Carrick-on-Shannon & the Waterways
Leitrim • Roscommon
About This Route
Carrick-on-Shannon is Ireland's cruising capital - the point where the Shannon-Erne Waterway opens up hundreds of kilometres of navigable rivers and lakes. This route explores the waterway hub and the quiet lakelands of Leitrim, Ireland's least populated county.
Why This Route?
Carrick and the waterways offer:
- Cruising capital - Boat hire hub for Shannon and Erne
- Shannon-Erne Waterway - Historic canal restored in 1994
- Quiet lakes - Boderg, Bofin, Key
- Undiscovered county - Few tourists venture here
- River heritage - Traditional waterway towns
The Route
Carrick-on-Shannon
The county town and cruising hub:
The Town
Compact and attractive:
- Riverside quays
- Colourful main street
- Traditional pubs
- Good restaurants
The Waterways
Cruisers moor along the quays:
- Day boat hire
- Multi-day cruising
- No experience required
- Training provided
Costello Chapel
World's second-smallest chapel (opens by request).
Leitrim Village
The county's namesake village:
- Tiny but charming
- River views
- Traditional atmosphere
- Rainbow Ballroom (dance hall history)
Drumshanbo
Where Lough Allen meets the Shannon-Erne:
- Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre (iron mountain heritage)
- Shannon Pot nearby (river's source)
- Traditional town
- Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin distillery
Lough Allen
The first great Shannon lake:
- Mountain backdrop
- Quiet shores
- Watersports
- Walking trails
Ballinamore
The Shannon-Erne Waterway town:
- Historic canal
- Restored harbour
- Traditional character
- Good base
Fenagh
Ancient monastic site:
- Twin churches
- Early Christian history
- Quiet atmosphere
Mohill
Market town with:
- Lough Rynn Castle nearby
- Traditional streetscape
- Good facilities
Lough Rynn Castle
Historic estate with:
- Castle hotel
- Gardens and walks
- Walled garden
- Day visitors welcome
Return to Carrick
Complete the circuit along quiet roads.
Shannon-Erne Waterway
History
Originally built 1846-1860, the canal fell into disuse. Restored 1990-1994 as a cross-border peace project.
The Route
62km from Leitrim village to Upper Lough Erne:
- 16 locks
- 34 bridges
- Beautiful countryside
- Cross-border journey
Cruising
Hire boats in Carrick and cruise:
- North to Erne system and Fermanagh
- South to Lough Ree and Athlone
- No licence required
Day Boat Options
Moon River Cruises
Sightseeing trips from Carrick.
Self-Drive Day Boats
Hire for a few hours to explore.
Kayaking
Calmer waters ideal for paddling.
Walking
Leitrim Way
Long-distance trail through the county.
Sliabh an Iarainn
Iron Mountain trails from Drumshanbo.
Lough Rynn Estate
Waymarked trails through the grounds.
Practical Tips
- Cruising - Book in advance during summer
- Carrick - Gets busy summer weekends (hen/stag parties)
- Drumshanbo - Distillery tours available; book ahead
- Roads - Quiet but narrow in places
- Facilities - Good in towns; limited between
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
