Leitrim is located in the north-west of
the country within the provine of Connacht. It is the least densely
populated county in Ireland with just 7 houses per square kilometre
on average. Leitrim is reported to have the fastest-growing county
population in Ireland but with just 29,000 residents there is plenty
of room for new arrivals. These remarkable statistics are caused by
the fact that the Famine years and mass emigrations of the 19th
century affected Leitrim to a much greater extent than many other
counties. If the current population of Leitrim was multiplied
fivefold it still would not equal the 155,000 county dwellers
recorded in the 1841 census.
Holiday Home Leitrim
The county landscape is a panorama of unspoilt scenery featuring
everything from barren hillsides to spectacular waterways. Leitrim
is literally awash with lakes, large and small. Amongst the more
famous, some of which feature in classic Irish poetry, are Lough
Allen, Lough Gill, Lough Melvin, Lough Garadice, Lough Glenade,
Lough Rynn and Lough MacNean. Other notable water features are
Glencar Waterfall and the River Shannon. Leitrim even has a
coastline in Donegal Bay, but at just 5 kilometres long, sandwiched
between the beaches of Sligo and Donegal, the county is not exactly
renowned for seaside activities.
Parkes Castle
A restored plantation castle of the early 17th century,
picturesquely situated on the shores of Lough Gill, once the home of
Robert Parke and his family. The Courtyard grounds contain evidence
of an earlier 16th century Tower House structure once owned by Sir
Brian O'Rourke who subsequently was executed at Tyburn, London in
1591. The Castle has been restored using Irish oak and traditional
craftsmenship. Access for visitors with disabilities to ground
floor.
Fenagh Visitors Centre
Fenagh is steeped in history. From our two abbeys to the various and
very significant archaeological sites in the surrounding fields.
Explanations, descriptions and maps can be viewed in the heritage
centre. Come along and view our wonderful photographs which capture
and depict these local treasures beautifully. A selection of
photographs and other items are available to purchase.
The Dolmen Cafe
Our visitor centre features our cosy Dolmen café offering a
selection of refreshments and tasty snacks. Sit down and enjoy a
freshly brewed tea or coffee in our friendly and relaxed
surroundings. We have a selection of hot and cold refreshments to
suit all tastes and ages including soft drinks, soup, sandwiches,
toasties, wraps and a children's menu.
The Monks Den
Children will be entertained in our monks den indoor soft play area.
The space is based on a monastery theme over three tiers. There is a
specially designed and segregated toddler area. The monks den is
also available for children parties and other special occasions.
Contact a member of staff for more details.
Conference Centre
The centre is available for conferences and meetings. With state of
the art facilities which can accommodate up to 30 people for
training or meeting purposes. The centre has ISDN connection to the
internet and facilities for computer based and other forms of
training and courses and is available outside normal opening hours.
Holiday Home Rental in Leitrim, Ireland
Greenbox Eco Tourism
A range of eco breaks have been put together where you can immerse
yourself in local culture, heritage and nature. Adrenalin junkies,
creative types or those who just want to escape, enjoy bypassing the
tourist trail to get away for a truly unique eco experience. Each
eco break below offers a unique setting for learning and
contribution to local conservation. The Greenbox, a paragon in the
Northwest and Irelands' first ecotourism destination takes in
Counties Fermanagh, Leitrim, West Cavan, North Sligo, South Donegal
and North West Monaghan. Here you will find majestic lakes and
mountains, quiet country lanes, the roar of Atlantic waves, lively
villages, local characters, music and literature, and inspiration
everywhere you turn. The Greenbox is situated approximately 1 hour
from Knock Airport, 2 1/2 hours from Belfast and 3 hours from
Dublin.
Drumkeerin Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre celebrates the history of this area. Here you
can experience the beautifully reconstructed Irish cottage and
farmyard, new additions to this is our coffee shop open since June
1999, also a resource centre which has photocopying and fax
facilities available. The farmyard is located in a unique campus
which draws inspiration from the magnificent rugged landscape,
surrounding mountains, lakes and woods. Traditional sweat house, pig
sty, old style garden, agricultural machinery and thatched cottage,
and also old artefacts and craft shop.
Holiday Cottage in Leitrim
Sliabh An Iarainn Visitor Centre
Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre provides audio-visual displays
reflecting life, transport and industry between Arigna and the
Sliabh an Iarainn mountains with special emphasis on the railway,
the canal, lakes, iron and coal mining. Sliabh an Iarainn, the
beautiful rugged mountain of legend and song, lies behind Drumshanbo.
The audio visual show, lasting twelve minutes, takes visitors
through the sights and scenes of lake, mountains and towns, and
highlights and the beauty of this land of legend and wonder.
Shannon Erne Waterway - Ballinamore
The rivers Shannon and Erne are the main two river systems in
Ireland and are linked by the recently restored Shannon Erne
Waterway providing 750km of cruising waterway. Carrick-On-Shannon,
the county town of Leitrim is the cruising capital of the river
Shannon and boasts a beautiful modern marina and is the main
northerly hire base on the Shannon. The Shannon Erne Waterway links
you to an incredible natural wonderland with a rich historical and
cultural tradition. An easy pace of life combined with the
delightful warmth and hospitality of the people produces an elixir
which soothes the soul and sends you home wih a shower of happy
memories.
Cavan & Leitrim Railway
The Cavan & Leitrim Railway was one of the most fascinating and at
one time busiest of Ireland's narrow-gauge railways. The story of
the railway is also that of this little known part of Ireland and
its people. Locals were very devoted to the Cavan & Leitrim Railway.
It was their devotion which enabled the line to cope successfully
with coal traffic. This magnificently restored narrow gauge railway
offers the visitor a chance to experience the age of steam
transport. The railway brings you back through time to an era when
our ancestors travelled through the unspoiled landscapes of Leitrim.
An extensive collection of steam, diesel trains, rolling stock and
vintage buses allow you to trace the history of the Irish narrow
gauge railway system. Diesel and Railcar run on Saturdays, Sundays
and Mondays. Holiday
Cottages in Ireland
Arigna Mining Experience
Ireland's First Coal Mining Museum - Ireland's First and Last Coal
Mines. In the hill country of North Roscommon, Arigna is situated in
a picturesque valley with breathtaking scenery and an unspoiled
landscape. Mining was carried out in Arigna for 400 years until 1990
when the last mines closed. The work of a Miner was exhausting and
often hazardous, with working conditions that were very harsh and
cramped. Experience this for yourself at Arigna Mining Museum. Walk
underground through what was the last working mine in Arigna and see
how the coal was mined. Take a journey through a part of our
national history which you have only ever been able to read about
until now.
Drumcoura Equestrian Centre
Drumcoura Equestrian is a well managed, professional centre offering
full livery, lessons and weekly training shows. Drumcoura offers
first class tuition by BHS qualified instructors, catering for all
levels of riders with an emphasis on showjumping. Drumcoura's
facilities include the largest indoor arena in Leitrim as well as a
newly built indoor stable block with CCTV and stable mats. Enjoy the
summer evenings in our outdoor arena or along our purpose built
forest trail. Drumcoura Equestrian is fully approved by BHS and AIRE.
The resort includes a jetty with row boats, fishing, tennis courts,
self-catering log houses, and a restaurant with a fully licensed
bar.
Towns and Villages
The principal towns are Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton. Other
settlements of note include Ballinamore, Carrigallen, Dromahair,
Drumshanbo, Drumkeeran, Drumsna, Kinlough, Mohill and Roosky.
Home
Leitrim Holiday Homes