🚣 County Leitrim: Lakes, Lush Landscapes, and Laid-Back Guesthouses
Welcome to County Leitrim, Ireland’s most underrated treasure. With more lakes than you can count, rolling green hills, and a pace of life that soothes the soul, Leitrim is a haven for nature lovers, artists, and anyone seeking a peaceful bed and breakfast in Ireland.
Whether you’re cruising down the Shannon, hiking through forest trails, or enjoying a fireside chat in a lakeside guesthouse, Leitrim invites you to slow down and breathe deep.
🌊 Must-See Marvels and Hidden Gems
Glencar Waterfall: A Poetic Cascade
Immortalised by W.B. Yeats, this 50-foot waterfall is tucked into a wooded glen and surrounded by walking trails and fairy-tale charm.
Lough Gill and Parke’s Castle
Take a boat trip on Lough Gill, explore the 17th-century Parke’s Castle, and soak in the serenity of this lesser-known gem.
The Shannon–Erne Waterway: Ireland’s Secret Canal
Hire a boat or kayak and drift through tranquil waters, passing through sleepy villages, stone bridges, and lush countryside.
🧙♂️ Curious Facts and Local Lore
- Leitrim has the shortest coastline of any Irish county—just 4km!
- The county is home to over 40 lakes, making it a paradise for anglers and paddlers.
- Glencar Waterfall inspired Yeats’s poem The Stolen Child.
🛏️ Bed and Breakfasts & Guest Houses in Leitrim
Leitrim’s guesthouses and B&Bs are peaceful, personal, and full of charm. Whether you’re staying in a lakeside lodge or a country cottage, you’ll find warm welcomes and hearty breakfasts.
🏡 Bluebell House – Manorhamilton
A cosy, family-run B&B with mountain views, homemade bread, and a garden full of wildflowers.
🏡 Lough Rynn Castle Estate – Mohill
A luxurious guesthouse experience in a historic castle, with lakeside walks and fine dining.
🏡 The Old Rectory – Fenagh
A heritage home with antique charm, friendly hosts, and a tranquil setting near Fenagh Abbey.
🏡 Carrick Plaza Suites – Carrick-on-Shannon
Modern comfort in the heart of town, perfect for exploring the Shannon and local nightlife.
🍽️ Where to Eat Like a Local
Leitrim’s food scene is small but mighty. Here are a few local favourites:
- The Oarsman – Carrick-on-Shannon: Award-winning gastropub with a focus on local produce.
- The Cottage Restaurant – Jamestown: Fine dining in a rustic setting with a French twist.
- Sweet Geranium Café – Manorhamilton: A charming spot for coffee, cake, and conversation.
And don’t miss a bowl of Leitrim lamb stew—slow-cooked, savoury, and soul-warming.
🍻 Cheapest Pint of Guinness in Leitrim
For a creamy pint at a great price, head to Cryan’s Bar in Carrick-on-Shannon—locals say you can still get a pint for €4.50, and the riverside views are a bonus.
🧳 Whimsical Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Waterfalls and Waterways
- Morning: Visit Glencar Waterfall and take a forest walk.
- Afternoon: Explore Parke’s Castle and cruise Lough Gill.
- Evening: Dinner at The Oarsman and a pint at Cryan’s.
Day 2: Castles and Countryside
- Morning: Stroll the grounds of Lough Rynn Castle.
- Afternoon: Visit Fenagh Abbey and enjoy tea at The Old Rectory.
- Evening: Return to your guesthouse in Leitrim for a peaceful night in.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- Glencar Waterfall framed by mossy trees.
- A boat drifting on the Shannon–Erne Waterway.
- Sunset over Lough Gill.
- A pint of Guinness with a riverside view.
🧭 Getting There and Getting Around
Leitrim is best reached by car, with Carrick-on-Shannon just two hours from Dublin. Public transport is limited, but perfect for a slow, scenic road trip.
💚 Final Thoughts: Why Leitrim is Ireland’s Hidden Haven
County Leitrim is a place of peace, poetry, and pure Irish charm. Whether you’re paddling through quiet waters, exploring ancient ruins, or waking up in a bed and breakfast in Leitrim, this county offers a gentle, genuine escape.
So bring your walking shoes, your camera, and your sense of wonder—Leitrim is waiting to be discovered.
