www.leitrimtourism.com/cycling

CYCLING IN COUNTY LEITRIM NORTH WEST OF IRELAND

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CONTENTS 1)

One Day Sample Tours

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1.1

Arigna Miners Trail

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1.2 Iron Mountain Tour

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1.3 The Fairy Hill Trail

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1.4 Lough Allen Trail

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1.5 Lough Key Forest Park Trail

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2)

3 Day Sample Tours

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2.1

Shannon Highlands Tour

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3)

8 Day Sample Tours

3.1 NorthWest Lakelands to the

Wild Atlantic Cycle Experience

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CYCLING IN CO. LEITRIM

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4)

Shannon Blueway Sample Tours 14

5)

Self Guided Tours

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5.1 King Fisher Trail

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5.2 North West Cycle Trail

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Whatever your interests and hobbies are, Leitrim has something for you. Situated just two hours from the major cities of Dublin, Galway and Belfast, Leitrim is a county where you can explore, experience and enjoy unspoilt landscapes and breath-taking scenery alongside bustling towns and quaint villages. Due to its central location, Leitrim is great as a base for touring along the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way, the North West of Ireland and places of interest in Northern Ireland.

It is one of the most beautiful counties in Ireland for a cycle holiday. Electric Bike Trails is a Leitrim based company that gives you the opportunity and unique experience of exploring some of the most beautiful trails in Ireland on one of their top of the range electric bikes.

They provide cycling packages that cater for individuals and all group sizes. Their cycling packages range from one hour to seven day tours with suitability for all levels of cyclists.

They are ideal for those who wish to explore the Irish countryside.

Leitrim also has a vast array of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. If you are seeking accommodation rich in character and history, you could stay in one of the oldest hotels in Ireland. Alternatively, you could stay in luxurious castle accommodation. Self-catering cottages offer you the chance to feel at home on your holiday, additionally there is a large number of high quality welcoming Bed and Breakfasts. If you are seeking something different, why not consider Glamping? ‘Glamorous camping’ offers you the chance to connect with nature through camping without compromising on home comforts; truly a holiday experience with a difference!

This brochure will provide you with a range of sample cycling tours available in Co. Leitrim that can be customised for any group size or level of fitness. They can be packaged with any accommodation offering and special bespoke tours can be arranged with varying number of days/nights as requested. Prices are open to negotiation.

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1 DAY TOUR SAMPLE TOURS

1 DAY TOUR SAMPLE TOURS

1.1 ARIGNA MINERS TRAIL Cycle effortlesly over Kilronan Mountain on a high quality Kalkhoff electric bike. Your journey will be on quiet country roads through the village of Cootehall and Knockvicar. Visit the busy Clarindon Lock on the Boyle River and have a chat with the local lockkeeper or help tie up a boat for the many happy boat users as they pass through this busy lock. Alternatively you can take a break from the bicycle and explore a Nature Trail Bog Walk at your leisure.

Its then on to Keadue Village and Lough Meelagh.

There are many historical places of interest along the way including a holy well, megalithic tomb, sweat house and much more. Experience two strikingly different, breathtaking views as you climb over Kilronan Mountain with Lough Meelagh and Kilronan Castle on one side and the magnifcent Lough Allen on the other side.

This trail then takes you to Arigna Village, formally a thriving coal mining village. A visit to Arigna Mining Experience is a must. From this location you get stunning views over Lough Allen and Sliabh An Iarainn. Take a tour of the mines to discover and experience the fasinating life of a coal miner (payable locally) or just browse in the souvenir shop or avail of refreshments in the cafe.

Its downhill all the way to Bellantra Bridge to see the majestic River Shannon flow out of Lough Allen through impressive sluice gates built by the ESB in the early part of the 20th century. Cycle back to base along the Lough Allen Canal for a really peacefull trip by the waters edge.

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1.2 IRON MOUNTAIN TOUR The day is yours to enjoy so take all the time you like.

Distance: 39 km round trip.

INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: • Top quality Kalkhoff Electric Bike • Back up support if needed •

Equipment supplied includes safety helmet, high vis vest, rain cape, waterproof pannier bag, trail map with information about the places of interest along the route.

Approx Price: €35pp.

Group booking Max 14.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS: • Arigna Mining Experience Guided tour approximately €10 pp •

1 Hour Guided Walk of Organic Farm with historic house, farm animals, bog walk, river bank, bee hives, herb garden and more, at Mount Allen Farm.

Approximately €10 pp.

