On the Shannon-Erne Waterway: Kilclare’s village landscape
Kilclare is located on the Shannon-Erne Waterway. There are three locks in the village: Lock 14, Lock 15 and Lock 16. The waterway also has a waiting quay and a private mooring. Together, these features point to the waterway infrastructure of the area. The R209 regional road also runs through Kilclare and provides another landmark.
Walking or cycling to Kilclare
A Blueway trail leads from Leitrim Village to Kilclare. The Shannon-Erne Blueway between the two places is approximately 5.2 km each way; the measurement may vary slightly depending on the endpoints. The route is traffic-free and can be used on foot or by bicycle. On the Leitrim Village side, the route starts at Lock 16 on the edge of the village. Electric Bike Trails offers regular bicycles and electric bikes for the connection. Check current rental availability and operating details in advance, and follow the signs and safety guidance along the way. When planning, it is also important to consider whether you are doing only the one-way route or including the return journey.
Waterway and local history
The Shannon-Erne Waterway, on which Kilclare is located, was officially reopened to traffic on 23 May 1994 after its restoration. The reopening took place at Corraquil Lock near Teemore in County Fermanagh. A fortification at Tawnycurry near Kilclare is considered to be very old. The history of the waterway and another local historical connection therefore sit side by side.
More routes in County Leitrim
County Leitrim also has walking and cycling routes in a range of formats. The first section of the Shannon Blueway comprises 16.5 km of waterways, as well as circular walking and cycling routes between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. Another option is the Acres Lake Boardwalk: the 600 m boardwalk is part of a 6.5 km linear walking and cycling route from Acres Lake in Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock near Leitrim Village. As route conditions can change, check them before your visit.
For a longer walk in County Leitrim, the 56 km Leitrim Way runs from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village. It usually takes two to three days. The route distances refer to different planning measures: the connection to Kilclare is given as a distance per direction, while the Acres route is described by its total linear length. The usual multi-day duration is also a useful guide for the Leitrim Way.
Culture in County Leitrim
County Leitrim offers other distinct themes for those interested in culture. Parke’s Castle on the northern shore of Lough Gill is a restored early 17th-century castle. The Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre has an exhibition about Seán MacDiarmada, a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation, with audiovisual facilities and explanatory panels. This offers a complementary way to explore County Leitrim’s history and heritage alongside Kilclare’s waterway and local history.
Discover more destinations: Tullaghan, Carrigallen, Carnhill, Rossinver, Glenfarne, Mohill, Drumkeeran, Drumod.
For the wider travel overview: County Leitrim.
