County Leitrim
County Leitrim is a part of Ireland’s Connacht Province. Its name literally means “grey ridge” and that is because its terrain is mostly hilly and mountainous, though there are some significant areas of flat terrain in the south-eastern portion of the county.
The county has a history of mining since it contains rich deposits of iron ore. Mining the iron ore was the county’s primary industry, which began around the 15th century. Coal mining in the county began in the 19th century, but didn’t last very long. The last coal mine was shut down in July of 1990 and its site became a popular visitor’s centre for the many tourists who flock there to this day.
Leitrim is best known as an area of stunning natural beauty. It is a virtually an unspoiled region filled to the brim with the natural beauty of the great outdoors. There are mountains, with deep valleys carved between them; miles of rolling pastures, and plenty of lakes, rolling hills and rivers. The county even contains a short strip of the Atlantic coastline, which gives it access to the sea and all the activities associated with it.
Leitrim is one of those places deeply routed in the past, and the pace of life is slow here, making it an ideal spot to get away to when one wants a bit of peace and quiet during their holiday. It’s most popular beach area is not located on the ocean front, but rather consists of the sandy shoreline of Lough Allen, a very popular lakeside area that offers the perfect retreat during the hot and muggy summer months.
There are plenty of natural waterfalls in the area, including the more famous Glencar Waterfall that is known as serving as the inspiration for the works of poet W. B. Yates, who mentions it specifically in his poem “The Stolen Child.” The Leitrim area is also complete with its share of castles, including Parkes Castle, a rectangular shaped structure containing mullioned windows and large diamond-shaped chimneys. Located directly adjacent to Lough Gill, this castle goes back to the 17th century, and while it has been extensively renovated since that time, it still contains many of the features of its original building, including the large rounded turrets at two of its corners. The structure includes a smithy, as well as an authentic tea room. Custom USB sticks.
County Leitrim is best known for its natural surroundings, and it contains abundant public gardens, open farms, parks and canals, offering a wide range of touring and recreational pursuits. Scenic drives through the rolling farmlands, mountainous regions, lake areas, and wooded forest areas can be done either by car or bicycle. Walking tours are also a popular activity.
There is plenty of accommodation available in the area, and many of them cater especially to children. County Leitrim appeals especially to families since there is a lot to see and do that appeal to all ages.
River cruising is an especially popular activity with families who head out to the quaint town of Carrick-on-Shannon to hire one of the many cruise boats that ply the River Shannon on a daily basis. Other attractions in that general area include horseback riding, nature walks, fishing and golfing.
County Leitrim also contains many sites of archaeological interest where the visitor can explore everything from old forts to stately manor houses that have been restored to their original prominence.
There are plenty of places to get a bite to eat, from full-scale restaurants to quaint little eateries serving traditional Irish pub food. There are also festivals and fairs, including the annual Mohill Arts and Summertime Festival where visitors can enjoy such things as a singing pub competition, various sport competitions, a 5k road race and a variety of events geared specifically to children.
Visitors looking for a nice laid back holiday can’t go wrong with County Leitrim. As a county having one of the lowest population densities in all of Ireland, it offers a relaxed sort of holiday where the natural beauty provides the attraction. Here families can get away from it all and share quiet time on the shores of Lough Allen, or engage in some of the river-side attractions such as taking a relaxing day cruise that the whole family will enjoy. For the sightseer in all of us, there are plenty of gardens that invite a leisurely walk, not to mention many great photo opportunities, and there are even castles and caves that offer additional possibilities as enjoyable ways to wile away a peaceful, relaxing day.