The best walks and hikes around Leitrim

Yes, Leitrim has several excellent looped walks. For a shorter, accessible option, the Moor Lough loop from Stoneyfalls Park is a gentle walk perfect for a quick outing. For something more challenging with rewarding views, consider the Tullylacken Loop on the foothills of Sliabh an Iarainn or the Glencar Hill Walk which starts near the famous waterfall.

Leitrim offers several great options for families. The trail to Glencar Waterfall is short, accessible, and leads to a beautiful 15-meter cascade that kids will love. Nearby, there's a play area and tea house. Another fantastic spot is the Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk in Drumshanbo, which provides a unique and safe walking experience over the water.

Many trails in Leitrim are suitable for walking with a dog, but it's important to check local signage as rules can vary, especially on farmland where livestock may be present. Forest parks and public paths are generally good options, provided your dog is kept on a lead. The paths around Acres Lake are a popular choice for dog walkers.

The most famous waterfall in the region is Glencar Waterfall, immortalized in a W.B. Yeats poem. It's reached by a very short and easy path. For a quieter experience, you could seek out Scardan Waterfall. If you're looking for a longer hike that incorporates a waterfall, the Waterfall – Woven Mushroom Sculptures loop from Claudy offers a moderate forest walk.

Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Sliabh an Iarainn (Iron Mountain) area offers a wilder, more rugged landscape. The Mullaghgarve Mass Rock Walk is a well-regarded trail in this area. Another iconic but moderate climb is the hike to Eagle's Rock in the Glenade valley, which rewards you with fantastic views.

Hikers in Leitrim enjoy a variety of landscapes. Glencar Waterfall is a must-visit for its scenic beauty and easy access. For a unique lakeside experience, the Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk is a local favorite. If you're looking for a woodland walk, Troll Wood near Dromahair offers a lovely trail alongside a brook. For more of a mountain challenge, the trails around Sliabh an Iarainn, like the Mullaghgarve Mass Rock Walk, are highly rated.

The Shannon Blueway is a network of trails that follow the Lough Allen Canal and the Shannon River. It's designed for both on-water and off-water activities, including walking. A popular section for walkers is the route from Drumshanbo to Leitrim Village, which features the unique Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk.

The hike to Eagle's Rock, Ireland's highest freestanding tower of rock, is generally considered a moderate undertaking. The trail involves a steady climb through the Glenade valley and can be boggy in places, so waterproof hiking boots are essential. The rewarding views from the top make the effort worthwhile.

The Leitrim Way is a long-distance walking trail, approximately 56km long. It guides you through the heart of the county's landscape, from rolling hills and quiet country roads to historic sites. It's a great way to experience the diversity of Leitrim's scenery over a multi-day trip, but you can also walk shorter sections as day hikes.

The trails around Leitrim are highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the region's unspoiled natural beauty, from the serene lakeside paths to the quiet woodland tracks. The variety of trails, catering to different fitness levels, is also a frequently mentioned highlight.

Absolutely. The Ness Country Park loop from Claudy is an easy 3.6 km walk through beautiful woodland, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. The paths around Lough Gill and the short walk to Glencar Waterfall also offer stunning scenery with minimal effort.

Public transport options to more remote trailheads in Leitrim can be limited. Larger towns like Carrick-on-Shannon or Drumshanbo have bus services, but you may need a taxi for the final leg to a specific trail. It's best to plan your transport in advance, as many popular hiking spots are best reached by car.