Blueways are a network of stunning trails that run alongside Ireland’s most idyllic lakes, canals and rivers. Taking you off the beaten track into the heart of unspoilt landscapes – by canoe, bike or on foot.
The Shannon Blueway can offer an adventure in itself as you complete the entire trail, but equally it invites you to visit any of its access points for a nature walk, a riverside picnic or even to just to sit for a while and take in the peace and tranquillity.
A series of on-water and land based trails run from Leitrim, through Roscommon to county Longford. The water trails have accessibility for canoes, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks, offering access to over 100km of paddling area. The walking and cycling trails start on Ireland’s first floating boardwalk at Acres Lake in Drumshanbo.
Bike hire and guided paddle adventures are available locally.
Explore the Shannon Blueway
Section 1: Drumshanbo - Carrick on Shannon
Trail types: Walking/ Cycling/ Paddling
The first section of the Shannon Blueway follows the River Shannon as it winds its way from Drumshanbo to Carrick on Shannon. It includes 16.5km of water trails and a series of looped walk and cycle trails that run adjacent to the river.
Paddle trails
Guided paddled experiences: There are trails suitable for everyone to enjoy and highly experienced instructors will help you to choose an experience that is most suited to your group.
Non-guided: The trails are also suited for people with more experience, please visit www.bluewaysireland.org for further safety and access information.
Acres Lake Boardwalk
Acres Lake Boardwalk is Ireland’s first floating boardwalk. The 600m boardwalk, in the picturesque village of Drumshanbo, is the start of a 6.5km linear walking and cycling trail from Acres Lake to Battlebridge Lock, near Leitrim Village.
Please note that cycling is not permitted on the Boardwalk and cyclists are asked to dismount for this section of the trail.
Loop Walks and Cycle Trails
Gentle loop walks run along the canal side, between Battlebridge Lock, Drumleage Lock and further on to Drumhauver Bridge. It is very easy to lose track of time as you watch these fascinating locks in action, as they gently assist boats to navigate the differing levels of the river.
Battlebridge Lock – Drumleage Lock Length of Walk: 5km
Battlebridge Lock – Drumhauver Bridge Length of Walk: 10km
Leitrim Village, near to Battlebridge Lock, is also the starting point of the Shannon-Erne Blueway and is the perfect location to hire a bike to explore both Blueways.
Continue the journey
At Carrick on Shannon you can choose to follow the paddle trails along the Shannon Blueway towards Rooskey, or take a trip along the Boyle River, through Lough Key Forest Park, to Boyle Harbour in County Roscommon.
Section 1 of the Shannon Blueway can be accessed from:
Drumshanbo, Drumhauver Bridge, Drumleague Lock, Leitrim Village, Carrick on Shannon. The loop trail can also be accessed at Battlebridge Lock.
Section 2: Carrick on Shannon - Rooskey
Trail types: Paddling only
This section of the Shannon Blueway is all on the river. Water trails from Carrick on Shannon to Roosky offer 30km of paddling options in total.
Paddle trails
Guided paddled experiences: There are trails suitable for everyone to enjoy and highly experienced instructors will help you to choose an experience that is most suited to your group.
Non-guided: The trails are also suited for people with more experience, please visit www.bluewaysireland.org for further safety and access information.
Continue the journey
For information on the next sections of the Shannon Blueway journey through counties Roscommon and Longford visit: www.bluewaysireland.org
Bike hire and guided paddle guides and instructors
Highly experienced guides and instructors in Leitrim will help you to choose an experience that is most suited to your group.
Electric Bike Trails hire a full range of regular bicycles, electric bicycles, children’s bicycles, child carts, child seats and tandems.
Way To Go Adventures offer both guided canoe tours and bike hire. Their excellent local knowledge will help you to explore and enjoy the very best of the Shannon-Erne Blueway.
Leitrim Surf Company offer guided tours of the Shannon Blueway and tours of the Leitrim coastline.
Adventure Gently will take you on a guided trip along this enchanting waterway in Canadian Canoes.
Lough Allen Adventure is an award-winning adventure centre offering outdoor recreation in Leitrim.
“Well I’ve travelled far through these great lands from the east onto the west
But of all the islands I have seen I love my own the best
And if ever I return again there is one place I will go
It will be to lovely Leitrim where the Shannon waters flow.”
Phil Fitzpatrick c.1940
from Aughavas, Leitrim, emigrated to New York
