Free County Leitrim Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore County Leitrim with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
County Leitrim
County Leitrim photo 2
County Leitrim photo 3
All photos

Explore County Leitrim’s lakes, waterways, woodland walks, monastic heritage and welcoming rural towns in Ireland’s tranquil north-west.

County Leitrim occupies Ireland’s north-western interior, a predominantly rural county shaped by lakes, rivers, drumlin hills and upland country. It is landlocked, although its waterways connect it closely to the wider Shannon basin and to the neighbouring counties of Sligo, Roscommon, Cavan, Longford and Donegal. To the north-east, the landscape rises towards Sliabh an Iarainn and the shores of Lough Allen; farther south, the Shannon broadens around Carrick-on-Shannon and forms a defining feature of the county’s geography.
Read more about County Leitrim
Carrick-on-Shannon is Leitrim’s principal town and a lively base for exploring the southern waterways, with boat hire, riverside walks, galleries and restaurants. Ballinamore and Drumshanbo are associated with the Shannon-Erne Waterway, while Manorhamilton provides a gateway to the northern hills and the wooded Glenfarne area. Smaller settlements such as Dromahair, Mohill, Rossinver and Kiltyclogher reveal a more dispersed rural character, with local heritage, craft activity and community traditions often central to the visitor experience.
The county’s natural appeal lies in its contrasts. Lough Allen and the uplands offer broad views, bogland and exposed hill country, while the Shannon, the waterways around Ballinamore and the forested shorelines near Rossinver provide gentler settings for boating, walking, angling and cycling. The Shannon Blueway supports canoeing, kayaking and other low-impact water activities, though conditions and access points vary. Leitrim’s roads can be narrow and winding away from the main routes, making unhurried travel part of the experience.
History is visible in monastic ruins, estate landscapes, old churches, townland patterns and the surviving traces of rural industry. Fenagh contains an important medieval ecclesiastical site, while Creevelea Abbey stands in a wooded setting near Dromahair. The county was also marked by ironworking, coal extraction in the wider Arigna basin, the building of canals and railways, the Great Famine and substantial emigration. More recently, waterways restoration and arts-led rural initiatives have added new dimensions to Leitrim’s identity.
Food and drink are grounded in Irish produce, pub cooking, baking, farm products and freshwater surroundings rather than a single signature cuisine. Local markets, cafés, rural pubs, craft studios and cultural venues are scattered across the county, so an itinerary benefits from planning around a few bases rather than expecting continuous urban amenities. Leitrim is best approached as a landscape to explore gradually: travel between its lakes and villages, allow time for short walks, and look beyond the main roads for its strongest sense of place.

When is the best time to visit County Leitrim?

Best: June–August · 17–18°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January7100
February780
March990
April1180
May1480
June (best)1780
July (best)1880
August (best)1890
September1790
October13100
November9100
December7110

Getting to and around County Leitrim

How to get there

County Leitrim is reached most conveniently by road, with the N4 linking the southern part of the county to Dublin and Sligo. Carrick-on-Shannon and Dromod both have railway stations on the Dublin–Sligo line, although many northern and western districts are more easily reached by car. Ireland West Airport Knock, outside the county in County Mayo, is a useful regional airport for some international visitors; Dublin Airport has the widest range of connections and requires a longer onward journey. Bus services connect principal towns, but routes through rural areas are limited and should be checked before travelling.

Transportation

A car offers the greatest flexibility for reaching lakes, forests, villages and scattered heritage sites, particularly in northern Leitrim and around Sliabh an Iarainn. Carrick-on-Shannon and Dromod are served by rail, while buses link larger settlements and some regional routes. Taxis may be available in the main towns but should not be assumed in remote areas. Boating and paddling are important ways to experience the Shannon-Erne Waterway, with equipment and access arrangements varying by location. Walking and cycling are rewarding, though rural roads may be narrow and lack dedicated footways.

