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

Where to Stay

This 62km day circuit winds through Leitrim's remote uplands from Manorhamilton to Glencar Waterfall, Glenade, Kinlough, and Dromahair before looping back. The route passes through Ireland's least populated county, where accommodation is thin on the ground. Sligo, just 30 minutes west of Manorhamilton, is the nearest town with a solid range of hotels and guesthouses, and it offers its own Yeats-country atmosphere that complements a day among Leitrim's hills.

Sligo

Sligo sits at the crossroads between Leitrim's hills and the Atlantic coast, making it a strong base for this drive. Glencar Waterfall -- the one Yeats immortalised -- is less than 20 minutes east of the town, and from there you can continue into the Glenade valley, Kinlough, and Lough Melvin before returning via Dromahair and Lough Gill. Sligo's restaurants, traditional music pubs, and cultural attractions round out the day.

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

1. Glencar - Waterfall best after rain
2. Roads - Mountain roads narrow; take care
3. Gleniff - Single-track loop, two-way traffic; use the pull-ins and be ready to reverse
4. Weather - Mountains catch rain; be prepared
5. Facilities - Limited in remote areas; bring supplies

Before You Drive This Route

The Leitrim Hills & Glencar Valley is 62km and about 1.5 hours of driving, though 1 day is the honest figure once you factor in the stops. Visitors who have never driven on the left should start with driving on the left in Ireland; the Irish roundabout rules guide covers the other thing that catches people out. For what a trip like this costs in 2026, from fuel to beds, see the budget guide. Automatic or manual is the decision that catches most visitors out — manual versus automatic has the honest answer for Irish roads. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Leitrim page, and the Carrick-on-Shannon & the Waterways pairs naturally with this one.