Carrick on Shannon Town
Carrick-on-Shannon is the county town of County Leitrim. Situated on the River Shannon, it is ideal for fishing and cruising , especially during the summer months. Carrick-on-Shannon is renowned worldwide as an angler's paradise. There are over forty lakes within a ten kilometre radius of the town and the clear waters are extremely rich in a large variety of fish.
The Moon River Pleasure Cruiser offers a one and a half hour trip on the River Shannon and is an ideal way to see some of Leitrim's beautiful scenery. A friendly pilot will talk you through the places of interest in the area as well as some of the locally known folklore.
In nearby Mohill, Lough Rynn Estate is 100 acres of woodland and 300 acres of beautiful walled gardens. Dating back to 1859, it was the home of the Clement family, the Earls of Leitrim. Derrycarne Wood, just a short drive from Carrick-on-Shannon, was once the seat of Lord Harlic. The house is now demolished but with access to the River Shannon, the area is very popular with visitors.
The Sliabh an Iarann visitor centre is situated in Drumshanbo, a town just a short drive from Carrick-on-Shannon. It tells the visitor about life and industry between the Sliabh an Iarann Mountains and Arigna Mountains and the history of iron and coal mining.
The Forest Park in Lough Key is a must see for any visitor to the area. The most interesting way to reach it is to take a cruising tour on the River Shannon. The remains of Carrick Castle were hidden for over a century and were only revealed to the public in 1983. The castle was built in the seventeenth century and has an interesting history.
Within a five minute drive of the town, Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Course is possibly the finest and most scenic nine hole course in Ireland.
Walking and cycling are possibly the best ways to enjoy the Leitrim scenery. Enjoy the clean, fresh air while you treck along the winding roads or along the many lakes that dot the county.
Swimming can be enjoyed both in Carrick Swimming Pool and at various points along the River Shannon. Lough Allen Outdoor Pursuits Centre offers a great variety of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Carrick-on-Shannon Sports and Leisure Centre offers numerous sports for both visitors and locals alike.