Top city travel guides in County Leitrim

The cities of County Leitrim, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in County Leitrim

County Leitrim’s attractions are closely tied to water, landscape and rural history. Carrick-on-Shannon provides access to the River Shannon, boat excursions, riverside walks, galleries and a concentration of places to eat. The Shannon-Erne Waterway brings boating, canoeing, angling and cycling opportunities to Ballinamore, Drumshanbo and the surrounding lakes. In the north, the woods and lakes around Rossinver and Glenfarne offer quieter walking and nature-based outings, while Sliabh an Iarainn and Lough Allen provide upland scenery and broad inland views. Heritage visitors can explore Fenagh’s medieval ecclesiastical remains, Creevelea Abbey near Dromahair and the Seán Mac Diarmada homestead at Kiltyclogher. Lough Rynn’s historic estate landscape adds formal gardens and architectural interest near Mohill. The Organic Centre near Rossinver reflects Leitrim’s contemporary interest in sustainable growing and rural education. Rather than a county of large, concentrated visitor complexes, Leitrim rewards linked excursions between small towns, waterways, forests, ruins and craft or cultural projects, with walking, cycling and paddling often forming the connective thread.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in County Leitrim

The River Shannon and Lough Allen are among County Leitrim’s defining geographical landmarks, linking the county’s southern waterways with its northern upland landscape. The Shannon-Erne Waterway, with its locks, bridges and engineered channels, is a notable piece of inland navigation history as well as a recreational route. Fenagh’s ecclesiastical remains represent centuries of religious importance, while Creevelea Abbey near Dromahair is a distinctive medieval ruin set beside the Bonet River. Lough Rynn’s estate house, gardens and surrounding demesne illustrate the physical legacy of nineteenth-century landed society near Mohill. At Kiltyclogher, the preserved Seán Mac Diarmada homestead gives a personal and nationally significant dimension to the story of revolutionary Ireland. The wooded landscapes around Glenfarne and the exposed slopes of Sliabh an Iarainn provide contrasting natural landmarks: one associated with estate woodland and lake country, the other with open uplands, mineral history and long views across the interior.

Show more landmarks

Explore County Leitrim on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in County Leitrim

Leitrim’s dining scene is shaped by Irish produce, rural hospitality and the practical geography of a county where towns are small and communities are widely dispersed. Carrick-on-Shannon has the broadest choice of restaurants, cafés and pubs, while Ballinamore, Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton, Dromahair and other market towns provide places for informal meals, baking, coffee and traditional pub food. Menus commonly draw on beef, lamb, poultry, seasonal vegetables, breads, soups and dairy products, with freshwater fish and locally produced goods appearing in some establishments. Farm shops, food producers and occasional markets offer opportunities to buy cheeses, preserves, baked goods and other regional provisions. Dining is generally more rooted in quality ingredients and relaxed service than in a single dish identified exclusively with Leitrim. Advance planning is sensible in rural districts, particularly outside peak periods, when evening choices may be limited and kitchens may operate on shorter schedules.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in County Leitrim

Evening life in County Leitrim centres on traditional pubs, restaurants, music and conversation rather than a large nightclub circuit. Carrick-on-Shannon has the county’s widest selection of bars and later evening activity, with a mixture of pubs, restaurants and venues that may host live music or cultural events. Ballinamore, Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton and other towns offer smaller local scenes, often focused on established pubs and occasional performances rather than dedicated nightlife districts. Rural evenings are usually quieter, and distances between villages make taxis or a designated driver important if moving between locations. Craft drinks and local food can be enjoyed in pubs and restaurants, but alcohol is not the only focus: theatre, galleries, community events and seasonal festivals also contribute to Leitrim’s after-dark culture. Opening arrangements and entertainment schedules vary, so check locally rather than relying on fixed assumptions.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in County Leitrim

