Places to Stay around the Shannon-Erne Waterway

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 place 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.

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.

Drumcoura Lake Resort

The Lake Resort and Equestrian Centre of Drumcoura is well known locally for its fun Country Music and American 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.

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.

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. 

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.

Kingfisher Holiday Homes

If you're looking for a place to stay in the Belturbet area, the Kingfisher Holiday Homes 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.

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 just outside Ballyconnell, the delightful Glenview House near Ballinamore and Riversdale Farm B&B also near Ballinamore. Riversdale is a particularly popular spot that, unusually for a B&B, boasts both a gym and a pool.