Sliabh an Iarainn Mountain known as the Iron Mountain lies guard over the south eastern shores of Lough Allen in County Leitrim.

Fully Guided Tour - Minimum 4 People Distance: 39 km round trip.

Cycle along the Kingfisher cycle trail taking in stunning views of Lough Allen, Corry Mountain and Sliabh an Iarainn from a quiet country road.

Pedal effortlessly over the rolling hills of the magical drumlin belt.

INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:

Take a peek into the hidden valleys as you pass by. Experience the great expanse of upland blanket bog and the wilderness paradise that is Sliabh an Iarainn with only the bird song and an occasional baa of the mountain sheep to disturb the peace. Breath-taking panoramic views of the hilly terrain with its numerous lakes dotted on the landscape await you, a scene that is unique to this part of Ireland. Discover the hidden waterfall, holy wells, sweat houses (a forerunner of the modern sauna), famine memorabilia, and more. An ancient legend relates that De Danann landed in Ireland in this very place. They descended in a thick mist and on discovering iron, forged metal weapons. With their superior armour, they then set battle and defeated the Formonian tribe at the Battle of Magh Tuireadh.

A trip to this hidden corner of Ireland will wet your appetite to explore more of “Lovely Leitrim” and discover the best kept secret of Ireland where the locals are exceptionally friendly and might even invite you in to their home for a cup of tea.

• Hire of an electric bike for the day •

A freshly prepared gourmet picnic lunch using local produce, wine, soft drinks, tea or coffee. The picnic will be set up ready for your arrival at a peaceful waterfall area known only to locals. The waterfall is particularly impressive after rainfall and is surrounded by nature and wildlife. An ideal location to relax and enjoy lunch

• Local guide who will set you on your journey at ease, have all the local stories, and historical information you could want • Backup transport will be provided if required at any point •

Equipment supplied includes safety helmet, high vis vest, rain cape, waterproof pannier bag, use of a binoculars, complementary trail map

Time:

Distance:

Approx Price:

Full day starting at approx 9.30 a.m. until 4.30p.m.

65 Km. A medium level of fitness is required €75per person, group rates available on request.

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1 DAY TOUR SAMPLE TOURS

1 DAY TOUR SAMPLE TOURS

1.3 THE FAIRY HILL TRAIL

1.4 LOUGH ALLEN TRAIL

Start the day with a cycle to a quiet location on the Shannon Erne Waterway for a 1 Hour fishing lesson with a local fisherman and hopefully hook a fish or two, (Optional - Minimum 4 people).

This trail is suitable for all abilities.

Distance: 39 km round trip.

Follow the guide map on a loop of the historical Sheemore Hill. This is an easy cycle taking in stunning views of Sliabh an Iarainn, gently rolling hills and quiet countryside where nature can be thoroughly enjoyed.

Minimum cycle time: 1.5 hours for 15 km route, 2.5 hours for 34 km route

Referred to as the fairy hill, Sheemore Hill is steeped in history with 3 megalithic tombs and a large crucifix at the summit. A spectacular 360 degree view over the surrounding area makes the climb even more rewarding.

• Hire of electric bike for the day

You can either return to base or continue on to Carrick on Shannon where you can enjoy all the facilities that this River Shannon town has to offer.

• Backup transport will be provided if required at any point

Distance: 15 Km to 34 Km depending on return route

INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: • Fishing lesson with local fisherman (optional, €10 Extra ) • Fishing gear provided

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Equipment supplied includes safety helmet, high vis vest, rain cape, waterproof pannier bag, complementary trail map

Approx Price: €40 pp

A road trip like no other! Cycle at your ease around the majestic Lough Allen surrounded by Sliabh an Iarainn Mountain to the east and Corry and Arigna Mountain to the west. Stop off for a closer look at the lake at its many piers.

This trail can be taken at your own pace and you can see how easy it is to strike up a conversation with the locals in the many small villages that you pass through. On Corry Mountain you will be greeted to panoramic views of the entire lake.

Cycle through a wind farm and see these giants close up. This trail takes in many heritage sites and places of interest

INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: • Hire of a high quality Kalkhoff electric bike for the day • Backup transport will be provided if required at any point • Safety helmet, high vis vest, rain cape, waterproof pannier bag •

Complementary laminated trail map

Approx Price: €40 pp

1.5 LOUGH KEY FOREST PARK TRAIL From our bike hire base at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park hire a bike for an hour for a fun traffic free cycle through the Forest Park 7-8 km, or hit for the hills on an electric bike and explore the high-ways and by-ways of the beautiful North Roscommon countryside, visit King House in Boyle, do the Moone Boy Trail, visit Arigna Mining Experience, check out the ducks at Tullyboy Farm or just explore at your leisure.