Evening life in County Leitrim centres on traditional pubs, restaurants, music and conversation rather than a large nightclub circuit. Carrick-on-Shannon has the county’s widest selection of bars and later evening activity, with a mixture of pubs, restaurants and venues that may host live music or cultural events. Ballinamore, Drumshanbo, Manorhamilton and other towns offer smaller local scenes, often focused on established pubs and occasional performances rather than dedicated nightlife districts. Rural evenings are usually quieter, and distances between villages make taxis or a designated driver important if moving between locations. Craft drinks and local food can be enjoyed in pubs and restaurants, but alcohol is not the only focus: theatre, galleries, community events and seasonal festivals also contribute to Leitrim’s after-dark culture. Opening arrangements and entertainment schedules vary, so check locally rather than relying on fixed assumptions.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in County Leitrim

Shopping in County Leitrim is concentrated in small market towns rather than large retail centres. Carrick-on-Shannon has the broadest selection of everyday shops, galleries, cafés and independent businesses, while Ballinamore, Manorhamilton, Drumshanbo, Dromahair and Mohill serve local communities with practical retail and smaller-scale browsing. Craft studios and galleries are important to the county’s visitor economy, offering ceramics, textiles, artwork, woodwork and handmade gifts, although stock and opening arrangements vary. Farm shops, food producers and local markets are good places to look for breads, preserves, cheeses, seasonal produce and other edible gifts. The Organic Centre area near Rossinver reflects the region’s interest in sustainable gardening and locally grounded production. Visitors should not expect extensive designer shopping, but the county’s independent retail character makes it well suited to buying useful provisions, locally made crafts and food products with a clear connection to Leitrim’s rural communities.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to County Leitrim, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

County Leitrim essentials

Currency and Payment
Leitrim uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of the Republic of Ireland. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, accommodation, visitor facilities and many pubs and cafés, but smaller rural businesses, honesty boxes and occasional market stalls may prefer cash. Carry some euros when travelling through remote districts, and do not assume that every service will have a reliable mobile signal or card connection. Northern Ireland, immediately across the border, uses pound sterling, so payment arrangements change when crossing into the United Kingdom.
Safety
Leitrim is generally a calm rural destination, but visitors should take ordinary precautions with valuables, vehicles and accommodation. Outdoor risks are more relevant than urban hazards: lakes and rivers can have cold water, slippery banks and changing conditions, while upland paths may be wet, exposed or poorly marked. Wear appropriate footwear, follow activity-provider guidance and avoid entering waterway areas that are not designated for swimming. Drive patiently on narrow roads, especially after dark or in poor weather, and allow for cyclists, walkers, farm vehicles and livestock.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency anywhere in County Leitrim, call 112 or 999 for police, fire, ambulance or other urgent assistance. Give the exact location, townland, road name or marked trail reference, as rural addresses can be difficult to identify. For incidents on lakes and navigations, follow local boating and water-safety procedures and contact the emergency services rather than attempting a risky rescue. Mobile coverage can be uneven in remote valleys and uplands, so tell someone your route before setting out and download essential information when practical.
Do's and Don'ts
Do allow time for rural journeys, greet people courteously and support local cafés, pubs, shops and producers where possible. Do close gates, keep dogs under control and follow the countryside access arrangements displayed on farmland, woodland and estate grounds. Do respect churches, graveyards and archaeological sites as active or sensitive places, and ask before photographing people or private property. Do not assume that every lake is safe for swimming, that a narrow lane is suitable for stopping, or that a historic ruin is freely accessible. Tipping is discretionary in Ireland and is usually reserved for good service rather than treated as an automatic obligation.
Local Tips
Plan days around the county’s geography: combine Carrick-on-Shannon with southern waterways, Ballinamore or Drumshanbo with the Shannon-Erne route, and Manorhamilton or Rossinver with northern hills and woodland. Dromahair is a useful base for exploring Creevelea Abbey and the Bonet valley, while Kiltyclogher offers a more focused connection with revolutionary history. Water-based activities are weather-dependent, and some rural attractions have limited opening arrangements, so confirm details locally. Markets, craft studios and community events can be seasonal; local tourism offices and accommodation hosts are often the best source of current information.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloDia dhuit[dee-ah gwitch]
GoodbyeSlán[slawn]
YesTá[taw]
NoNíl[neel]
Please/You're welcomeLe do thoil[leh duh hull]
Thank youGo raibh maith agat[guh rev mah agat]
Excuse me/SorryGabh mo leithscéal[gawv muh lesh-kayl]
How are you?Conas atá tú?[kun-us ah-taw too]
Fine. And you?Go maith. Agus tú?[guh mah. ah-guhs too]
Do you speak English?An bhfuil Béarla agat?[an will bayr-la agat]
I don't understandNí thuigim[nee hwig-im]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBa bhreá liom an menu a fheiceáil, le do thoil[bah vraw lum an men-oo a hyah-kil, leh duh hull]
I don't eat meatNí ithim feoil[nee ih-im fail]
Cheers!Sláinte![slawn-che]
I would like to pay, pleaseBa mhaith liom íoc, le do thoil[bah wah lum ee-ock, leh duh hull]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Cabhair![kaw-ir]
Go away!Imigh uait![ee-mee oo-it]
Call the Police!Glaoigh ar na Póilíní![glaw-ee ar na poh-lee-nee]
Call a doctor!Glaoigh ar dhochtúir![glaw-ee ar hock-tur]
I'm lostTáim caillte[taw-im kylt-eh]
I'm illTáim tinn[taw-im tin]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ba bhreá liom a cheannach...[bah vraw lum a khan-ukh]
I'm just lookingTáim ag féachaint[taw-im ag fay-khint]
How much is it?Cén t-airgead atá air?[kayn t-air-gad ah-taw air]
That's too expensiveTá sé ró-chostasach[taw shay roh-kos-ta-hahk]
Can you lower the price?An féidir leat an praghas a ísliú?[an fay-dur lat an prah-gus a ee-shloo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Cén t-am é?[kayn t-am ay]
It's one o'clockIs a haon a chlog[iss a hayn a klawg]
Half past (10)Leath past (10)[lah past (10)]
MorningMaidin[maw-din]
AfternoonTráthnóna[traw-noh-na]
EveningTráthnóna[traw-noh-na]
YesterdayInné[in-neh]
TodayInniu[in-nyu]
TomorrowAmárach[ah-mah-rah]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Cá bhfuil a/the...?[kaw will a/the...?]
What's the address?Cad é an seoladh?[kad ay an show-lah]
Can you show me (on the map)?An féidir leat dom a thaispeáint (ar an mapa)?[an fay-dur lat dum a hash-paynt (ar an maw-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?Cathain a bheidh an chéad (bus)?[kah-hin a vay an chay-d (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Ticéad (go ....)[ti-kayd (guh ....)]

