Discover Carrick On Shannon

Carrick-on-Shannon offers a range of highlights for a stay: an unusual memorial chapel, a riverside arts centre and places where history comes to life. There are also public cruises and a Thursday market. When choosing a hotel, you might consider whether culture, a trip on the water, the market or travelling by rail will shape your stay. If you have a specific date in mind, check the latest visitor and timetable information.

Culture and history in Carrick-on-Shannon

The Costello Memorial Chapel is the second-smallest chapel in the world. Edward Costello had it built in the 19th century in memory of his wife. A visit therefore combines an unusual distinction in size with a clear story behind its construction: the chapel is a memorial whose history is directly connected to the person it was dedicated to.

Another cultural stop is The Dock, an arts centre in a striking riverside building in Carrick-on-Shannon. The town thus brings together two very different architectural and cultural features: a small memorial chapel and an arts centre in a prominent building by the water.

In Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, the St George’s Heritage & Visitor Centre brings together the history of St George’s Church and the workhouse. Visitors can view documents spanning 150 years about the Clements family, Lough Rynn, the Earl of Leitrim and his tenants. The Workhouse Attic Memorial is part of the centre. St George’s Church also houses Ireland’s second-oldest Telford organ. These sites reveal different aspects of local history: historical documents, the workhouse and a remarkable church instrument.

Cruises, the market and getting around

Moon River’s public cruises in Carrick-on-Shannon use a fully enclosed, heated passenger cruiser. If you are planning a trip for a particular day, check the current timetable. This lets you coordinate the cruise with your other interests during your stay without relying on an unverified date.

The Carrick-On-Shannon Farmer’s Market takes place on Thursdays. As market dates can change, check the date in advance. For information about attractions, activities and events, the Carrick-On-Shannon Community Tourist Office provides local and nationwide information. The market, cultural sites and cruise each give your stay a different focus; you can take their dates into account when planning.

Getting there and more things to do in County Leitrim

Carrick-on-Shannon is served by Irish Rail. Check the latest rail services before your trip. The town is easily reached via the N4; you should also check road conditions and your route in advance. Rail and road therefore offer two different ways to get there, and you can tailor your travel plans to the dates of your trip.

Beyond Carrick-on-Shannon, the wider destination of County Leitrim offers a variety of options. The first section of the Shannon Blueway includes 16.5 km of waterways as well as looped walking and cycling trails between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. The Leitrim Way is a 56 km long-distance walking trail from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village; it usually takes two to three days. The routes therefore differ in type and scope: the Blueway section combines waterways with looped trails, while the Leitrim Way is described as a multi-day long-distance walk. These regional options complement the cultural sites and experiences in Carrick-on-Shannon, but are distinct from the attractions in the town itself.

Discover more destinations: Drumsna, Drumod, Kinlough, Drumreagh, Carrigallen, Glenfarne, Drumgorman, Manorhamilton.

View the wider travel guide: County Leitrim.