Scratch the surface of the Shannon-Erne Waterway and you’ll find a wealth of great places to stay.
A pretty village with a lively pub, a gracious and historic estate filled with ancient woods and an abundance of wildlife, a lakeside retreat with a side order of Americana, the Shannon-Erne Waterway offers a real variety when it comes to places to stay. Retreat to a five-star hotel with a huge pool, stay in a friendly B&B on a real farm or opt for a self-catering spot where you can boat by day and relax by night.
Battlebridge
Glamping
Camping goes upscale at Battlebridge with great glamping units that overlook
the sylvan green fields of County Leitrim. Each glamping unit sleeps four,
while there are stilted cabins that cater for two adults and four children.
There is also traditional camping and caravanning here, too. What makes this
place stand out is its location – right beside the Lough Allen canal, it’s only
a short drive to the treasures of the Shannon-Erne.
facebook.com/battlebridge-glamping-camping-caravan-park
Crom Holiday
Cottages, Crom Estate
Waking up on Crom
Estate feels totally magical – and here, just a stone’s throw from both the Old
Castle ruins and the water, are cottages that wrap you up in total cosiness.
Excellent walks amongst the estate’s beautiful woods roll out from here, and
you’re surrounded with sheer natural beauty at all times from lake islands to a
wealth of wildlife. Managed by the National Trust, the cottages are simple,
rustic and traditional and in the past were used to house the farm workers on
the estate. Fancy getting more in touch with the great outdoors? Well, there’s
a campsite and glamping pods here, too – perfect for families.
nationaltrust.org.uk/crom
Dromcoura Lake
Resort
The Lake Resort and
Equestrian Centre of Dromcoura is well known locally for its fun Country Music
and Americana Festival that’s held here every June Bank Holiday weekend. But
it’s also a great place to stay. Many of the beautiful timber-framed chalets
are privately owned but are rented out when they’re not in use, and there are
also 10 pods that sleep two people for rent. On site, you can expect beautiful
lake views, a western style saloon, a western riding centre, tennis court and a
jetty for angling.
drumcoura.ie
Leitrim Quay
If you can’t decide
between a holiday on land or on a cruiser, then Leitrim Quay might have the
answer. Each of the nine self-catering cottages here comes with its own cruiser
– perfect for idyllic days out on the lakes and rivers of the Shannon-Erne. Located
in scenic Leitrim Village, the cottages are also perfect for accessing the
walks and cycle trails of the Shannon-Erne Blueway and the Electric Bike Trails
company, which rents out electric bikes, is right on your doorstep, too.
leitrimquay.com
Slieve Russell
The stand-out hotel in the area has got to be the Slieve Russell, a
vast and pristine property with an acclaimed golf course attached. Here
you’ll find a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts and beautiful grounds, as
well as spacious rooms, two restaurants and a bar. Location-wise, it’s
well placed just outside Ballyconnell, and makes a great base for
visiting Belturbet, Crom and the Marble Arch Caves Geopark.
slieverussell.ie
Leitrim Marina
Hotel
A pleasant and
convenient option right in Leitrim Village is the Leitrim Marina Hotel. There’s
overnight and weekend mooring available here, making it a popular choice with
visiting boaters as it’s just a 45-minute cruise from Carrick-on-Shannon. There
are family and triple rooms available, as well as two “Marina View” rooms
overlooking the water.
Leitrimmarinahotel.com
Kingfisher
Holiday Homes
If you’re looking
for a place to stay in the Belturbet area, the Kingfisher Holiday Home are a
great place to start. From little cottages on the shores of Lough Erne to a
luxurious riverside apartment, Kingfisher makes sure you’re as close to the
water as it’s possible to get. For something a little different, why not try
the Station Master House, which harks back to the town’s golden railway age and
boasts two bedrooms named after the area’s famous steam engines, Lady Edith and
Kathleen. kingfisherholidayhomes.com
Seven Horseshoes Hotel
A small hotel with a very friendly atmosphere, the Seven Horseshoes has got all
the right ingredients for a great weekend stay: a buzzing old traditional bar,
a bustling restaurant and spacious rooms boasting views of the River Erne. It’s
a popular choice with golfers owing to the nearby golf courses at Belturbet,
Slieve Russell and Farnham Estate, while anglers are well served with some of
the best coarse fishing in Ireland right on the doorstep.
thesevenhorseshoes.com
International
Fishing Centre
This fishing centre on the shores of Lough Erne is justifiably popular with
anglers on a mission to enjoy the some of the best coarse fishing on the island
of Ireland. The Erne, Woodford and Finn Rivers and lakes in the area are well
known for being abundant sources for pike, bream and roach, making the area a
go-to for anglers in-the-know. As well as great facilities available on the
premises, including drying facilities and boat hire, the fishing centre is also
a good place to stay with cottages and Norwegian-style log cabins available.
brochet-irlande.com
B&Bs
If you like the
sound of a B&B set within beautiful countryside with great breakfasts and
friendly locals, you’ve come to the right place. Check out the spacious
Dungimmon House (dungimmonhouse.ie) just outside Ballyconnell, the delightful
Glenview House (glenview-house.com)
near Ballinamore and Riversdale
Farm B&B (riversdaleholidays.com) also near Ballinamore. Riversdale is a
particularly popular spot that, unusually for a B&B, boasts both a gym and
a pool.
leitrimtourism.com