In the Heart of Ireland

This small village along the Shannon-Erne Waterway offers a perfect example of rural Irish life. The Glenview Folk Museum takes you back to the 1930s with an impressive collection of everyday items. One highlight is the Travelling Shop,a mobile van that once roamed the county offering everything from bags of flour to spanners. Enjoy a meal at the adjacent restaurant, also run by the Kennedy family who founded the museum. Ballinamore is also a top destination for anglers, with 40 lakes within a 10-kilometer radius,plenty of fishing spots to choose from.

Located just 5 km north of Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim marks the junction of the Shannon-Erne canal and the River Shannon. Visit the 1540 O’Rourke castle ruins, then take a short taxi ride to the Arigna coal mine. Explore the tunnels,kept at 10 °C with no daylight,and experience the life of miners in this interactive, family-friendly attraction.

Arriving at Lough Key, make a stop on Castle Island, where the mysterious McDermott’s Castle stands surrounded by nature. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle was rebuilt in the 18th after a fire. On misty days, it appears to float above the lake. The lake is nestled in the heart of Lough Key Forest Park , a protected area packed with outdoor activities. You might spot otters, kingfishers, herons, deer, swans, or red squirrels. Explore by bike, kayak, or on foot. Try the treetop Rockingham Remembered Trail for panoramic views from 9 meters up. For groups of 3+, the Boda Borg offers two hours of Swedish-style team challenges (no kids under 7 allowed).

In Boyle, history spans millennia. Visit King House, an 18th-century mansion turned military barracks, now a museum and gallery. Just outside, explore the 12th-century Boyle Abbey with its sculpted cloisters. For a prehistoric twist, visit the Drumalone dolmen, a Neolithic tomb dating back 5000 years.