Gah! This underrated destination in Ireland absolutely must be on your vacation itinerary! It’s gotta be Ireland’s best-kept secret, without the crowds: County Leitrim in Ireland.
This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my disclosures. Thank you to Enjoy Leitrim for hosting me! As always, all opinions are my own.
When most people plan a trip to Ireland, they head straight for Dublin, Galway, or Belfast, but they’re missing out on one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets: County Leitrim!
Tucked away in northwestern Ireland, Leitrim is just 2 hours from Dublin, and with far fewer crowds than other places in Ireland, it’s a quiet little escape to nature, charming villages, alllll the Irish vibes and some of the best food you’ll ever eat!
My visit to Leitrim Ireland in the fall was so incredibly mind-blowing, I can’t help but recommend it to anyone planning a visit to Ireland!
Leitrim Ireland: why you’ll fall in love with this beautiful place
I could go on for dayyyyys about this destination, but here are my top 10 reasons you need to visit County Leitrim Ireland…
1. The stunning nature
Sure the Cliffs of Moher are beautiful, as are the taller cliffs at Sliabh Liag in Donegal County. But the natural places in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands (Leitrim County) are so worth a visit!
First up is Glencar Waterfall. Dating back 13,000 years ago and surrounded in limestone and now lush foliage, Glencar Waterfall is a fun spot to visit. Falling into Glencar Lake, the entire area will quite literally take your breath away!
Pro tip: be sure to wear grippy shoes for the short walk on the wooden steps up to the waterfall.
You’ll also want to see Hag’s Leap and Eagle Rock. This wild beauty is lush and surrounded by greenery of the Dartry Mountains in North Leitrim.
Formed during the last Ice Age, Hag’s Leap is the larger flat mountain ridge, and Eagle Rock is the part split off, carved by ice over the centuries.
The parking lot is small and the area surrounding Hag’s Leap is privately owned, so you’ll be able to just walk up the viewpoint and get a better look.
2. Whimsical history: Fairy Bridges
More beautiful elements rich in history and Irish folklore, the Fairy Bridges at Tullan Strand.
Along the shore at Tullan Strand (Leitrim’s only coastline) are two fairy bridges. Centuries ago, locals believed that fairies made the rocks their home. The sound of the water crashing through the holes in the cliff were believed to be the sounds of fairy guns.
Sit at The Wishing Chair just beside the bridge and make a wish – hopefully it comes true for you!
Beyond the Fairy Bridges, you can also visit Sheemore, the Hill of Fairies also in County Leitrim. Beyond that, there are many other Fairy Forts, like the one in Drumheirny.
3. To enjoy Irish traditions
It’s hard to describe, but you really cannot replicate the feeling and camaraderie that you get in an Irish pub. During my time in Ireland, I enjoyed many pub experiences, and you can find many, many pubs in County Leitrim.
I recommend in the village of Leitrim, to hand out for live music and dancing at MJ O’connor’s. And in Carrick-on-Shannon, it seems like every 3rd building is a pub. Definitely try Gracie’s Bar if you’re looking for a traditional Irish bar.
Furthermore, enjoy live Irish music. While cities like Dublin, Cork and even Letterkenny have lots of places to catch live music, you’ll find great options in Leitrim Ireland too.
My Leitrim tour guide danced a traditional Irish jig while we were on the Moon River Pleasure Cruise. Between the great singing, accordion playing and jig dancing, you really get the Irish vibes in County Leitrim!
4. You can escape to serenity at Drumhierny
Okay so this is a must-stay in Leitrim! With a 2-night minimum, you should definitely plan at least that to fully relax and enjoy the serene setting in the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
You have a few options with the Drumhierny Woodland Hideaway. You can go all-in with complete relaxation by using the private chef experience, walking around the trails in the property and spending some time in the spay. Or, just visiting Drumhierny for a spa day would be a great way to experience rejuvenating treatments if you’re on a tight timeline or budget.