We will have self-guide maps and lots of ideas to make your cycle a fun day out.

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Distance: 63 km, a high level of fitness is required. Minimum cycle time: 6 hours

INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: Electric Bikes, Hybrid bikes, children’s bikes, child seats, child carts, tag along and even a tandem to choose from.

We provide the helmet, high vis vest, bike locks, Pannier bags and even a rain poncho in case of a shower. Suitable for all ages; it’s a great family fun day.

Approx Price: From €8

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3 DAY TOUR SAMPLE TOURS

3 DAY TOUR SAMPLE TOURS

2.1 SHANNON HIGHLANDS TOUR This 3 day tour of Leitrim, a land of lakes and legends will whet your appetite to return and explore the best kept secret of the North West of Ireland.

Day 1 (30 km cycle) Cycle on the Kingfisher Cycle Trail and marvel at the majestic Lough Allen and Sliabh An Iarainn, the Iron Mountain as you cycle along a quiet country road with only the bird song and an occasional baa of the mountain sheep to disturb the peace. Discover holy wells; sweat houses (ancient form of a sauna unique to this area of Ireland), famine memorabilia, and much more.

Stay in a luxury Eco-Glamping retreat surrounded by nature and the peaceful Leitrim countryside for complete rejuvenation for another day of breath-taking views. This is self-catering accommodation with facilities for cooking with separate kitchen facilities and a barbeque area (and/or communal kitchen area with gas cooker) for evening meal. Food for barbeque can be purchased en-route or taxi can be arranged to take you to a local restaurant (25 mins drive).

Day 2 (18 km cycle with a longer route option available) Cycle the Dawn of Hope Loop for stunning views over Lough Allen and surrounding drumlin countryside with many hills, glens and babbling brooks to explore.

A picnic lunch with homemade soup and freshly made bread will be provided for a memorable lunch break at the Dawn of Hope Bridge while you marvel at the amazing landscape surrounding you. It really lives up to its name!

Relax or take a swim at the sandy shoreline at Lough Allen’s Corry strand before returning to your Celtic Yurt accommodation at Pink Apple Orchard.

Day 3 (35 km cycle) A packed lunch will be provided for your final day which takes you around the western shore of Lough Allen, one of the largest lakes on the River Shannon. Take a little detour up the side of Corry Mountain for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. Get up close to the wind farms to marvel at these giants on the landscape.

Take a stroll on the winding pathway to discover the hidden waterfall at Scarden and see the full expanse of Lough Allen before you cycle downhill to Bellantra Bridge at the outfall of the River Shannon.

Cycle back to base along the Lough Allen Canal for a really peacefull trip by the waters edge.

INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: • Top quality Kalkhoff Electric Bike •

Equipment supplied includes safety helmet, high vis vest, rain cape, 52 litre waterproof double pannier bag for your luggage, trail map with information about the places of interest along the route.

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Glamping accommodation at Pink Apple Orchard including self-service continental breakfast with freshly baked homemade bread and barbeque facilities for evening meal.

• Transfer from Ireland West Airport Knock at an additional cost of €25 pps (€20 single supplement).

• Cycling time: 18 Km to 35 km per day Approx Price: €225per person sharing, €15 single supplement.

• Packed lunch for day 2 and day 3.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS:

• Puncture repair kit and spare tube

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• Back up services of phone contact and breakdown assist

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• Transfer from Carrick on Shannon Train/ Bus Station at no extra cost or if you come by car there is ample car parking at our premises.

1 Hour Guided Walk of Organic Farm with historic house, farm animals, bog walk, river bank, bee hives, herb garden and more, €10 pp.

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8 DAY TOURS SAMPLE TOURS

8 DAY TOURS SAMPLE TOURS

3.1 NORTH WEST LAKELANDS TO THE WILD ATLANTIC CYCLE EXPERIENCE Leave the petrol fumes behind and take a closer look at Ireland’s North West the eco-friendly way on electric or hybrid bikes. Combine the tranquil rural lake land setting of the Kingfisher Trail and North West Trail through Counties Leitrim, Cavan and Fermanagh with the wild Atlantic shoreline of South Donegal and Sligo. The Kingfisher Trail and North West Trail are fully signposted, on quiet country roads where the traffic density is low.

