Carrigallen: Theatre, Lakes and Waterways

Carrigallen brings together culture in the town centre with walks by lakes, along quiet country roads and on nature trails. The waters around the town form part of the upper reaches of the River Erne system. Linked by the Ballyconnell Canal, the network of lakes and rivers offers opportunities for fishing, cruising and various water sports. This gives you different options for your trip: culture, exploring on foot or activities on the water.

Culture and scenery in Carrigallen

The Corn Mill Theatre is in the centre of Carrigallen. Its extensive and varied programme includes drama, variety shows, and music and poetry events. So, alongside walks and water activities, cultural events can also be among the interests that guide your trip planning.

Two lakes provide clear points of reference around the town centre: the fish-rich Town Lake is about 50 yards away, while Gangin Lake is about 500 yards to the south. The distances given clearly distinguish the two locations, which are in different directions. Walking options in Carrigallen range from scenic lakeside routes to quiet country roads and nature trails. When planning your days, you can decide whether to focus on water, countryside roads or nature trails.

The network of waterways also offers options beyond walking: fishing, cruising and various water sports complement the routes on foot. So, if you are looking for a holiday rental, the mix you want of theatre, walks and time on the water is a useful starting point for your choice.

County Leitrim: more themes and routes

Looking at County Leitrim as a whole brings in further cultural and historical themes. Parke’s Castle on the north shore of Lough Gill is a restored early 17th-century castle. The Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre houses an exhibition about Seán MacDiarmada, a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation, with audiovisual facilities and explanatory panels. In Drumshanbo, the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre explores the Arigna and Sliabh an Iarainn mountain region. Its audiovisual exhibitions cover topics including railways, canals, lakes, iron and coal mining, and musical heritage; the centre operates seasonally.

Routes in the county also vary in length and type. The first section of the Shannon Blueway includes 16.5 km of waterways, along with circular walking and cycling trails between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. The 600 m-long Acres Lake Boardwalk is part of a 6.5 km linear walking and cycling route from Acres Lake in Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock near Leitrim Village. The Leitrim Way is a 56 km long-distance walking route from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village, usually completed over two to three days. These details offer a comparison between a route with waterways and circular trails, one with its own boardwalk section, and a multi-day walk.

For views of the landscape, Hag’s Leap is a distinct point of reference: this 330 m-high, isolated natural rock pinnacle lies in the Dartry Mountains in the north of County Leitrim and is the highest isolated natural rock pinnacle on the island of Ireland. Hag’s Leap is a viewpoint only; there is no access for walking or hiking in this area.

Discover more destinations: Drumsna, Drumshanbo, Drumod, Dromahair, Manorhamilton, Keshcarrigan, Carnhill, Cloone.

For the broader travel overview: County Leitrim.