5. Fully experience Carrick-on-Shannon
There’s so much to do in this charming historic county town! From the Costello Chapel (the smallest chapel in Europe) to the Shannon Blueway trails on River Shannon, to a Moon River Cruise, you’ll love this little river town!
Oh, plus pubs and some of the most amazing food in all of Leitrim (and honestly, Ireland too!) And if you’re looking for some local finds, the thrift stores in town are among the best in Ireland.
The old stone buildings are beautiful architectural elements all around town. With such a rich history, you’ll fall in love with this adorable Irish town!
Note: make sure you carve time out of your schedule for a river cruise. You won’t regret it!
6. Taste the best at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo
Award after award after award has been given (and rightfully so) to the world’s largest family-owned gin distillery. With gin, vodka and whiskey all crafted on-site, a distillery tour here is among one of the best I’ve ever been on!
You can tour the gift shop and dine at the restaurant, or just lounge at the bar. But if you really want first-hand experience, make sure to take the distillery tour! You’ll want reservations in advance as it’s a super busy place!
I especially loved the sweet potato and coconut soup at the restaurant, and yes, even came back to the states with a bottle of the pineapple gin I enjoyed at the bar.
While the town of Drumbshambo is famous for traditional Irish music, The Shed Distillery is one of the driving factors of tourism in the area.
👉Book it now: The Shed Distillery Tour
7. Step back into history with Parke’s Castle
A visit to Parke’s Castle on Lough Gill is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Believed to be built in the 15th or 16th century, this castle was restored beginning in the 1970’s using traditional Irish oak details. Now managed by the OPW and declared a National Monument in Ireland.
Pro tip: take a boat tour before or after a visit to the castle to get a spectacular view from the water!
8. Experience unique activities in Leitrim Ireland
While there are a plethora of traditional Irish activities you’ll find in County Leitrim, Ireland, there’s also some activities unique to the area you’ll love!
I found the seaweed bath to be a new and interesting experience. There’s a few places you can find them in Leitrim. I visited the Drumhierny Wellbeing Sanctuary where I enjoyed all of the amenities, including a seaweed bath. It’s not something I’ve ever had on my radar, but the way the seaweed naturally created smooth, almost creamy water was so fun and relaxing!
Another unique activity I enjoyed while in Leitrim was willow weaving. I made a basket from willow rods with the instruction of X, and it was such a fun, unique experience! For this activity, I would recommend a group of you to share creating your own baskets – how fun!
9. Enjoy the absolutely incredible food in County Leitrim Ireland
As someone who’s traveled all over world tasting every kind of cuisine, I can say without debate that the food I enjoyed in Lovely Leitrim is one of the best destinations for foodies! I was truly blown away!
Here are a few of my favorite places to eat in Leitrim:
- Red Bank Restaurant
- The Jackalope (The Shed Distillery)
- The Sandstone Restaurant
- The Boardwalk Cafe
- The Club House Bar
10. Fall in love with dreamy castles in Leitrim Ireland: Lough Rynn Castle
I miiiight have saved the best for last here. You’ll absolutely be glad Leitrim was on your bucket list when you’re done at the Lough Rynn Castle.
One of the most beautiful castles in all of Ireland (okay, I haven’t been to them all but I’m just imagining it), the Lough Rynn Castle is a hotel, restaurant and event venue, amongst other things.
And sleeping in a bed in the castle hotel will certainly have you feeling like a queen for the night! Oh, and be sure to visit the castle gardens while you’re there…such a beautiful and peaceful setting!
Why you should visit Leitrim Ireland – that’s a wrap!
Obviously I could go on for dayyyys about this incredible destination in Ireland. But I think I’ve given you enough reasons to add this county and charming towns to your Ireland itinerary!
County Leitrim is a hidden gem offering natural beauty, historic sites and cozy Irish charm. I truly hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Related read:
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)
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