Carrick-on-Shannon & the Waterways

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

Where to Stay

This 72-kilometre loop starts and finishes in Carrick-on-Shannon, threading through Leitrim village, Drumshanbo, Ballinamore, and Lough Rynn before circling back. As a circular day route through Ireland's least populated county, a single base in Carrick keeps things simple.

Carrick-on-Shannon

Ireland's cruising capital has the best concentration of hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering options in County Leitrim. The waterfront quays are the social hub -- after a day visiting Drumshanbo's Gunpowder Gin distillery, the restored harbour at Ballinamore, and the gardens of Lough Rynn Castle, you can stroll back to riverside restaurants and traditional pubs without getting in the car again.

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 Waterway

62km by boat from Leitrim village to Upper Lough Erne:

• 16 locks
• 34 bridges
• Beautiful countryside
• Enters Northern Ireland at Upper Lough Erne

The driving route on this page stays in Leitrim and Roscommon. Only the waterway reaches Northern Ireland, and only by boat.

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

1. Cruising - Book in advance during summer
2. Carrick - Gets busy summer weekends (hen/stag parties)
3. Drumshanbo - Distillery tours available; book ahead
4. Roads - Quiet but narrow in places
5. Facilities - Good in towns; limited between

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on 1 day for the Carrick-on-Shannon & the Waterways: the 72km takes roughly 1.5 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. Travelling with children, our family road trip guide has the stops and timings that keep a day like this civil. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Leitrim page, and the Athlone & Shannon Heritage pairs naturally with this one.