Best attractions and places to see around Glen East include a variety of natural and historical sites. This region features significant natural landmarks such as large lakes and cascading waterfalls, alongside historical ruins. Located along the border of County Leitrim and County Fermanagh, Glen East offers diverse landscapes for exploration. The area is characterized by its green countryside, rivers, and forests, providing a setting for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Glen East.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The shimmering waters of Lough Melvin attract anglers from around the world for its beauty and diverse fish. The lake is home to three unique species of trout, as well as salmon, and an endemic species of char, the Melvin charr. If you want to try your hand at fishing, you should purchase a license and consider renting a boat. The lake is 7.5 miles (12 km) long and 1.9 miles (3 km) wide and set amongst the beautiful green countryside along the border of County Leitrim and Country Fermanagh. If you are not into fishing, there's plenty of wonderful flora and fauna to enjoy too.
1
0
As the Glenanniff River travels down from the mountains above, it has eroded the local blue limestone to form a deep river valley. Fowley’s Falls is not a single drop waterfall; instead, it cascades in a series of drops over the exposed bedrock to form a spectacular torrent of water rushing through the steep valley towards Lough Melvin.
0
0
Built in the 17th century, Castle Caldwell was part of the Ulster Plantation, a province of Ireland colonised by British settles throughout King James I era. The castle had a number of inhabitants after that and fell into ruin towards the 1800s. Although access to the castle is now forbidden due to its dangerous state of repair, the surrounding park and forest can be explored freely. Keep your eyes peeled for the ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard.
1
0
Surrounded by green rolling countryside, Roogagh Waterfall is a pretty nature spot on the outskirts of Garrison village close to Lough Melvin. There's a short walk that leads along the river and through woodland to reach the falls. You can pick up supplies in Garrison to enjoy a packed lunch overlooking the cascading water at one of the numerous picnic benches.
0
0
The shimmering waters of Lough Melvin attract anglers from around the world for its beauty and diverse fish. The lake is home to three unique species of trout, as well as salmon, and an endemic species of char, the Melvin charr. If you want to try your hand at fishing, you should purchase a license and consider renting a boat. The lake is 7.5 miles (12 km) long and 1.9 miles (3 km) wide and set amongst the beautiful green countryside along the border of County Leitrim and Country Fermanagh. If you are not into fishing, there's plenty of wonderful flora and fauna to enjoy too.
0
0
Built in the 17th century by Francis Blennerhasett of Norfolk, Castle Caldwell was once part of Ulster Plantation, a province of Ireland colonised by British settlers during the reign of King James I. The castle had various inhabitants over the centuries until it fell into ruin towards the end of the 1800s. Today, Castle Caldwell lies within Castle Caldwell Forest Park, a nature reserve on the banks of Lower Lough Erne. Although access to the castle is forbidden due to its ruinous state, you can visit the surrounding park for free. Look out for the ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard too.
0
0
Breathtaking views of Lough Earne.
2
1
The Glen East area is rich in natural beauty, featuring significant natural landmarks such as large lakes and cascading waterfalls. You can visit Lough Melvin, a large lake known for its diverse fish species and green countryside, or experience the spectacular torrent of water at Fowley's Falls, which cascades over exposed bedrock in a steep river valley. Another beautiful spot is Roogagh Waterfall, surrounded by green rolling countryside.
Yes, the region offers historical sites such as Castle Caldwell Ruins. This 17th-century castle was part of the Ulster Plantation. While access to the ruins themselves is restricted due to their dangerous state, the surrounding park and forest can be freely explored, where you might discover a ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard.
There are various hiking options around Glen East, including easy trails suitable for many visitors. For example, you can find routes like the Castle Caldwell Forest loop or the Fowley's Falls Trail from Lough Melvin. For more details and a selection of routes, check out the Easy hikes around Glen East guide.
Yes, the area around Glen East offers several cycling routes. You can find moderate to difficult routes such as the Boa Island loop from Belleek or the Saddle Hill loop from Garrison. For a comprehensive list of cycling tours, refer to the Cycling around Glen East guide.
Absolutely. The region provides several running trails, including routes like the Fowley's Falls Trail from Lough Melvin and the Lough Nabrickboy loop from Kiltyclogher. These trails typically range from moderate difficulty. You can find more running options in the Running Trails around Glen East guide.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Lough Melvin is considered family-friendly, offering beautiful scenery. Additionally, Roogagh Waterfall is a pretty nature spot with a short walk through woodland to the falls, and picnic benches are available, making it ideal for a family outing.
Lough Melvin is particularly popular among anglers due to its diverse fish species, including three unique species of trout and an endemic species of char. Beyond fishing, its shimmering waters and location amidst beautiful green countryside along the border of County Leitrim and County Fermanagh make it a scenic spot for enjoying flora and fauna.
Fowley's Falls is a series of cascading drops rather than a single waterfall. The Glenanniff River has eroded the local blue limestone, forming a deep river valley through which the water rushes spectacularly over exposed bedrock towards Lough Melvin. It's a dynamic and impressive natural sight.
Direct access to the Castle Caldwell Ruins is forbidden due to their dangerous state of disrepair. However, the surrounding Castle Caldwell Forest Park can be freely explored, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical context and natural beauty of the area, including a ruined chapel and overgrown graveyard.
Roogagh Waterfall is located on the outskirts of Garrison village. You can pick up supplies in Garrison to enjoy a packed lunch at one of the numerous picnic benches overlooking the cascading water at the falls.
The terrain around Glen East for hiking varies, but many trails are considered easy to moderate. For instance, the Fowley's Falls Trail involves walking along a river through a steep valley, while the Castle Caldwell Forest loop offers a walk through woodland. The region is characterized by green countryside, rivers, and forests.
The region is known for its diverse wildlife, particularly in Lough Melvin, which is home to three unique species of trout and an endemic species of char known as the Melvin charr. The surrounding countryside and forests also offer opportunities to observe various flora and fauna.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: