It might be small, but it packs a punch in terms great experiences for the visitor. County Leitrim is home to only 32,000 residents so if you’re looking beautiful rural landscapes and tons of space, you’ll fall in love with Leitrim. Here are some more reasons to fall for this ruggedly wonderful county:
- Good enough to inspire great poets
You’ve probably heard of the strong connection with the area and famed poet W.B Yeats, but he’s not the only literary giant to have been inspired by Leitrim. Winner of the Booker Prize author DBC Pierre came to live here and John McGahern was born and grew up in the county. Be sure to include the Glencar Waterfall on your travels, as this is the 50-foot waterfall immortalised in Yeats’ poem ‘The Stolen Child’.
- Stand up paddling
Perhaps not the activity you would associate with Leitrim, but it does have a small coastline that enables it to feature on the iconic Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoying the best of both, the county boasts a variety of canals, lakes and rivers, as well as the ocean. You’ll discover white water action and tranquil, calm waters so whether you want to enjoy some unique stand-up paddling, or grab a canoe or surfboard, you can find it all in Leitrim. For Irish Airports to get you to Leitrim, visit https://irelandwestairport.com/
- A hugely romantic chapel (just not in size)
Wedged between a couple of pubs in Carrick-on-Shannon is probably the last thing you’d expect to see. There’s a tiny chapel, built as a monument to love just like the Taj Mahal, only smaller. The Costello Chapel was built by a local merchant following his wife’s death in 1877. Their coffins are together on view under glass panels beneath s stained glass window. Now, that’s love!
- Fishing
The River Shannon runs through the county and with this comes ample opportunity to delight in a spot of fishing and other watery activities. More leisurely pursuits include taking the Moon River Cruise to relax and see the sights, while salmon fishing on the River Drowes is also popular. There’s a good chance of seeing a Salmon leap in the Drowes and the river has been able to boast Ireland’s first salmon catch of the year many times.
- Perfect for walkers
Walkers and hikers find Leitrim a veritable paradise of peace and scenic greenery. The North Leitrim hills being a popular spot for silence and unspoilt nature at its very best. The trails might be steep, but the rewards are worth it as no two experiences are ever the same and there are endless areas of stunning countryside to explore. River trails and hidden waterfalls wait to be discovered.
Hiking to the top of O’Rourke’s Table on the edge of Dromahair is a must for the breath-taking views that await you when you reach the top. Views across the Lough Gill, Sligo Bay and Parke’s Castle are all visible from here. Uniquely, you’ll discover a metal container at the peak that contains a notepad for people to share their thoughts with each another as they sit and soak up the vista.
