Leitrim on the Shannon: Blueways, Walking Trails and Local History

Leitrim Village lies on the River Shannon and is connected to the River Erne via the Shannon-Erne Waterway. The village is also a starting point for visitors to the Killarcan to Kilclare Blueway and the Shannon-Erne Blueway. Together with the Leitrim Way and cycling options, these offer different ways to spend a stay: exploring local history, walking a long-distance trail, paddling and cycling circular routes.

Riverside setting and local history

The River Shannon defines the village’s setting, while the Shannon-Erne Waterway provides the connection to the River Erne. The remains of O’Rourke’s Castle can still be found in the village centre. Leitrim thus brings together its riverside location and surviving traces of local history as distinct aspects of the destination.

Walking, paddling and cycling

The Leitrim Way is a 56 km walking trail from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village, ending at the village marina. Leitrim is therefore the endpoint of this named long-distance route. There is also a footpath connection from Leitrim Village to Battlebridge. These details help with planning: the Leitrim Way is described by its length and endpoints, while the connection to Battlebridge provides a separate walking link to the village.

Paddling routes start in Leitrim Village on the Shannon-Erne Blueway and are divided into 15 sections of varying lengths and character. Choosing a route here means considering the different sections and their individual character; this distinguishes these paddling options from the cycling routes, which are described as circular rides with specific distances.

With Electric Bike Trails, you can take a 20 km car-free circular route along the Lough Allen Canal from Leitrim Village. A second circular route follows the Shannon Blueway for 11 km to Kilclare. The canal loop is therefore nine kilometres longer, and the routes also differ in their course and destination. Check the latest route information before planning, as details of the offering may change operationally.

More trails and culture in County Leitrim

In County Leitrim, the first section of the Shannon Blueway comprises 16.5 km of waterways as well as circular walking and cycling trails between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. This is a regional route description and should be distinguished from the Shannon-Erne Blueway paddling routes that start in Leitrim Village. If you are comparing different Blueway options, the place names and activities can help you tell the routes apart.

Another route in County Leitrim is the 6.5 km linear walking and cycling trail from Acres Lake in Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock near Leitrim Village. The 600 m Acres Lake Boardwalk is part of this route. Separately, there is a footpath connection from Leitrim Village to Battlebridge.

Cultural attractions in County Leitrim also offer different points of interest. Parke’s Castle is a restored early 17th-century castle on the northern shore of Lough Gill. The Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre houses an exhibition about Seán MacDiarmada, a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation, with audiovisual facilities and explanatory panels. This means that during a stay in Leitrim, you can connect the local history in the village centre with other cultural attractions and walking destinations located specifically in County Leitrim.

Discover more destinations: Carnhill, Glenfarne, Carrick On Shannon, Kilclare, Kiltyclogher, Drumod, Drumgorman, Drumsna.

For the broader travel guide: County Leitrim.