A barge on the canal
County Leitrim is divided by Lough Allen into two distinctive topographical areas. The Northern half is characterised by mesa mountains and large lakes, with deep glacial valleys radiating from the centre of the land mass to form a spectacularly scenic landscape. The Southern half is typical drumlin country exhibiting the landform and soil type which is the product of retreating glacial masses. Close-packed drumlins and small lakes abound. The River Shannon with its associated lake systems, forms the County’s South-West boundary with County Roscommon; Donegal Bay touches the Northern extremity of the County in a three mile coastline.
The Shannon Erne Waterway, Europe’s longest inland navigable waterway, stretches through the county. There are lively riverside towns and cruise bases, with friendly pubs and impromptu music sessions. Leitrim is bound by water, which defines its character and supplies its recreation. The breathtakingly beautiful terrain provides an ideal venue for walking or cycling and the waterways are available for boating or fishing.
Activities available for tourists include Angling, Walking, Cycling, Equestrian sports, Outdoor Pursuits, Health Farms and Golf Clubs. The inland waterways provide a wonderful facility for boats and cruisers. During the summer, there are festivals in nearly all the small villages and towns throughout Leitrim; pubs and bars, theatres and cinemas provide venues for nightlife and throughout the year, there are attractions for the visitor.
The Kingfisher Cycle Trail offers over 300 miles(480km) of mapped and waymarked cycle route through the North West of Ireland. There’s no better way to discover this beautiful region than by bike on the Kingfisher Trail. Lakelands, mountains, coastal rides and canalside paths, the Kingfisher Trail has it all!