only Carrick-on-Shannon, but County Leitrim as well. I loved watching the wildlife from the boardwalk, and it’s so peaceful for an after-dinner stroll!
Sit at the waterfront and see how Richard Hayward, Irish travel writer, got his inspiration! The riverbank was one of the places he enjoyed Carrick-on-Shannon.
And if you love boardwalks, there’s another in County Leitrim that won’t disappoint. The Acres Lake Boardwalk is a 600m floating boardwalk near the town of Drumshanbo.
County Leitrim Ireland has such peaceful spots that will allow you to soak in nature!
3. Take a distillery tour at Drumshanbo Co Leitrim Ireland
Speaking of Drumshanbo, a visit to the distillery is absolutely one of the best things to do in County Leitrim! Drumshanbo Irish Gin was the first legal distillery in the western province after it was outlawed – and the first distillery in Leitrim in 101 years!
All the whiskey is at least 7 years old, and the Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is one of the most powerful gin brands in the world!
On site there’s the distillery tour, a gift shop, Jackalope Café lounge and restaurant. The cocktails are of course delicious, but you’ve gotta try the restaurant too – it’s so delicious!
Pro tip: you’ll want to book a distillery tour in advance, as the tours do get full!
4. Visit Eagle Rock and Hags Leap
One of Leitrim’s most beautiful natural wonders is tucked in the far northwest corner of the county.
Hag’s Leap is located in the Glendale Valley, which has over 10 million years of history! Hag’s Leap is over 330m tall, and is the tallest free-standing rock tower in Ireland.
Eagle Rock is the jagged break-away limestone on the far end of Hag’s Leap. Combined with the natural Irish green countryside, it’s just such a beautiful sight to see.
And the best part is that there’s an overlook but since it’s surrounded by private property, you don’t even have to hike to get to it!
5. Enjoy a Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway getaway
Pronounced Drum-hear-knee, this historic place is dates back to 1682, but has all the modern amenities you’ll want for a weekend away. Rent one of their beautiful lodges, perfect for families, friends getaway weekend or group trips.
From convenient on-site food to the optional private chef experience, you can completely relax and unwind at Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway. Enjoy the 100 acres of Irish woodland, walk the 4 nature trails and genuinely enjoy the peacefulness that this location offers.
6. Relax at the Drumhierny Wellbeing Sanctuary (one of my favorite things to do in County Leitrim Ireland)
One of the most beautiful outdoor spa experiences I’ve ever had the privilege of enjoying is the Wellbeing Sanctuary at Drumhierny. In the middle of the woodland forest is this beautiful space, complete with hot tubs, a cold plunge, sauna and seaweed baths.
Spend some time in Leitrim County on you! With benefits like increased circulation, moisturises skin and deep relaxation, how can you even say no to this?!
You’ll definitely want to book your time at the Wellbeing Sanctuary in advance, whether you end up renting a lodge at Drumheirny or not!
7. Take an Irish river cruise (one of the top things to do in County Leitrim!)
Hop on board a cabin cruiser and have an absolute blast! Moon River pleasure cruises operates on River Shannon at Carrick-on-Shannon. This river cruise is one of the most fun activities in Leitrim County!
Enjoy a cocktail or mocktail, listen to live music and soak in the scenery while you float down the River Shannon. While this is a seasonal activity based on weather, it’s a great way to spend a few hours during the operating season.
8. Go kayaking or canoeing
With so many lakes and waterways in Leitrim County, there’s a seemingly endless supply of nature to enjoy. I absolutely love kayaking, and that certainly didn’t change while I was in Ireland!
Taking an Irish canoeing tour in Leitrim is a great way to enjoy the weather and scenery! The rivers Shanon and Erne are the locations for kayaking and canoeing, in addition to many lakes.
While it didn’t work out during my trip due to weather, I’d love to return and do a canoe trip with Adventure Gently!
Leitrim County Ireland: things to do
Can you believe this list? We’ve barely scratched the surface of all the awesome things to do in this underrated region! One of my favorites is up next!
9. Take a yoga class
There are plenty of ways to get active in Co. Leitrim! I loved the yoga class I took, which was supposed to be held outside but with Ireland’s wet weather, our class was relocated to the interior of a boat.
I can honestly say that’s the first (but hopefully not only) time I’ve done yoga on a boat! Reconnecting with nature with this yoga class was just what the mind and body needed!
This is one of the most unique things to do in County Leitrim and you won’t want to miss it!
Book your class with Adventure Gently!