History of County Leitrim

Prehistoric Settlement and Megalithic Landscapes

Long before the county acquired its present name, people farmed and travelled through the valleys and uplands of what is now Leitrim. Megalithic tombs, standing stones and other archaeological remains across the region point to communities that organised their lives around pasture, woodland, water and seasonal movement. Many monuments are modest or easily overlooked, but together they show that Leitrim was part of the ancient cultural landscape of north-west Ireland. The survival of field boundaries, raised ground and old routeways also preserves clues to settlement patterns that pre-date written history.

Early Medieval Monasteries and the Kingdom of Bréifne

Early medieval Leitrim lay within the wider political world of Bréifne, a region associated with powerful Gaelic dynasties and shifting alliances. Religious foundations helped shape its cultural landscape, with sites such as Fenagh developing as important centres of learning and worship. The monastery at Fenagh was traditionally linked with Saint Caillin and remained influential into the medieval period. Stone fragments, church ruins and ecclesiastical earthworks survive as reminders that religion, education and political authority were closely connected in medieval Ireland.

Medieval Lordships and Creevelea Abbey

During the later medieval period, Gaelic lordships continued to dominate much of the county, while Anglo-Norman influence was stronger in some adjoining areas than in the interior. Creevelea Abbey, founded for the Franciscan Observants in the sixteenth century near Dromahair, reflects the vitality of religious patronage before the Reformation. Its ruins, set beside the Bonet River, also illustrate the importance of river valleys as places for settlement and communication. Local power remained contested, and the region’s political history was shaped by the interaction of Gaelic families, English administration and ecclesiastical institutions.

