Page 13 - The Driver's Guide to the Wild Atlantic

from 10:00 to 18:00, there are one hour guided tours that allow visitors a chance to explore the rich history and well-preserved structures. There is also plenty to do in the surrounding areas, with a number of restaurants and hikes making it the perfect place to visit for a weekend. For those who love a bit of history, beautiful scenery, and an authentic look into the 17th century castle life without the crowds of tourists, Parke’s Castle is the place to go. Admission is also free on Wednesdays.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
GLENCAR WATERFALL
N16 TOWARDS GLENCAR LOUGH 8 min from exit
Rising 50 feet above Glencar Lough, Glencar Waterfall is a bit off the beaten path. Visitors can view it from the wooded walking trail that has a reputation for being particularly striking after rain. There are three walking trail routes near the waterfall. The waterfall route itself is a paved path stretching less than 1km, making it accessible for most people.
The Bog Road provides visitors with a view of Glencar Lake and the Swiss Valley from 500m above. To find the Bog Road path, walk west from the car park at Glencar Lake past the boathouse and take the first right. After you come out on the other side of the trees, head left past the stream alongside a sheep track. The walled cliff edge beyond hill covered in heather will provide these striking views. To return to the car park, backtrack.
The lakeshore path is the third option. The path follows the lake linearly and is a quiet, easy walk. The straight nature of this path gives consistent views over the water, and visitors can observe the abundant bird and animal life there.
LOUGH ALLEN
TAKE THE R207 EXIT FROM DRUMSHANBO
12 min from exit
Lough Allen, located in County Leitrim, is the largest lake on the River Shannon. It lies south of the River Shannon’s source, called The Shannon Pot and is overlooked by Sliabh an Iarainn. Lough Allen is used recreationally for boating, fishing, and water sports. The lake is framed by
three useful roadways – the R280 regional road, which runs along the lake’s western side; the R207, which spans from Ballinagleragh to Drumshanbo along the lake’s eastern edge; and the R200 on the north side, which will take travelers from Drumkeeran to Dowra. From 1925
– 1939, Lough Allen was used as a reservoir for the power plant that was located approximately 160 km away. The sluices used to control the flow into the river helped maintain and manage flood waters.
SLIEVE ANIERIN
CONVENT AVENUE (DRUMSHANBO) TOWARDS AGHACASHEL
12 min from exit
Sliabh an Iarainn, known anciently as Sliabh Comaicne, stands guard above Lough Allen, rising some 585 meters above the lake’s eastern shore. Sliabh an Iarainn translates to ‘Mountain of Iron’, which refers to the iron deposits found in the rocks.
The terrain around the mountain is rocky, but country roads and forest paths make this a lovely place for a hike. A full day of hiking could potentially cover the entire 20km of the mountain, but shorter half-day
The Driver's Guide
hikes are also available. The paths are marked and colour coded for convenience.
The mountain is just 8km from Ballinamore town as well as Drumshanbo, known for its traditional music. With views of Lough Allen and the surrounding area and easy access to nearby towns, a hike on Sliabh an Iarainn could be the perfect day-trip getaway.
CORRACLONNA MEGALITHIC TOMB
Anyone in County Leitrim interested in old world structures and history has to visit Corraclonna Megalithic Tomb. This attraction, overlooking Lough Macnean Upper, may seem like just another pile of rocks at first glance but it is much more than it appears to be. Dating back to the early Bronze Age (2,000-1500 BC) this tomb is said to be the home of Prince Connell’s grave. It also is one of the only megalithic tombs in Ireland that has maintained its entrance stone and is unusual because of a small kennel hole in the entrance stone; kennel holes being associated with tombs in France and Belgium, not Ireland. This tomb is perfect for people who want to see things beyond the typical tourist sites and have an adventure along the way.
Glencar Waterfall
WILD ATLANTIC 13