What to do at Carrick-On-Shannon

Carrick-on-Shannon is the biggest town in the county of Leitrim and its name means marshy ridge weir. It’s just two hours from Dublin and is home to only 5,000 residents. However, it’s a must-visit, with a fast-growing restaurant market, good accommodation sites and extraordinary music and art scenes. The town has become a popular spot for weekend hen and stag parties, turning into one of the most popular inland resorts in Ireland. Here are some further reasons to visit:

1. Parke Castle

This castle was once home to Robert Parke and his family in the 17th century. He built this castle on the site of a 15th-century castle, guarding a pentagonal defensive wall and turning a tower house into a three-story castle. Mullioned windows and diamond-shaped chimneys were then added. At present, this restored plantation castle is located on the edge of Lough Gill, specifically on the Sligo-Dromahair Road.

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2. Creevelea Friary

The last Franciscan Monastery founded in Ireland before the Persecution of the Monasteries in the 16^th century, Creevelea Friary holds within its walls, centuries of history. Originating in the 1500s, the Monastery tells a long story about survivors of accidental fires, several changes in ownership, and countless restorations. It was finally abandoned at the end of the 17th century. Today, the ruins of Creevelea Friary still sit beside the Bonet River, 16 kilometres to the south east of Sligo and it’s free to visit. Travel to the west of Ireland with Irish Airports like https://irelandwestairport.com

3. The Dock Art Centre

This 19^th century famous courthouse is now home to a theatre that stages numerous music performances, exhibitions, workshops and events. The Dock Arts Centre was once one of the County Court buildings spread throughout Ireland, designed in a classic style that stood out in its time. However, with little care done on the building, the building was finally emptied in 1994. Reopened as The Dock Arts Centre in 2005, it can be found in St. George’s Town, overlooking the Shannon River.

4. Market Yard Centre

If you want to shop at Carrick, the Market Yard Centre is definitely the place. You will see a series of restored buildings that are home to various shops, from hairdressers to nautical accessories. If you are looking for meat, fish, vegetables, and organic fruit that is locally produced, you will also find the Farmers Market.

5. Moon River

With 40 lakes around Carrick-on-Shannon, there are plenty of water activities around the city that you should try, one of them being the Moon River Cruise. Take the pleasure cruiser with 110 other passengers and enjoy the relaxing views offered by Carrick-on-Shannon. They also have a full-service bar and a variety of delicious snacks, making it perfect for stag and hen parties, weddings and corporate events.

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6. St George’s Heritage Centre

The St George Heritage Centre is located in a restored church on a hill, showing 400 years of Irish history from the Gaelic tradition to the Plantation years. You will witness Leitrim’s rich musical and literary history, with books, instruments and medals adorning the walls. Although it was built in 1827 as a church, it was converted into a heritage centre in 2005.

7. Leitrim Design House

Leitrim Design House is home to contemporary Irish crafts, which has earned its reputation as one of the leading craft and design outlets in the country. Located at The Dock, Leitrim Design House showcases the work of 250 local artists with handmade gifts of textiles, wood, glass and ceramics.