The beautiful outdoors – making the most of your visit and enjoying all the north west has to offer, often at very little cost to you. There is so much to see and explore when you take the time to look around you. On your trip to Leitrim and the North West, we invite you to take your time to look around you and see all there is on offer.
Wild Swimming
It’s no secret that we have an abundance of lakes in Leitrim, and with the Shannon on our doorstep, water sports are a huge thing for us. From wild swimming to stand up paddleboarding, fishing to boating, the rivers, lakes and coastline provide so much for us to see and do. Leitrim boasts an abundance of lakes, rivers, and hidden waterfalls that create the perfect settings for wild swimming experiences. Embrace the cold (!) as you connect with nature on a deeper level.
There are lots of swimming holes around Carrick-on-Shannon but please do ask a local if you have any concerns about where it is safe to swim. And if you have your dogs with you, best not to bring them to the lake during the warmer summer months when there is risk of fatal poisoning from the green algal bloom – which is a real danger for your four legged best pals.
Safe swimming spots include Cormongan Pier on the eastern shore of Lough Allen and Keeldra Lake in the south of the county. Scenic Lough Boderg has a jetty popular with locals for an outdoor dip, while Doon Shore (just off the N4, beside Lough Key Forest Park) and Cavetown Lake in neighbouring County Roscommon are also well-loved swimming spots. And don’t forget that up the road in Sligo, you will find some of the finest beaches in the country, for swimming including Rosses Point and Streedagh Beach.
Fishing
Leitrim has always been well known as a great spot for freshwater fishing – an angler’s paradise if you will. The vast network of waterways makes it a fisher man and woman’s dream! Streams, rivers, canals and lakes all support a huge population of wild fish. There are even guidebooks available which can advise on the best bait, locations, tackle and even share some local fishing lore.
This is a great guide devised by Leitrim Tourism which details the fishing facilities, tackle suppliers, boat hire available for visiting anglers:
https://leitrimtourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ANGLING-GUIDE-County-Leitrim-A5-Final.pdf
You can always pop in to chat with the lads from Carrick Angling Centre, based on Bridge St. in town, right behind Carrick Self Catering. Here you will be able to get local knowledge and professional advice for where to go, for the best fishing. Call them on (071) 962 1872, or email carrickangling@gmail.com
Cycling
While roads are of course busy, like anywhere else in the country, we still have many green roads and cycling tracks, parklands and country trails where cycling is very safe. Bring your own bike with you, or rent one from Electric Bike Trails in Leitrim village. From here you can access the old tow paths along the canal and embark on a leisurely spin along the Shannon Blueway (a network of trails that run alongside the region’s most idyllic waterways) or the Leitrim Way, a 50-kilometre trail that winds its way through unspoiled countryside. Pedal at your own pace, relishing the freedom.
You can also pack up the bikes on the back of the car and spend the day on the cycle paths at Lough Key Forest Park, where it is particularly safe for the little ones to learn to ride their bikes. With off-road tracks and safe cycle routes you won’t be long getting to see all the forest park has to offer.
Why not take a look at https://www.electricbiketrails.ie/ or give Seamus a call at +353 (0) 86 8288747, Eileen +353 (0)87 7386439, or directly to the Shop at +353 (0)71 9623609.
You can also email them at info@electricbiketrails.ie to make your plans well in advance. (They have both peddle-powered and electric bikes to choose from!)
Hill Walking
With its beautiful landscape, grassy trails, tranquil waterways and scenic lake shores Leitrim is waiting to be explored! When you are in Carrick, you are within easy access of 3 of Ireland’s national way-marked trails, The Leitrim Way, The Miners Way and The Historical Trail. The combined length of these trails is almost 120 kilometres.
Leitrim Tourism have devised a trail guide containing a sample of the variety of walks available in Leitrim, suitable for all levels of fitness, while a full list of walks is available at www.enjoyleitrim.com/walks
Take in views around Lough Allen or discover the wild and wonderful uplands of Sliabh an Iarainn, enjoy hillwalking on the Arroo Trail or a woodland walk at Glenfarne Demesne. There are trailheads in Drumshanbo, Keadue, Boyle and Castlebaldwin and if you are walking sections of the Miners Way, you can get your passport stamped in Boyle. The region is well known for the concentration of megalithic tombs and these pepper the landscape and hiking trails. There is so much to see – bring a good pair of well broken-in hiking boots and away you go!
https://leitrimtourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Leitrim-Walking-brochure_LR.pdf
So, whatever your preference, there is an enticing selection of things to do in Leitrim and beyond, to encourage you to experience the county at your own pace and spend some quality time in the great outdoors!
