There's so much to do and explore outdoors in and around Carrick-on-Shannon, but let's face it, the Irish weather doesn't always cooperate and allow you to spend your day outdoors. With that in mind we've compiled this list of activities for you and your family to ensure that even the rain won't dampen your spirits!
1) Carrick Cineplex
Carrick Cineplex is an award winning boutique cinema with a wine and coffee bar, ideal for rainy day family outings. Enjoy the very best in cinema entertainment on one of their 4 screens while reclining in luxury seats with your treat of choice. There's a wide variety of confectionery and alternative treats on offer in addition to their stylish Café Paradiso, a speciality coffee/wine bar with comfortable, intimate table seating.
2) The Dock
Housed in a wonderfully restored 19th Century former courthouse building which overlooks the majestic River Shannon, The Dock is Carrick-on-Shannon's Arts Centre. Their beautiful galleries are open to the public from 11am to 5pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, admission free, and with exhibitions rotating throughout the year there's always something fresh and interesting to see here. The Leitrim Design House, located in the same building has been recognised as one of the top craft and design outlets in the country.
3) Carrick Karting / Jump Street / Indoor Shooting
Push your adrenaline through the roof on 270cc Go-Karts around this 40 second indoor track! The facility also houses an indoor Airsoft shooting range as well as Jump Street, the northwest's only trampoline park featuring 5,000 square feet of trampolines, foam pits and fun and games suitable for younger children,.
4) The Shed Distillery
Take an incredible journey into the inner sanctum of Connacht's first distillery in 101 years: The Shed Distillery is home to award-winning Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and other remarkable creations from the Curious Mind of PJ Rigney. The Shed's 1.5hr tour brings visitors on a unique, fully immersive journey inviting them to discover the delights of exotic botanicals as they experiment in PJ’s Curious Laboratory and enjoy expert whiskey tastings. The bright and spacious Shed Café in the distillery serves a wide range of delicious fresh food and hot and cold beverages while their gift shop offers a special range of distillery-exclusive bottle editions and a wide selection of local artisan produce, bespoke clothing, crafts and special gifts.
5) Boda Borg at Lough Key Forest Park
A Swedish concept, the innovative Boda Borg is a weather independent challenge for both adults and kids. Once you enter only teamwork, ingenuity, trial and error and skills you probably didn’t realise you had will allow you to progress through the fifteen fun-filled activities and imaginative challenges which face you. But there are no instructions - every adventure starts in your own mind!
6) Glenview Folk Museum
A short drive away just outside Ballinamore, the Glenview Folk Museum, run by the Kennedy Family is all about preserving Ireland's heritage and identity for the future.
The museum consists of many different attractions from old household & farm items to vehicles and a street scene which has been fully reconstructed to really give you a feel for 1930s Ireland. Since opening in early 2000's, the museum has become a noted attraction in the northwest, with both national and international radio and tv coverage.
Refreshments are available beside the museum in the Kennedy family's fully licensed bar and restaurant.
7) Strokestown House
A short drive from Carrick on Shannon, immerse yourself in the history at the National Famine Museum where you’ll learn about the devastating impact that the most tragic event in Irish history had on the people of Roscommon and Ireland. Or take a guided tour of Strokestown Park House, a stunning Georgian Palladian Mansion, with all of its original furnishings and fabrics intact. And, whatever the weather, the historic walled gardens, parklands and woodlands surrounding the house are waiting to be explored!
8) Aromas Cafe
Sometimes there's nothing better on a rainy day than to find a comfortable seat, a great cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and get lost in a good book ... or simply watch the world go by! Our very own Aromas Café is just the spot for this. Overlooking the River Shannon, the atmosphere is relaxed and cosy, with plenty of natural light making this a great spot to enjoy a light lunch or a chilled glass of wine in the evening!