Kiltyclogher brings together local history connected to Seán MacDiarmada and the Dean’s Lake Trail. The village’s Heritage Centre and several historic buildings are highlights; nearby trails and viewpoints offer more to explore. When planning, it is worth distinguishing these attractions in Kiltyclogher from the longer routes in the wider destination of County Leitrim.
Cultural history connected to Seán MacDiarmada
The Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre is housed in the former courthouse in the village centre. It opened in November 2014 and houses an exhibition about Seán MacDiarmada, a signatory of the 1916 Proclamation. The centre also offers guided tours to Seán MacDiarmada’s family home. Check tour arrangements before you travel.
At the central crossroads stands the Seán-MacDermott monument: a freestanding statue made of Irish limestone, created by Albert Power in 1940. It is listed as a protected structure. Kiltyclogher’s Church of Ireland is also listed as a protected structure. Built around 1860, it features, among other things, a stone bellcote and a rose window. Seán Mac Diarmada Cottage is also nearby. It is the only surviving original family home of one of the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.
Dean’s Lake Trail and trails nearby
The Dean’s Lake Trail starts and ends at Kiltyclogher Community Centre. It passes through a Coillte woodland area with deciduous trees alongside a small stream. Local Link 983A is listed as a public transport option to the trail; check the timetable and route before travelling.
Nearby, the Fowley’s Falls Cycle Route offers a different landscape. Several paths lead down to the river, from where the waterfalls can be seen. The route also passes a viewpoint at Barr Climb, with views of Lough Melvin and across the lake to County Fermanagh. Check the trail details before setting out.
Planning routes in County Leitrim
The wider destination of County Leitrim also offers routes with significantly different distances and durations. The Leitrim Way is 56 km long and runs from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village; it usually takes two to three days. The first section of the Shannon Blueway includes 16.5 km of waterways, as well as circular walking and cycling trails between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. This makes it easier to distinguish a multi-day walking route from a section with different types of trail when planning your trip.
Another option is the 600 m-long Acres Lake Boardwalk. It is part of a 6.5 km linear walking and cycling trail from Acres Lake in Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock near Leitrim Village. At Hag’s Leap, by contrast, visitors are limited to the viewpoint: there is no access for walking or hiking. This restriction is important if you are specifically planning a walking route.
Choose where to stay based on your plans
If your main priorities are visiting the Heritage Centre, the historic buildings and the Dean’s Lake Trail, you can choose Kiltyclogher as your holiday rental search destination. If you are planning a longer route in County Leitrim instead, take its course and the stated start and end points into account when choosing where to stay. For guided tours and public transport connections, it is worth checking the relevant arrangements or timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Drumshanbo, Glenfarne, Dromahair, Manorhamilton, Carrick On Shannon, Keshcarrigan, Drumreagh, Leitrim.
See the wider travel overview: County Leitrim.
