Drumod, County Leitrim, Ireland
Dromod is located in County Leitrim along the shore of intertwining Lough Boderg (Lake of the Red Cow) and Lough Bofin (Lake of the White Cow). Dromod is well situated for access to Carrick on Shannon, Lough Rynn Castle and the beaches and stunning scenery in Sligo.
The harbour in Dromod, which is busy during the summer months, boasts some stunning views. The village is well kept and boasts 3 well known restaurants / pubs to choose from.
The harbour has been in use for over 150 years and was once a busy port, with barges full of Guinness, turf and medical supplies commonly docking. Dromod was also an important stopover town from 1887 to 1959. This was due to the Cavan-Leitrim railway line which serviced this area and was vital for trade, especially coal from the Arigna mines. A railway museum is located in Dromod and visitors can take a short journey on a steam train to experience this old way of travelling. The museum also contains weapons from both world wars as well as old airplanes, a submarine, buses and vintage motor vehicles.
Dromod is very well situated to travel to Carrick on Shannon (13 min by car) and is surrounded by gorgeous villages such as Roosky which is on the Shannon, Mohill which is a farming town and Tarmonbarry which boasts wonderful Shannon views and tours and the famous Keenans and Purple Onion restaurants
The train station at Dromod travels between Sligo and Dublin several times a day. It is a gorgeous old style station creating a feeling of nostalgia for bygone days
Derrycarne woods are 8 minutes away from the house. This is a beautiful off the beaten track local haven. The only sound here is birdsong and plenty of it. The woods ares surrounded by Lough Boderg, the shore is a wonderful place to sit and reflect with the most gorgeous views across the lake and the countryside. A perfect place to find inspiration for artist and writers and indeed for those of us who need to just sit and recharge the batteries
Ck on Shannon is a lovely town on the Shannon. Lots of water activity. Moon River provides a cruise out on the Shannon. Definitely worth a trip. The town has wonderful restaurants and pubs and is a great spot for live music and friendly locals
Drumshanbo is a pretty town situated at the foot of Sliabh an Iarainn mountain and is the heart of traditional music in the area. Its position at the southern end of Lough Allen makes it a prized angling resort. The surrounding area is mountainous and hilly and there are excellent marked trails for walking enthusiasts, some of which are suitable for cyclists.
Drumshanbo marks the start of the Shannon Blueway and Acres Lake is home to Ireland’s first floating boardwalk. The 600m boardwalk extends over the lake and is part of a 6.5 km linear walking and cycling trail from Acres Lake in Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock, near Leitrim Village.
Every July Drumshanbo plays host to the award winning Joe Mooney Summer School, a week-long festival of traditional Irish music, song and dance named after the man who did so much to promote Leitrim and his beloved town.
Drumshanbo is also the only remaining town in Ireland to still celebrate An Tóstal, a festival inaugurated all over Ireland in 1953, as a celebration for Irish life. The week long family fun festival is full of a variety of activities and entertainment. There is a mix of on-street entertainment, indoor and outdoor activities, water activities and the ever popular Stylish Silage competition which attracts hundreds of people to Drumshanbo during the festival week to view the locals creative displays.
An interesting point of interest in Drumshanbo is its unique High Street fronted by a stone wall and steps that lead down to Ireland’s shortest Main Street. St John’s Church of Ireland – A gothic structure that dates back to 1829.
The old pre-emancipation Church of Murhaun which stood in 1744, before St Patrick’s Church was built in 1851 closer to the village, was attached to a graveyard, known as the Famine Graveyard. Some 500 victims of the Great Famine (An Gorta Mor – 1845/47) are thought to have been buried here.
At Blackrock there are boat facilities that allow access to Lough Allen from the Canal. Crannogs, an ancient fortified dwelling constructed in a lake or marsh, can be seen in Lough Allen when water levels are low. Crannogs consist of stones arranged in oval and circular shapes in a raised formation off the shoreline.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN THE DRUMSHANBO AREA:
Sliabh an Iarainn
Sliabh an Iarainn Visitor Centre
Acres Lake Boardwalk
Shannon Blueway
Drumshanbo Outdoor Pool
The Shed Distillery
Moorlands Equestrian Centre
Angling: Game Fishing, Coarse Fishing
Lough Rynn Castle / Hotel is worth a visit. Amazing 5 star hotel, great for afternoon tea and dinner. Wonderful grounds and steeped in history
Jamestown is worth a visit, very historic and scenic. Also boasts the very popular Cottage Restaurant but book in advance as a very busy spot
Roosky is very popular with boaters and tourists from all over the world. Great pubs and worth a visit
SURROUNDING AREA/ beside Dromod
Tarmonbarry Again on the Shannon and has excellent gastro pubs
Sliabh Ban is a wonderful mountain nearby with several walks and a windmill farm which is very impressive. The views are amazing and the fresh mountain air is worth the car drive
