For all our visiting families… If you are coming to Leitrim and Carrick-on-Shannon for the first time, or if its a while since you have been here, you may be wondering what there is to do when you arrive. Fear not! There is plenty to do with your little ones whether they are teenagers or younger. You have a choice of places to go and things to do that will keep everyone entertained, busy and happy many days. Here are just a few ideas as you plan your itinerary.
A great place to start is only up the road from The Landmark Hotel - Lough Key Forest Park. It is a fabulous destination in itself, loved by visitors and locals alike, full of exciting things to do whatever the weather.
1. Zipit!
Feeling adventurous? Up for a day climbing, flying, swinging through the tree tops? Bring the kids along, because they will love it!!! The whole family can discover their wild side, flying on zip lines, swinging logs, cargo nets and rope bridges. What’s not to love?? For ages 7 and upwards, this is a fabulous day spent in nature, from a view point that you will rarely experience – where safety is of the utmost importance and fun and adventure is what it’s all about ! Check out www.zipit.ie for more information.
2. Outdoor Swimming (outdoor heated public pool!!)
If your little ones are a bit too small for high adventure, or you need to get everyone to relax after your hectic adventurous day why not take an afternoon by the pool? Drumshanbo outdoor swimming pool is one of very few public outdoor swimming pools in the country. With opening hours from 4-8pm in June and 2-8pm in July and August, this is a safe swimming place for everyone. With individual changing cubicles, toilets and showers, what a way to cool down after a busy action packed day. For queries you can contact Aura Leisure at auraleisure.ie.
The Pool is located at Acres Lake in Drumshanbo, and there is so much here that you really could make a day of it. Here you can stroll across the lake on the floating boardwalk, or splash in the shallows of the lake’s wateredge. There’s a wonderful playground that is guaranteed to keep everyone busy for some time and the Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre is on site also for those interested in hearing the story of Leitrim’s Iron Mountain. The Centre is open seasonally and ringing in advance is advised +353 (0)71 96 41 851
3. Traffic-Free Cycling along the Shannon Blueway and Lough Key Forest Park.
Get up on your Bike - This is a great way to explore the region on your bike! Bring your bikes if you can, if not – there's no need to worry as bike hire available nearby!
The Shannon Blueway (Ireland’s first Blueway!!) is 20kms of traffic-free cycling, between Leitrim Village and across the floating boardwalk over Acres Lake into Drumshanbo. This is an easy cycle that is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness and it is a beautiful scenic cycle.
Lough Key Forest Park is also an option for traffic-free cycling. Here you can cycle the up to 10km of trails that bring you through this stunning and expansive park. Bicycles can be hired from ‘Electric Bike Trails’ in Leitrim Village and in Lough Key – and you can decide if you want an electric bike or if you’re happy to use your own pedal power to get around. For more details on these and other routes, you can contact the lovely folk at info@electricbiketrails.ie
4. Hill Walking (and watch out for the Fairies!!)
An easy outdoor activity for all the family that can be incorporated into your cycle, or followed by a trip to the swimming pool, are the well known local hikes up the South Leitrim hills of Sheemore and Sheebeg. Steeped in mythology Sheemore, or ‘Hill of the Fairies’ is speckled with faity trees and tombs , with three cairns at the summit. Once upon a time, it was the seat of Finn MacCool, the king of all giants and more recently – well, 100 years ago ! – the site of the Sheemore Ambush. At night it is lit up by a huge crucifix, overlooking the landscape. Sheebeg, is smaller but both hills are easily accessible for all the family.
5. Make a Splash!
Carrick-on-Shannon and south Leitrim is awash (!!!) with water based activities and many of them are suitable for young children. There’s stand up paddling, kayaking, wind-surfing and row-boat hire to name a few. With the Shannon River, the Shannon-Erne waterway and all the lakes in between, the waterway is bound to feature on your itinerary at some stage. Whether it’s walking or cycling the Blueway or a spot of angling, some wild swimming or travelling the waterways from within on your craft of choice.
There are a number of companies in the area providing water-based activities, we highly advise that you book your tour/ session in advance of arriving to town!
· Leitrim Surf Company; Stand up paddle boarding.
Call +353 86 349 4013
www.leitrimsurf.ie
· The Paddle Shack: Stand up paddle boarding and kayaking
Call +353 85 264 1080
www.thepaddleshack.ie
· Allen Centre: Sailing, kayaking, Canadian canoeing and windsurfing.
Call +353 71 964 0588
www.allen.ie
· Lough Key Boat Tours: Row Boat Hire.
Call +353 86 084 6849
Looking for a place to stay?
And if you are still in the early days of planning your family Staycation, the Landmark Hotel offers 4* bed and breakfast accommodation over-looking The River Shannon in the heart of Carrick-on-Shannon.
You can check out of family specials here and for all our Summer Specials, we invite you to click here!