County Leitrim
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County Leitrim (Irish: Contae Liatroma), in the Northwest Ireland and Lakelands, is the least densely populated county in Ireland, and until recently its population was still declining. It is place of poor land, large lakes and hills. It is not without charm but it has known a lot of poverty and isolation. Famous nationally for getting its first set of traffic lights installed in 2003, only for them to be subsequently removed, Leitrim once again has a set of traffic lights since 2016.
Its appeal lies primarily in it being an inland county (with the exception of a small section of uninspiring coastline), and it can rightly claim to be the most unspoiled county in Ireland.
Towns
- (Cora Droma Rúisc, "weir of the marshy ridge") – the county town and the largest town, although it has a population of under 5000.
- (Droim Seanbhó, "ridge of the old huts") – a small town at the end of Lough Allen and at the head of the Shannon navigation.
- (Cluainín) – the only settlement of any size in north Leitrim and is set at the junction of 5 glens on the Sligo-Enniskillen road.
- (Maothail) – a small town situated between Ballinamore and Longford.
- (Béal an Átha Móir, "mouth of the big ford") – one of the largest and busiest towns, with almost a dozen pubs.
- (Droim Dhá Thiar, "Ridge of Two Demons") – a pretty village on the edge of Lough Gill.
Other destinations
The northern half of the county is more mountainous and offers good walking among limestone hills. Manorhamilton is a good base as is Sligo town.
Further south the Shannon is the dominant feature. Most of the river is navigable and is linked by canal to the river Erne navigation in Northern Ireland, so there is enough waterway for extensive touring.
Further south the Shannon is the dominant feature. Most of the river is navigable and is linked by canal to the river Erne navigation in Northern Ireland, so there is enough waterway for extensive touring.
Understand
The county is almost divided by Lough Allen. North of the lake the land is mostly mountain and bog. South of the lake lies the River Shannon, and human activity is more dominant. Straight out of a fairy tale.
Get in
By rail
Both Dromod and Carrick-on-Shannon are on the Dublin Connolly - Sligo intercity line. Advance tickets can be bought online (recommended).By car
- The N4 (Dublin-Sligo) passes through Roosky, Dromod, Aghamore, Drumsna, Jamestown and Carrick-on-Shannon.
- Galway can be reached via R368, N61, N63.
By bus
- Bus Éireann runs regular bus services to other major towns.
- Local Link services to towns within Leitrim and bordering counties.
See
Do
- Boating on the River Shannon
- Boating on the Shannon-Erne Canal
Drink
- Cryan's Bar, Carrick-on-Shannon
- Conway's, Drumshanbo
- Smyth's, Ballinamore
Sleep
- Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon
- Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon
- Lough Rynn Castle.