Leitrim Hills & Glencar Valley

Leitrim's uplands reveal a secret Ireland - forested hills, hidden glens, and Glencar's waterfall that captivated Yeats. This route climbs from the drumlins through mountain passes to the dramatic landscapes where Leitrim meets Sligo and Fermanagh.

Why This Route?

Leitrim's hills offer genuine discovery:

Glencar Waterfall - 50-foot cascade in a hidden valley
Mountain passes - Winding roads through uplands
Genuine remoteness - Ireland's least touristed county
Forest parks - Walking and cycling trails
Border country - Where three counties meet

The Route

Starting from Manorhamilton

Leitrim's northern hub:

Market town character
Mountain backdrop
Good facilities
Starting point for adventures

Glencar Valley

The hidden glen:

The Waterfall

50 feet of falling water:

Featured in Yeats's "The Stolen Child"
Easy walk from car park
Best after rain
Viewing platform

The Lough

Glencar Lough beneath the cliffs:

Mountain reflections
Quiet atmosphere
Picnic area

Glenade Valley

Parallel valley to the north:

Dramatic U-shaped glen
Steep mountain walls
Very quiet
Single-track road

Kinlough

Border village with:

Traditional character
Close to Lough Melvin
Good walking access

Lough Melvin

Cross-border lake:

Famous for unique trout species (sonaghan, gillaroo)
Fishing heritage
Mountain backdrop
Quiet shores

Rossinver

Remote village with:

Organic centre
Mountain access
Alternative community
Traditional character

Lurganboy

The back road to Dromahair through:

Forested uplands
Mountain views
Very quiet roads

Dromahair

Pretty village on the Bonet River:

Creevelea Abbey ruins
Traditional pubs
Lough Gill access
Good stop

Return via Manorhamilton

Complete the circuit through the hills.

Glencar Waterfall

The Setting

A hanging valley cut by glaciers, with the waterfall tumbling from the upper level.

Yeats's Poem

"The Stolen Child" references: "Where the wandering water gushes / From the hills above Glen-Car"

Visiting

Car park at waterfall
Short walk to viewing area
Can continue to lake
No admission charge

Mountain Walking

Truskmore

The county's highest peak (647m):

Accessed from Gleniff
Challenging terrain
Limestone pavement summit
Panoramic views

Arroo Trail

Waymarked trail near Kinlough:

Mountain loop
Moderate difficulty
Great views

Sliabh an Iarainn

Iron Mountain from Drumshanbo:

Mining heritage
Waymarked trails
Historical interest

Gleniff Horseshoe

Dramatic natural amphitheatre:

The Drive

8km loop road beneath cliff walls:

Single-track
Stunning scenery
Cave access (Diarmuid & Grainne's Cave)
Best driven slowly

Walking

Trails into the horseshoe and up to the plateau.

Practical Tips

Glencar - Waterfall best after rain
Roads - Mountain roads narrow; take care
Gleniff - Single-track loop; go anticlockwise
Weather - Mountains catch rain; be prepared
Facilities - Limited in remote areas; bring supplies