Places to stay in and around Carrick-on-Shannon

Castles with secret dungeon bars, family favourites in the heart of the action and chic rustic lodges a stone's throw from the water, Carrick-on-Shannon serves up an exciting array of places to stay from the comfortable to the quirky. For longer stays, a great range of self-catering options tick all the boxes for relaxed family holidays, while comfortable B&Bs will set you up for perfect weekend breaks.  

The Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon

With a cracking location in the centre of town and close to the river, the Landmark Hotel is justifiably popular with weekenders. It's small enough to feel friendly and welcoming but big enough to offer a nice range of options when it comes to bars and restaurants. Rooms are comfortable and well-sized, and there are family rooms available.

The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon

Located right in the heart of the action, the Bush Hotel has a pleasant, trad-style exterior with whitewash, red trim and an abundance of flowers. The pub is a local favourite, while inside at reception you're treated to a grand piano and plenty of character. Rooms are simple, clean and no-frills but make a comfortable option if you're looking for a central spot with great hospitality.

Cryans, Carrick-on-Shannon

Great-sized rooms mean Cryans is firmly on the radar of families looking for a comfortable weekend stay. Most of the 24 bedrooms boast views of the river and the bar, which is located across the courtyard away from the rooms, kicks off with live traditional music four nights a week.

Self-catering

Carrick can sometimes get busy at the weekend with hen and stag parties, but Carrick Self Catering offers specific family-break packages away from the action. It's a great option for a longer family holiday, but you can also find some excellent self-catering spots out of town along the river, including Albertine Lodge, a beautiful five-bed country house in Jamestown; Warren Lodge, a two-bed Georgian house in the pretty village of Dromod; and the bright, airy Riverside Haven in Termonbarry, within an award-winning development overlooking the water.

Lough Rynn

Set within sumptuous grounds, the Lough Rynn Hotel is an unabashed celebration of old-world style within the ancestral home of the Clements family and Lord Leitrim. Once you step inside, the wood-panelled reception area sets the tone with roaring fire, portrait paintings and huge draped curtains but it's the bedrooms that really have the wow factor with stunning four-poster beds in some rooms and huge free-standing baths. Explore the 300 acres of romantic woodland walks around the estate, lounge around with a good book in the John McGahern Library or creep down the medieval staircase to the secret Dungeon Bar for cocktails surrounded by suits of armour and Gothic artefacts.

Keenan's Hotel

Small and friendly, traditional yet with a contemporary edge, Keenan's is blessed with a wonderful location on the edge of the River Shannon in the village of Termonbarry. Walks along the river stretch out either side, while the bar and restaurant here are great for relaxing in after a busy day. The small number of rooms (there's only 12) gives the hotel a relaxed boutique feel and the personal service makes guests feel super-welcome.

B&B

Bed and breakfast options along the Shannon and in Carrick-on-Shannon are plentiful, so you'll have no trouble sourcing a comfortable spot. Aisleagh Guesthouse just outside Carrick-on-Shannon on the main Dublin Road is a great location for touring the surrounding area, while also being close to town. Quay Rest on the banks of the Shannon in Rooskey offers adult-only bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as self-catering options for families. The great location means you've access to cruises, local fishing, boat hire and berthing right on your doorstep. Lough Key House, meanwhile, is a top choice if you want to be near the amazing amenities of Lough Key Forest Park. This five-star B&B in a 200-year-old Georgian house around 4km from Boyle in Roscommon is packed with paintings, antiques and wonderful period details.

Battlebridge Caravan, Camping and Glamping

This lovely camping site unfolds along the River Shannon with accommodation set along its banks, so if you fancy waking up to the sound of water – this is the place for you! There are ecopods, stilted cabins, shepherd's huts and vintage caravans as well as a gourmet bar and restaurant with live music and friendly staff. And with a location just beside both the river and the Lough Allen Canal, it's a good spot for accessing the best walks, paddles and cycling trails along the Shannon Blueway.

Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo

Just a short walk to the small town of Drumshanbo (and the super-tasty Sweet Geranium Café!), the Lough Allen Hotel is a lovey lakeside spot that's ideal for families. It's all about location here – as well as being close to the water (and ideally situated for watching gorgeous summer sunsets), the hotel is right beside both the Moorlands Equestrian Centre and the Blueway Waterpark.