A holiday in the midst of Leitrim's charming rustic scenery is a recipe for relaxation and renewal. River cruising is amongst the many popular activities in the area.

About Leitrim
Leitrim is one of Ireland's most sparsely populated and hence most unspoilt counties. Dominated by water whether in the form of the might River Shannon, the stunning Lough Allen or the spectacular Glencar Waterfall that inspired Ireland's greatest poet Leitrim's quiet waterways and unmarred beauty will delight the most jaded of visitors.

With such beautiful waterways it is hardly surprising that waterborne tourism is the most popular in Leitrim. From the bustling waterfront town of Carrick-on-Shannon, the largest cruiser base in the northwest it is possible to hire boats for trips up and down the Shannon. Perfect for anglers or just those who desire the secluded privacy of their own boat and the magnificent vista that unfolds as they sail along. Leitrim is perfect for anyone who enjoys spending their holidays next to or on the water.

But perhaps the greatest charm it docking the boat at night and stepping off into one of Leitrim's charming towns and villages, wandering though the pretty streets and into one of the comfortable local bars. The locals are sure to make you welcome and there's always the chance of an impromptu music session or a ceilidh taking place. You'll never what you'll find when you step off the Shannon.

The area north of Lough Allen is mountainous, reaching its highest point of juover 2,000 feet on the Sligo border, north Glencar Lake, home to the Glencar Waterfall which is over 50 foot high and one of the most romantic parts of the county. Lough Allen itself is home to one of the finest beaches in Ireland and the long sandy, golden expanse is very popular in the hot summer months for locals
One of the last bastions of solitude Leitrim is a place to get away from it all. Through the maze of waterways and lakes it is possible to lose yourself in the rivers of the county or in the forests and mountains that provide such wonderful scenery. And once lost you might never want to be found.

Carrick-on-Shannon
The main town is Carrick-on-Shannon. This is one of the best developed locations on the River Shannon for hiring cruising boats. In addition, the Shannon-Erne Waterway weaves through the streams, rivers and lakes which are widely scattered between Leitrim village and the River Erne.

Glencar Waterfall
Located in Glencar Lough, Particularly impressive after rain. There are many more waterfalls visible from the road, although none quite as romantic as this one.
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The Costello Memorial Chapel
Located in Carrick-On-Shannon, this is the second smallest chapel in the world. It was built in the nineteenth century by Costello in memory of his wife. Husband and wife now rest side by side in the beautiful memorial.
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Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre
Located in Drumshanbo, provides audio-visual displays reflecting life, transport and industry between Arigna and the Sliabh an Iarainn mountains. Special emphasis is placed on the railway, canal, lakes, iron and coal mining. Sliabh an Iarainn, the beautiful rugged mountain of legend and song, lies behind Drumshanbo.

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Lough Rynn House
Located in Mohill, formerly the home of the Earls of Leitrim, the Lough Rynn estate is an intricate mingling of land and water. The notable mid-nineteenth century walled garden, with its terraces designed to catch the sun, no longer provides fruit and vegetables for an Earl's table. Its architectural features include a turreted summer house with splendid views over Lough Rynn. Lough Rynn House and Gardens has ornamental gardens, nature trails and a terraced walled garden which dates from 1859.

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Glens Centre
Located at New Line, Manorhamilton, the Glens Centre is a lively arts centre hosting a large number of classes and activities, concerts, drama, recitals and readings. It is the home of North Leitrim Glens Tourism Coop which organises fishing, hill walking etc.

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Parkes Castle
Located at Five Mile Burren, this impressive manor house sits on the shores of one of Ireland's most beautiful lakes, Lough Gill. The splendour of Parkes Castle is immediately evident as you drive around the lake. Once an important stronghold of the local O'Rourke family, rulers of Breffni, Parkes Castle has been recently restored to its true 17th century style.

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Angling
County Leitrim is widely acknowledged as an anglers paradise and has hosted numerous national and international angling competitions. The many unpolluted lakes and rivers in County Leitrim support a huge population of wild fish. Coarse fish species include Bream, Roach, Rudd, Hybrids, Tench, Pike, Perch and Eels. Game fish species include wild Atlantic Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout. The county also has a reputation for friendliness and hospitality and the visiting angler can be assured of special attention in comfortable accommodations.

Contact: North West Regional Fisheries Board, Ardnaree House, Ballina
Tel: +353 (0)96 22788
Fax: +353 (0)96 70543

The Cloone area has a number of good waters such as Adoon, Keeldra and Kiltyfea lakes. Lake Adoon has Bream, Perch, Pike and Roach. Keeldra and Kiltyfea lakes both contain Pike and Perch and Kiltyfea also has Bream, Rudd and Hybrids.

The nearby town of Ballinamore is internationally renowned for its abundance of coarse angling waters. Being in the centre of Leitrim's lakeland district there are a minimum of 40 lakes within a 10km radius of the town. Most of the waters can be fished from the shore, however for those who wish to explore further, boats are available locally for hire, for the angler who like canal fishing, Ballinamore now has the new beautifully restored Canal, a magnificent fishing venture of Bream, Raoch, Tench Perch, Eel, and Pike. Specialised fishing maps, bait and tackle together with "Local Knowledge" are available in the town.

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Waterbased Activities

Leitrim has any number of waterbased activities and you wont need to walk any further than your front door to find Keeldra lake which is currently the only designated outdoor bathing area in the county as this amenity area is monitored regularly for bacteriological quality and compliance with the Bathing Water Regulations.(www.leitrimcoco.ie)

Lough Key Boat Tours
Lough key boats is a family run business which has provided boating facilities to the fisherman, water enpublic alike for twenty years. Located 2 miles east of Boyle on the N4. The family business is located at tLough Key Forest Park, which is surround ed, by 800 acres of picturesque woodlands and park.
www.loughkeyboats.com : Tel: 00 353 71 96 67037