Located between Leitrim Village and Battlebridge, the Woodland Hideaway Estate boasts a landscape dominated by broadleaf and conifer trees, with a rare ancient oak woodland overlooking the Shannon Blueway and River Shannon accessible via The Woodland Trail. Alongside the children’s playground, the estate also features an outdoor café area for a cosy experience amongst the trees. The Outdoor Wellbeing Sanctuary is situated within  the historic walled garden, and offers seaweed baths, hot tubs, sauna, and relaxation loungers. Committed to sustainability, the estate team salvages fallen timber for use and conducts extensive tree planting to offset its carbon footprint.

Located at Lough Key Forest Park, Boda Borg is an indoor adventure maze suitable for ages 7 upwards.  With physical and mental tasks, puzzles to solve and tasks to complete and with no instructions to guide you, you must rely instead on   sheer determination, team work and some luck to solve the15 quests and 47 challenges. A perfect way to spend a rainy day – Boda Borg is a perfect day for the older kids and all the grown-ups.

The Carrowkeel Megalithic Site is a Tentative World Heritage site,  located  near the village of Castlebaldwin just off the N4. It is an ancient passage tomb cemetery, comprising 14 fascinating cairns built between 3200 and 2400 BC.  The hike to the top of the mountain is relatively easy – the kids will mange it – and the view from the top is stunning and well worth the effort. Just a 20 minute drive from Carrick on Shannon, Carrowkeel is must see when visiting the area.

Ever dreamt of being a cowboy/girl but never thought it could happen? Well, Drumcoura City, Leitrim is the place to realise your dream. Located a short drive from Carrick on Shannon, outside hte town of  Ballinamore, this lakeside dude ranch specialises in the Western riding style and guarantees then even total beginners will get to grips with it after only a couple of lessons.

According to Failte Ireland: “Doon Shore is one of Ireland’s ultimate hidden gems, and a perfect spot for winter swimming. This stunning swimming spot treasured by the locals and is unknown to many tourists. Visitors can park up and enjoy swimming in the tranquil waters”. Located a few kms west of Carrick on Shannon, just off the N4, it’s a perfect spot for a dip at any time of year.

Leitrim Surf Company specialise in Stand Up Paddling and Surf offering guided Stand Up Paddleboarding Safaris on the Shannon Blueway, the Shannon-Erne Blueway and tours of the Leitrim coastline.

ThEach of their  SUP Safaris is designed  to suit individual groups needs, wind direction on the day and preferred locations. Instructors  are fully certified river rescue technicians and beach lifeguards with almost 20 years experience in water sports and outdoor adventure management.

Feeling adventurous? Are you and the gang ready for a day climbing, flying, swinging through the tree tops? Bring the kids along, because they will love it too! The whole family can discover their wild side, flying on zip lines, swinging logs, cargo nets and rope bridges. What’s not to love??

For ages 7 and upwards, this is a fabulous day spent in nature, from a view point that you will rarely experience. Zipit is located at Lough Key Forest Park, just a 10 minute drive from Carrick-on-Shannon.

If your little ones are a bit too little for high adventure, or you need to get everyone to relax after your hectic adventurous day why not take an afternoon by the pool? Drumshanbo outdoor swimming pool is one of very few public outdoor swimming pools in the country. With opening hours from 4-8pm in June and 2-8pm in July and August, this is a safe swimming place for everyone

Part of the network of stunning trails that run alongside Ireland’s most idyllic lakes, canals and rivers the Shannon Blueway is a destination not to miss on your visit to Leitrim. Taking you off the beaten track into the heart of unspoilt landscapes – by canoe, bike or on foot – the Blueway is an adventure in itself. From it, you have plenty of access points from which to explore nature, have a riverside picnic or even to just  sit for a while and take in the peace and tranquillity.

An easy outdoor activity for all the family is the well-known local hike up the South Leitrim hills of Sheemore and Sheebeg. Steeped in mythology Sheemore, or ‘Hill of the Fairies’ is speckled with fairy trees and tombs , with three cairns at the summit. Once upon a time, it was the seat of Finn MacCool, the king of all giants and more recently – well, 100 years ago ! – the site of the Sheemore Ambush. At night it is lit up by a huge crucifix, overlooking the landscape. Sheebeg, is smaller but both hills are easily accessible for all the family.

Arigna Mining Experience is an amazing and important community heritage project which presents guided tours of the former coal mines in the Arigna Mountains. Located on the site of the former mines, the museum tells the story of the mining community based in Arigna for generations. With former coal miners leading tours, the experience is fully immersive and is something not to be missed. The location is stunning, the tour is fascinating and the gift shop and café are a perfect way to finish off your day in Arigna.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the town,  Lough Key Forest Park is a haven for families seeking adventure amongst the natural beauty of  historic park land. Outdoor activities include Zipit zip-lining, boating, cycling, even outdoor gyming. You can spend the day here and still not get to do all the activities available, so best to get there early to enjoy all that they have on offer. There is something for everyone, young or old, around every corner of this beautiful place.