Plantation, Landownership and Rural Change

From the seventeenth century onwards, confiscation, plantation and changing patterns of landownership altered Leitrim’s social and economic structure. Estates were consolidated in some areas, while much of the population continued to depend on small holdings, mixed farming and seasonal work. Estate landscapes and demesnes, including the grounds associated with Lough Rynn, preserve traces of later landlord influence. The contrast between large landed properties and densely occupied small farms became an important feature of nineteenth-century rural life and contributed to longstanding tensions over rents, tenure and access to land.

Ironworking, Coal and Transport

Leitrim’s mineral resources supported periods of ironworking and related industry, particularly around the uplands and lake country connected with the wider Arigna coalfield. Local production never created a large industrial city, but mines, forges, charcoal burning and quarrying provided work and linked remote communities to regional markets. Canals and railways later improved the movement of people and goods. The Shannon-Erne navigation, developed in the nineteenth century and restored in modern times, remains the clearest surviving expression of the county’s long relationship with engineered waterways and inland trade.

The Great Famine and Mass Emigration

The Great Famine of the 1840s brought severe hardship to Leitrim, where many families relied heavily on potatoes and occupied small, economically fragile holdings. Hunger, disease, evictions and the collapse of local employment caused lasting demographic damage. Large numbers subsequently emigrated, contributing to the population decline that continued through much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The county’s dispersed settlement pattern, abandoned or altered cottages and strong overseas connections all reflect this period. Famine history in Leitrim is therefore also a history of land, poverty, migration and community survival.

Revolution, Independence and the Border

The early twentieth century brought political upheaval to the region, including the struggle for Irish independence and the reorganisation of the island after partition. Kiltyclogher is associated with Seán MacDiarmada, one of the executed leaders of the 1916 Rising, whose former home is preserved as a heritage site. The county’s north-eastern edge also became close to the new border with Northern Ireland, affecting commerce, movement and local relationships. Later changes in policing, transport and European integration softened some of those divisions, but the border remains part of Leitrim’s historical geography.

Waterway Restoration and Rural Renewal

Late twentieth-century restoration of the Shannon-Erne Waterway transformed a disused navigation into a major recreational route linking inland counties. In Leitrim, the waterway encouraged boating, angling, walking and small-scale tourism around places such as Ballinamore and Drumshanbo. Alongside this development, craft studios, arts organisations, food producers and community projects contributed to a more varied rural economy. These changes did not erase the county’s demographic and transport challenges, but they helped present Leitrim not only as an agricultural landscape but also as a place of waterways, creative enterprise and outdoor recreation.

County Leitrim in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of County Leitrim

The closest regions to County Leitrim, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Ireland
More of the region

Explore more of Ireland

Discover Ireland: A land of enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, where every corner tells a story and every visit feels like coming home.

Explore Ireland
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to County Leitrim

Discover the beauty of County Leitrim with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore County Leitrim like never before with Evendo, the comprehensive and free travel guide app designed to make your trip unforgettable.

  • History of County Leitrim and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience County Leitrim like a local
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Global coverage of over 7,000 destinations

Embark on an unforgettable journey through County Leitrim with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app. This 100% free app is your personal tour companion, offering detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or food lover, Evendo has something for everyone.

Explore famous landmarks like the majestic Glencar Waterfall, the historic Parke's Castle, and the serene Lough Allen. Dive into local culture with visits to the Leitrim Sculpture Centre and the Glenview Folk Museum. Satisfy your culinary cravings at renowned restaurants like The Cottage Restaurant and The Oarsman.

With Evendo, planning your trip is a breeze. The app provides rich information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the need for multiple searches and making your travel experience seamless. Evendo's 'Near me' feature ensures you never miss out on nearby attractions, no matter where you are in County Leitrim.

Download Evendo today and unlock the full potential of your County Leitrim adventure. With global coverage of over 7,000 destinations, Evendo is your go-to travel companion for all your journeys.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.