With its wide variety of beautiful landscapes, County Leitrim provides an ideal backdrop for walking at every level.
The best walks in the county will take you to tumbling waterfalls, grassy trails, mysterious forests, tranquil waterways and scenic lake shores. Whether you are a long-time hiker or a casual Sunday stroller, lace up your walking boots, as this guide has the information you need to plan easy walks through to demanding trails in Leitrim.
From Town Trails to Looped walks, from Forest Trails to Canal and Riverside walks, to Linear and Long-distance trails, walking in Leitrim has something for everyone. The following list is just a selection of walks to be found in Leitrim.
Please visit Walks and Trails for other walks available.
Walks in Leitrim
These are just some of the walks available in Leitrim. There are also a number of new walks in the county including the Bougann Trail close to Manorhamiton and The Sheemore Trail near Leitrim Village. Whatever type of walk you enjoy you can be sure that Leitrim has one for you.
Walk 1: A Walk through Carrick on Shannon
A Walk through Carrick on Shannon
Town Walk
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 4.5km
TIME: Approx. 2 hours
You may already know Carrick on Shannon as a friendly town with an energetic nightlife, but did you know that it is also of great historical interest. It is home to numerous heritage sites, including the Costello Chapel, the second smallest chapel in the world.
Take a Walk through Carrick on Shannon along the riverside boardwalk and through the town’s historical centre and check out the sites that pay homage to historical places and events.
Known as ‘the marina capital of Ireland’, the town’s busy marina is filled with boats of all shapes and sizes, and there are also plenty of cafes on the trail where you can treat yourself to a hot beverage along the way.
Walk 2: Manorhamilton Heritage Trail
Manorhamilton Heritage Trail
Town Walk
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 3.5km
TIME: I hour 30 mins
Manorhamilton is the peaceful and picturesque capital of North Leitrim. It is situated in the centre of the North Leitrim Glens and is rich in history, heritage and architecture.
Manorhamilton Castle sits on an elevated site overlooking the town and was once home to Sir Frederick Hamilton who founded the town. Of great historical importance is the Famine Graveyard, one of three graveyards opened shortly before and during the Great Famine of 1845 – 1849. It is a tranquil place to visit and a memorial and tribute to the tragic victims of the Great Famine. Why not follow the Heritage Trail and discover more of Manorhamilton’s historic past.
Walk 3: Miltown Wood Walk
Milltown Wood Walk
Forest Walk
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 8km
TIME: Approx. 1 hour 30 mins
Close to the town of Manorhamilton and the village of Lurganboy – the Milltown Forest walk is a popular trail for locals and visitors. Thanks to its calming and tranquil qualities, mindfulness and meditation communities also often visit the woods.
Depending on how you feel, you can choose to take one of the shorter loops or opt for the entire 8km stretch. A quaint wooden bridge also hangs over the river Bonet, making it easy to stroll along either side of the woodland riverbank.
Walk 4: Derrycarne Woods
Forest Walk
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 1.9km
TIME: Approx. 30 mins
For a quick walk, head to Derrycarne Woods, just 14km south of Carrick on Shannon. Planted in the 1960s on the former site of the Derrycarne Demense, this woodland runs alongside Lough Boderg. Boats and cruises can enter the lough, so during the summer months, especially, there is a real buzz of activity in the air.
Walk 5: Shannon Blueway Walk
Shannon Blueway Walk
Canal & Lakeside Walk
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 11.5 km
TIME: Approx. 3 hours mins
This Shannon Blueway walks starts from the carpark at Battlebridge and head along this canal-side walk and enjoy a quiet morning by the water. With its peaceful grassy banks, the surrounding countryside is ideal for a weekend walk with your dog.
Walk by Drumleague Lock and Bridge and continue past Drumhauver Bridge to cross the road with care and then continue another 1.5 km along the canal bank to reach Ireland’s first floating Boardwalk at Acres lake on this peaceful Shannon Blueway Walk.
Walk 6: Keeldra Lakeside Walk
Keeldra Lake
Canal & Lakeside Walk
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 2.7km
TIME: Approx. 30-45 mins
The trail takes you alongside open fields and a lovely shoreline. It is a quiet space with plenty of time to relax in nature. As you follow the path slightly up hill, you will have a view back over the adjoining five counties and see the beauty of Keeldra Lake itself.
Heading back down the trail, back to where you started, there is a picnic area where you can sit and enjoy the tranquility of Keeldra Lake.
Walk 7: Crummy Loop
Crummy Loop
Looped Walk
GRADE: Moderate
LENGTH OF WALK: 12km
TIME: Approx. 3 hours 30 mins
Moving into hiking territory now, this three-and-a-half-hour trail will take you across fields and forests. You will also find yourself crossing some bogland, so waterproof footwear is essential. The Crummy Loop takes you through a variety of landscapes
The traditional town of Drumshanbo is approximately 7km away, where you will find a selection of cafés and pubs, perfect for stopping off after a couple of hours of hiking.
Walk 8: Aghacashel Loop
Aughacashel Loop
Looped Walk
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 3km
TIME: Approx. 1 hour
This loop starts at the same point as Crummy loop and veers off in the opposite direction after about one kilometre. The Aughcashel Loop will take you down a more leisurely route along the beautiful country lanes of Leitrim.
Wildlife thrives in this area, so be sure to keep your eyes open for the likes of foxes, hares, rabbits, badgers, ravens and even a peregrine falcon.
Walk 9: Ballinamore to Corgar Greenway
Ballinamore to Corgar Greenway
Linear Walk
GRADE: Easy
LENGTH OF WALK: 2.4 km
TIME: Approx 1 hour
The Ballinamore to Corgar greenway closely follows the footprint of the former Cavan and Leitrim Railway, starting at Ballinamore station and finishing adjacent to Corgar Lake
Walk 10: Glencar Hill Walk
Glencar Hill Walk
Linear Walk
GRADE: Moderate
LENGTH OF WALK: 7km
TIME: Approx. 2 hours
Perhaps best known for its spectacular waterfall, the Glencar trail is a must-visit on any Irish walking list. The trail car park, which looks over the beautiful Glencar Lough, is located beside a playground and cafe. There are also toilet facilities on site, making it an ideal start and endpoint for a family hike.
You will arrive at the waterfall quite early on your walk, as it is only a couple of minutes (uphill) from the car park. The dedicated viewpoint allows visitors to safely marvel at the cascading water before continuing the 7km hike.
Walk 11: Leitrim Way
Long Distance Walk
GRADE: Strenuous
LENGTH OF WALK: 56km
TIME: Approx. 2 – 3 days
Stretching an impressive 56km, the Leitrim Way has a little bit of everything that hikers and walkers might want and can be walked over two to three days.
You will find yourself trekking across mountains and looking out over vast valleys and lakes. You will roam beneath towering forests and along soothing riverbanks during your hikes. You will also find yourself strolling down country lanes and into welcoming villages, where you can recharge ahead of your next day’s adventure.
The trek starts in Manorhamilton and ends in Leitrim village and has accommodation options along the way.
See more
Don’t forget to check our our interactive Leitrim Map for places to stay and eat see our selection of Accommodation and Food and Drink