Travel Lovely Leitrim

Often overlooked, Co Leitrim, with its unique undulating landscape and waterways created during the last ice age, is the perfect place to slow down and immerse yourself in a slow adventure

Apopular new concept in European tourism, slow adventures replace adrenaline-pumping quick fixes with a more leisurely experience, so visitors can learn about the local environment, food and wildlife. One county that is leading the way is Leitrim, a place many of us don’t consider when choosing holidays at home, but it’s rich in fascinating rural landscapes and is untouched by large-scale tourism.

Leitrim Tourism has been working for the past ten years with local providers to develop Slow Adventures that will appeal to visitors who want to arrive in a place, breathe easy and relax into a leisurely paced activity.

Sinead McDermott of Leitrim Tourism says: “Leitrim gives people a chance to explore wild, open and naturally beautiful places. From sleeping under the stars in a stunning and unspoilt location, to foraging for wild mushrooms and garlic on a landscape walk, or relaxing with a yoga class or a guided canoe trip, there are lots of amazing Slow Adventure activities in County Leitrim.”

Many Slow Adventures in Co Leitrim can be undertaken in a few hours as part of a day out, but there are also overnight packages with accommodation close to nature like glamping, shepherd’s huts and log cabins. Slow food is an important part of the experience too, using ingredients from local producers, including the area’s famous breakfast food, boxty. Here’s a selection of Slow Adventure ideas in Co Leitrim: Paddle the waterways, foraging as you go Take to the water and go stand-up paddling with guide Lee from the Leitrim Surf Company, who will help you to forage as you paddle along the water. On arrival at Ireland’s only floating boardwalk at Acres Lake (the final leg of the 200km Shannon Blueway), a bicycle will be waiting for a cycle around the hills of Sliabh an Iarainn with lunch on route before returning to the Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo for a sample of Gunpowder Gin. Bushcraft at Lough Allen Enjoy an early morning cycle from Leitrim Village to the Lough Allen Adventure Centre. Go foraging and indulge in some shinrin-yoku (the Japanese for ‘forest bathing’, that has scientifically proven health benefits) in places you wouldn’t find by yourself. Then learn some bushcraft skills around the fire in the wild landscapes around the county’s largest lake, Lough Allen. Maybe you can try wild swimming and then following a slow food lunch, cycle back to Drumshanbo. Total relaxation adventure Stay two nights in one of Ard Nahoo’s awardwinning eco-cabins in Dromahair, with breakfast made using locally produced organic food. Dinner is provided by Edergole Kitchen using ingredients grown in their own organic garden. Experience complete relaxation in tranquil surroundings and take a guided walk to local sites. Graham at Adventure Gently leads a canoe trip on the River Bonet, where you can learn some bushcraft skills or try some yoga led by a top class yoga teacher, suitable for all fitness levels. Down by the river Cycle the scenic route from the Fenagh Heritage Centre to Ballyduff. From there, pick up your canoe from Way To Go Adventures and glide along the water towards Castlefore to hear about the local nature, heritage and history. Stop off along the lakeshore for a picnic lunch provided by Edergole Kitchen. Walk to Castlefore Lake and pick up your bicycles to cycle back to Fenagh Heritage Centre. Afterwards, there’s a ‘meet the maker’ session, with the chance to practice local crafts. Finish off the day with a fresh scone and some tea or coffee at the Fenagh Heritage Centre.

For more tips to total relaxation in Co Leitrim, see slowadventure.ie