10. Visit Parkes Castle
Dating back to the 1700’s, Parkes Castle has a complicated past and open to visitors! Designated as a National Monument and managed by the OPW, it was restored in the 20th century.
Open seasonally from March to September, the castle is located on the shores of Lough Gill, on the very western edge of County Leitrim. You can tour the castle and view it from the interior and exterior. I especially loved the North West Pigeon Tower.
11. See the smallest Chapel in Europe
The Costello Memorial Chapel is in the heart of Carrick-on-Shannon, and is a unique attraction in Leitrim County!
The smallest church in Ireland – and Europe! stands just 12 feet wide by 16 feet long by 30 feet high. And even more interesting is that it’s actually was built as a memorial for the wife of one of the local businessmen in 1879.
It takes just a minute to walk through it. But just be warned, there are definitely two coffins inside.
12. Visit the Glencar Waterfall
This 50-foot waterfall is one of the most beautiful pieces of nature in the area. Situated along the western edge of the county this is one of the best things to do in County Leitrim, and it really left a mark on my experience.
Glencar Waterfall has wooden walkways nearby which allow you to see the waterfall from several different angles, showcasing its beauty.
And the best part – it’s free! With parking nearby, it’s just a short walk to the base of the waterfall. I highly recommend making this a stop on your Leitrim itinerary.
13. Go biking! (Take the Jackalope cycle tour)
One of the best ecotourism activities is biking in Leitrim! With so many options, it may be hard to choose! While many bike trails start in Manorhamilton, you can also start in Kiltyclogher. From family-friendly routes to 40km or 200km options, County Leitrim is full of possibilities.
As a tourist, I’d highly recommend renting e-bikes and doing the Jackalope Cycle Tour along the picturesque Shannon Blueway. It’s located in Leitrim village.
After all, what’s better than easily gliding through charming villages, lush greenery and tranquil country roads while soaking in the area’s natural beauty?
Book your bike reservation with Electric Bike Trails from the village of Leitrim.
14. Take a willow weaving class (one of the most unique things to do in Leitrim County Ireland)
One of the most creative, unique things to do in Leitrim is basket weaving! A little fun fact: there are over 250 artists working in ceramics, paper, wood, textiles, glass and metal in Leitrim.
Of course you can visit an art gallery in Co. Leitrim. Butttt you can also take a class to make your own creation!
I truly enjoyed weaving willow branches to create a basket. This is perfect for families, groups or even couples! I love this fun, creative souvenir from Ireland.
Book your willow weaving class with The Willow Woman!
Pro tip: use a carabiner clip to attach your basket to your carry-on luggage for your flight home!
15. Stay at or visit the Lough Rynn Castle
One of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed at is the Lough Rynn Castle in Leitrim, Ireland! You can visit for a meal or stay overnight in the hotel. On site, you can explore the gorgeous grounds, stroll by the tranquil lake, and walk through the gardens.
This iconic place was once home of the Clements family and the legendary Lord Leitrim! But today it’s a modern luxury hotel with classic charm, and a popular wedding venue too! Relax with a drink in the castle’s drawing room or enjoy afternoon tea.
I highly recommend booking one of the castle bedrooms during your time in Leitrim! It’s a one-of-a-kind stay, that’s for sure!
16 – Bonus: Fairy Bridges
Located just minutes across the county Donegal line, visiting the Fairy Bridges are an easy add-on to your Leitrim vacation! Situated at Tullen Strand, a popular beach and surfing destination, and a highlight along The Wild Atlantic Way, it’s a fun stop on a road trip through the area.
So this is technically a bonus spot since it’s not in Leitrim, but it’s simply too good not to include!
Walk the nearby beach, and definitely check out the Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair. Toss a coin and make a wish!
One of my favorite things about this little spot is listening to the water crash below the bridge – so fun!
Just be sure to be respectful of the Fairy Bridges and Wishing Chair!
County Leitrim Ireland – that’s a wrap!
From incredible scenery to delicious food and a bunch of history, there’s simply so much to see and do in Leitrim County! Between an Irish River Cruise to staying in a castle, I was sincerely blown away by this destination in Ireland.
I truly cannot wait to go back! Hope you found this travel guide helpful in planning your next trip to county Leitrim!
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18 Amazing and Unexpected Things to Do in County Donegal, Ireland
Ireland in the Fall: What You Need to Know (+ What to Pack for September/October)
11 Stress-free Tips for Driving in Ireland for Americans
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