When planning your staycation, why not consider Leitrim as a destination? Only two hours from Dublin, Belfast and Galway, Leitrim is the ideal base for exploring Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the Wild Atlantic Way and Northern Ireland. Leitrim is know for its wide open spaces and unspoiled landscape. Below we have 13 things to do with families while in Leitrim.
1. Stand Up Paddling
1.Stand Up Paddling
Take to the water on a stand-up paddle board and experience the tranquility of the waterways. This is a unique way to travel along the water and to enjoy the views around and beneath you. Leitrim Surf Company specialise in guided stand-up paddle boarding safaris on The Shannon Blueway
2. Cycling
A leisurely bike ride is a wonderful way to explore the Leitrim countryside. You can enjoy a tranquil traffic free cycle along the banks of the Lough Allen. It is an easy cycle suitable for all the family and is a 20 km round trip from the Electric Bike Trails base at Leitrim Village to Drumshanbo Village.
3. Cruising
Cruising along the Shannon as it meanders through the countyside is an ideal way to experience the slower pace of life to be found in Leitrim. Away from the stresses of daily life, you can spend family time watching the wildlife, the changing landscapes or simply breathing in the wonderfully fresh air in the Leitrim countryside. There is no licence requirement for cruising, it is really is a wonderful way to spend a holiday gently exploring Leitrim’s waterways.
4. Arigna Mines
Close to Carrick on Shannon is the Arigna Mining Experience, which preserves the mining heritage of Ireland and is Ireland’s only Coal Mining Museum and as a visitor you will experience what working life was like underground in the mines. This unique visitor experience offers you and your family the opportunity to take a guided underground walk by retired miners, through what was the last working mine in Ireland. Children love this ‘going underground’ experience.
5. Drumshanbo Outdoor Swimming Pool
This heated pool in Drumshanbo is located in the stunning setting of Acres Lake. There are shallow and deep ends, individual changing areas and showers and a lifeguard in attendance at all times. Swimming hats are required. Tennis courts and a small playground are also available. The pool is open seasonally, check their website for details.
6. Glenview Museum
Glenview Folk Museum close to Ballinamore is a lovely snapshot of rural Ireland and the way it used to be. A full street scene has been fully reconstructed to give a real feel of 1930s Ireland. Shops are stocked and dressed as they would have been in the past. This private collection of over 7000 items has a varied collection of items from butter making equipment and everyday kitchen utensils to lamps and furniture. Their impressive array of farmyard equipment includes horse drawn agricultural machinery and a thrasher. It also holds the largest collection of egg cups in Ireland with over 4000 egg cups on display.
7. Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park has a wonderful Visitor Centre with a treetop canopy walk, indoor activity in the Boda Borg maze, outdoor adventure playground for children and a Lakeside Cafe. There are plenty of open areas to picnic or even barbecue, as well as a fantastic lake with great water activities, boats, bikes and Segways for hire. There is something here for all the members of the family.
8. Cavan Leitrim Railway
When you visit the Cavan Leitrim Railway you and your family can step back in time and travel on a narrow-gauge train, visit the transport museum and see an extensive collection of steam, diesel trains, rolling stock and vintage buses all of which allow you to trace the history of the Irish narrow gauge railway system. The Cavan and Leitrim Railway, located in Dromod, is open to the public, with trains running on demand. A tour of the site will take approximately 40 – 50 minutes and includes a trip on the train and a tour of the engine sheds, workshops and the site in general.
9. Canoeing
Take a guided trip along one of Ireland’s enchanting waterways in Canadian Canoes. The trip provides a gentle, enjoyable and safe experience, but with a flavour of excitement and achievement. This environmentally friendly activity immerses you in nature, where you take nothing but photographs and leave nothing behind but ripples. Adventure Gently will take you on a wonderfully unique journey; a way to relax, discover and explore the Shannon Blueway and the spectacular lakes in Leitrim.
10. Jump Street
Ireland’s only Trampoline park, Jump Street, in Carrick on Shannon offers great entertainment for all of the family with something for everyone to enjoy; Go-Karting, Dodgeball, Foam Pit, Basketball, Jump Box, & Wall Trampolines. Whether you are planning a day trip with your family, or are coming with friends, Jump Street gives visitors of all ages the chance to enjoy themselves in a fun-filled environment.
11. Carrick Quads and Clay Pigeon Shooting
Carrick Quads and Clay Pigeon Shooting is close to Carrick on Shannon. Set on over 100 acres of fantastic Irish countryside, this off-road motor-powered adventure is perfect for all levels – from the novice to the experienced – everyone will have an amazing time regardless of the weather!
12. Marble Arch Caves Geopark
With an abundance of natural resources teamed with some of the very best facilities, the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark, in County Fermanagh, is the perfect location for an activity holiday or just to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and is home to one of the finest show caves in Europe. Activities such as canoeing, caving, Angling walking and cycling are all available here. You can also take a tour of the show cave and sit back on a subterranean boat trip as it cruises along a calm tranquil river. This is a great family day out with an opportunity to explore something new.
Two tour groups admiring the Frozen Waterfall with Spelegonzalez, Marble Arch Cave