Costello Memorial Chapel in Carrick-on-Shannon is the second smallest chapel in the world. Edward Costello had it built in the 19th century in memory of his wife. Its unusual scale and personal story give the building particular historical significance. Anyone interested in memorial sites will find a tangible connection to the area’s history here—without reducing the chapel to its size alone.
Culture across chapel, art and history
The Dock offers a different cultural focus: this arts centre is housed in a striking building on the riverbank in Carrick-on-Shannon. Alongside memorials and architectural history, art and a distinctive group of buildings also feature in the townscape. These different themes can help you shape your stay around your own interests, rather than treating all the sights as similar stops.
St George’s Heritage & Visitor Centre brings together the history of St George’s Church and the Workhouse. Visitors can view documents spanning 150 years relating to the Clements family, Lough Rynn, the Earl of Leitrim and his tenants. The Workhouse Attic Memorial is part of the centre. St George’s Church offers another connection to local history: it houses Ireland’s second-oldest Telford organ. Together, these sites offer different points of interest—from historical documents and the Workhouse to church history and a remarkable organ.
Water, market and getting your bearings
Moon River’s public cruises in Carrick-on-Shannon use a fully enclosed, heated passenger cruiser. If a trip on the water is part of your plans, you can take this into account when choosing an activity. Check the latest sailing times before planning. This will help you fit the trip in with your other plans without committing to a fixed itinerary.
Carrick-on-Shannon Farmer’s Market takes place on Thursdays. Market dates and times may change, so check the latest information before your visit. For information on sights, activities and events in the area and across the country, the Carrick-on-Shannon Community Tourist Office is a useful point of contact. This lets you get answers to specific questions about your interests rather than building your stay around a single activity.
Plan your journey and explore County Leitrim
Carrick-on-Shannon is served by Irish Rail and is easily accessible via the N4. If you’re travelling by train, check the latest services before setting off. For a road journey, check traffic conditions and your route in advance. This will help you plan your journey around your chosen connection without assuming a particular travel time.
Further afield in County Leitrim, the first section of the Shannon Blueway offers another perspective: it includes 16.5 kilometres of waterways and looped walking and cycling trails between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. The waterways and looped trails offer different experiences; the types of routes and the link between the two towns can help you choose the kind of outing that suits you. County Leitrim also has historical sites beyond Carrick-on-Shannon: Parke’s Castle is a restored early 17th-century castle on the northern shore of Lough Gill. Creevelea Abbey is a Franciscan abbey built in County Leitrim in 1508, on the Sligo Way, an 80-kilometre walking trail with upland paths.
Explore more destinations: Drumnafinnila, Drumod, Kiltyclogher, Dromahair, Tullaghan, Rossinver, Cloone, Leitrim.
For the broader travel overview: County Leitrim.
