Whenever the weather brightens up, it’s the perfect excuse to get outdoors with the children. Luckily, Leitrim has no shortage of things to do or places to see. Here are some of the best outdoor places in Leitrim for families to explore, from woodland trails to a lakeside floating boardwalk, all great for a day out with the kids.
Outdoor Places in Leitrim for Families
Derrycarne Wood
About 3.5km north of Dromod is Derrycarne Wood, where you’ll find lovely nature trails and picnic areas — a great spot for a slow-paced woodland ramble with young children.
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Tullaghan Beach
You may not have realised that Leitrim actually has a coastline — about 3 miles of it, tucked between Sligo and Donegal. Head to Tullaghan Beach for some sand play and sea air.
Carrick on Shannon
By the river in Carrick on Shannon is the Slí Walking Route. It runs for 5.5km, starting near the bridge opposite the remains of Carrickdrumruske Castle, and offers a lovely riverside walk in parts, easy to shorten for shorter legs.
Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk
The Acres Lake Floating Boardwalk at Drumshanbo is Ireland’s first floating walkway, running 160m out over the Shannon. If you bring swimming gear, Drumshanbo Outdoor Swimming Pool nearby is a heated pool with a shallow end, open during summer months. Acres Lake also has an interactive visitor centre and a kids’ playground, so there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained beyond the walk itself.
Fowleys Falls
Fowleys Falls in Rossinver has a trail that’s perfect for preschoolers. It runs close to the river and the falls, with picnic tables at one end for a well-earned break. It’s a real hidden gem and an easy, gentle walk for younger children.
The Organic Centre and Eco Park
At The Organic Centre, on the south-western shores of Lough Melvin, you can explore the gardens, follow the butterfly trail, or take on a bug hunt adventure. There’s a small playground and picnic area, plus an eco-park with 17 acres of woodland walks. There’s a small entrance fee for the gardens, with children going free — check the centre’s website for current rates before you visit.
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Glencar Waterfall
Glencar Waterfall sits near Glencar Lake, 11 kilometres west of Manorhamilton in County Leitrim. It’s particularly impressive after rain and can be viewed from a lovely wooded walk, with facilities on site including a children’s playground, picnic areas, café facilities, tourism information and ample parking.
Glencar Waterfall inspired W.B. Yeats, and features in his poem ‘The Stolen Child’:
‘Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car,
In pools among the rushes
That scarce could bathe a star’
Glenfarne Demesne
Image courtesy of Magnumlady.com
Glenfarne Wood is located 1.5km north of Glenfarne on the Manorhamilton/Enniskillen road, within Glenfarne Demesne, once part of the Tottenham Estate. There’s car parking, a picnic area, and a boat quay at the lake.
There are two trails to choose from: the Glenfarne Demesne Cycle/Walk Trail (cycle-friendly, about 4km) and the Lough Macnean Trail (2.5km). Keep an eye out for the sculptures along the way — at Myles Big Stone, you’ll get a great view over Lough MacNean and the surrounding countryside.
Do you have a favourite outdoor spot in Leitrim to explore with the kids? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these outdoor places in Leitrim suitable for young children?
Yes, most of the spots on this list — including Fowleys Falls, Derrycarne Wood and Tullaghan Beach — have gentle, short trails or open spaces that work well for preschoolers and younger children. A few, like the Glenfarne trails, are longer and better suited to older kids or families happy to turn back partway.
Are buggies or wheelchairs suitable on these trails?
Surfaces vary from paved paths to woodland trails and boardwalks, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re bringing a buggy or need step-free access. Glencar Waterfall and Acres Lake tend to have the most accessible paths.
Is there anywhere to eat or get a coffee nearby?
Glencar Waterfall has café facilities on site. For the other spots, it’s a good idea to pack a picnic, especially since several locations, like Derrycarne Wood and Fowleys Falls, have picnic tables and areas set aside for exactly that.
Do I need to pay to visit these places?
Most of the outdoor spots on this list, such as the trails, beach and woodland walks, are free to visit. The Organic Centre gardens charge a small entrance fee, with children going free — check their website for current pricing.
Related Articles
- Best Picnic Spots in Leitrim
- Nature Walks in Leitrim
- Family-Friendly Days Out in Sligo
Before You Head Out
Not sure which spot to pick first? Bookmark this page and save it for your next free afternoon — it’s an easy way to plan your next family adventure in Leitrim without the scramble.
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