The Leitrim Way

The Leitrim Way is a 56km walk from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village. This route is generally completed over 2-3 days, and brings walkers through a variety of landscape forms common to this beautiful part of the northwest of Ireland.

This route starts in Manorhamilton, the heart of Leitrim’s Five Glens. From here you will head south, climbing quickly from the valley floor to the top of Boleybrack Mountain range where the remote mountaintop lake of Doolough marks the highest point of your journey.

After you have taken in the spectacular views, the route continues south-eastwards along the border between counties Leitrim and Cavan. This long and gentle descent brings walkers to the townland of Dowra and the source of Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon. On crossing the bridge in the centre of Dowra, you will re-enter the county of Leitrim.

Your journey continues onward through a series of small farmlands and quiet boreens, passing through the rural village of Ballinagleragh. Here you will find historic heritage sites unique to area, such as the famous sweathouses dotted throughout the countryside.

As your travel further south, occasional vantage points over Lough Allen will be discovered, until you reach the townland of Drumshanbo. At this point, you will find an easing in the trail gradient, as you follow alongside the Shannon Blueway. Leaving Drumshanbo, you will have the opportunity to cross Ireland’s first floating walkway, located at Acres Lake. Additionally you can find the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre at Acres Lake. This facility explores the heritage associated with the land through which the walking route passes, focusing in particular on the Lough Allen area.

The final stretch south brings you past Battlebridge and into the small-town marina of Leitrim Village which marks the end of your journey on The Leitrim Way.