From the quiet of your canoe on Ireland’s legendary River Shannon, you watch in hushed awe as a jewel-bright kingfisher dives from its perch, a blur of blue and orange slicing into the clear waters to re-emerge with its silvery prize. It’s a breathtaking moment of connecting with nature that can only be experienced by taking things slow. For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path escape, County Leitrim is one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets, an unspoiled haven of lakes, rivers and rolling green hills that rewards curious nature lovers with its raw, peaceful beauty.
Far from the tourist crowds, County Leitrim lies in Ireland’s hidden heartlands. Flowing through its dramatic mountains, rolling hills, serene lakes and magical woodlands is the majestic River Shannon, winding its way to Leitrim’s short but stunning coastline on the Wild Atlantic Way. This is a landscape made for forging meaningful connections with nature through Slow Adventures – consciously taking your time to enjoy the moment in the great outdoors. And don’t be surprised to find you’re enjoying it alone – that’s the way Leitrim likes it. So, embrace the relaxed rhythm and explore Leitrim’s spectacular wilds at a slower pace.
One of the most rewarding ways to do this is by taking to the water. Whether from kayak, canoe or paddleboard, the verdant countryside looks even more amazing when seen from Leitrim’s lakes and rivers. Early mornings bring the beautifully haunting sight of low mists curling through dew-soaked valleys, and everywhere there’s a rich mix of stunning scenery, native wildlife and historical heritage. Imagining life in one of Leitrim’s handsomely romantic castles is more tangible while deer graze the shoreline and swans glide the still waters beside you. And while a local guide will point out many things you may miss, the ease of Leitrim’s ‘Park and Paddle’ philosophy gives you the flexibility to discover its wonders in your own time.
From gentle shores to soaring peaks, Leitrim’s rugged landscapes reveal cliffs and viewpoints that provide breathtaking scenery. It’s hard to come closer to nature than standing at the edge of a dramatic view! But there are more leisurely ways to explore by foot. With miles of well-marked hiking trails, the feel of the fresh air makes the spectacular views even more profound whether seen from the summits of the Dartry Mountains or gazing up from the base of the geological wonder of Hag’s Leap. You may even unlock the unexpected upgrade of taking a friendly alpaca for a walk with you!
Exploring on two wheels is a true pleasure on Leitrim’s waymarked cycleways. Bringing your own bike for a serious ride or hiring a bike or e-bike for an afternoon on the tranquil Shannon Blueway, cycling allows you to explore further with the joyous freedom of stopping to soak up the view. With horseback trekking and riverboat cruising also on offer, there are many ways to explore Leitrim at a slower, more connected pace.
Between mountain and sea are Leitrim’s gushing waterfalls. Hidden among a magical woodland, Glencar Waterfall was an inspiration for Ireland’s greatest poet, W.B. Yeats. Like Yeats, standing beneath the overhanging branches of this intimate space, you’ll lose yourself in the fairy-tale feel of endless waters cascading over moss-covered rocks into a seemingly bottomless pool. And with Leitrim’s waters an angler’s paradise, it’s not hard to find local fishers keen to share their stories of lakes brimming with bream, salmon, roach and the one that got away!
Being so connected to nature, Leitrim is mindful of its environmental responsibilities with many slow adventures delivered by companies with eco-friendly credentials. This extends to the many artists and craftspeople who display their wares in Leitrim Design House—you may even find yourself weaving your own wicker basket. For here in Ireland’s Hidden Heartland, Slow Adventure is more than possible—it’s inevitable. All you can do is go with the flow and enjoy the journey, making memories that are more meaningful as you connect with nature, yourself and others.