Day 1. Leitrim Village to Drumshanbo

The routes are designed to enable visitors to discover the secrets and attractions of this unspoiled region. Complete the journey with 85 miles of wild Atlantic coastline for the ultimate cycling experience. Stay in well selected B&B accommodation and let us take care of your luggage along the way. 2-8 days self-guide tours on Hybrid Bikes or make cycling easier by choosing a Kalkhoff Electric Bike. Any combination of consecutive days below can be arranged to meet your requirements.

Day 2. Drumshanbo to Glenfarne 39km (24 miles)

INCLUDED IN THE TOUR: • Hybrid or Electric Bike • Safety helmet, high vis vest • Pannier bag if required • Self-guide map and full itinerary with lots of local information • Luggage transfer to B&B accommodation

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Puncture repair kit and spare tube Back up services of phone contact and breakdown assist This tour starts every Monday (between April and October). Alternative dates also available at a cost of €100 per booking.

Accomotadion type included in tour: 1st night in a 3 star hotel and remainder in Failte Ireland approved B&B’s & Guesthouses.

Collection at Carrick on Shannon where there are regular bus and train services available from Dublin Arrangements can be made for pick up at Ireland West Airport Knock, (€50 supplement). If you come by car there is ample car parking available.

At our bike hire premises in Leitrim Village you will be fitted out with all the requirements for your tour.

You will get an opportunity to become familiar with the bike and your surroundings by taking a short cycle to your first accommodation. Explore the picturesque village of Drumshanbo and call to the Sliabh An Iarainn Visitors Centre to learn all about the culture and heritage of the area.

Cycle the Kingfisher Cycle Trail on quiet county roads starting with spectacular views of Lough Allen and Sliabh An Iarainn Mountain. Cycle at your leisure along the country lanes and experience the drumlin terrain typical to this part of Ireland. The landscape varies from mountain to lake views and the unique landscape of the Cavan Burren, a remarkable limestone plateau which is recognized as one of the finest relict landscapes of its size in Ireland.

The area is associated with giants, druids and fairies as well as metholitic tombs believed to have magic powers. Take a short de-tour to visit the Shannon Pot, the legendary source of the River Shannon.

Day 3. Glenfarne to Florencecourt Loop 43km (27 miles) Take in a looped cycle to the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. The Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe’s finest show caves allowing visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages. Tours, (payable locally) last for 75 minutes.

Visit Florence Court Forest Park for a variety of walking and cycling trails, avail of refreshments in the coffee shop or take a tour of Florence Court House. Return to the same accommodation for a 2nd night.

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8 DAY TOURS SAMPLE TOURS

8 DAY TOURS SAMPLE TOURS

3.1 NORTH WEST LAKELANDS TO THE WILD ATLANTIC CYCLE EXPERIENCE

3.1 NORTH WEST LAKELANDS TO THE WILD ATLANTIC CYCLE EXPERIENCE

Day 4. Glenfarne to Ballyshannon 45 km (28 miles).

Day 7. Aughris Head to Enniscrone 38 km (24 miles)

Cycle north to join the North West Trail at Kiltyclogher and the northern shore line of Lough Melvin in County Fermanagh. You will pass through the village of Belleek, a thriving market town with a variety of pubs, shops and restaurants. It is most famous for the fine bone china produced at Belleek Pottery. It is worth a stop off at the visitors centre. The final leg of the cycle is on to Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal along the banks of the River Erne.

Day 5. Ballyshannon to Drumcliffe 58 km (36 miles, with option for shorter route) It’s on to the Wild Atlantic Way as you hug the coastline heading south into Co Sligo. Check out the surfer’s paradise at Tullan Strand, Bundoran before heading for Mullaghmore Head with Classibawn Castle on the horizon. Take a short detour into Mullaghmore Village, a noted holiday destination and cycle around Mullaghmore Head for panoramic views of the Wild Atlantic at its best. Back on the North West Trail you will be mesmerised by the skyline dominated by the monolithic shape of Ben Bulben Mountain and the many wonderful views of the Yeats County.

Day 6. Drumcliffe to Aughris Head 50 - 60 km (37 miles) Before leaving Drumcliffe stop off at the grave of Ireland’s famous poet, W.B. Yeats. While in the area we recommend that you take a short diversion to see the spectacular Glencar Waterfall, which inspired W.B. Yeats. Follow the North West Trail towards Sligo Town. Breath taking views of Lough Gill and Queen Maeve’s Grave awaits you before you cruise along the coast road to Aughris Head.

After a lively night of local craic in the Beach Bar at Aughris cycle along the quiet coast road all the way to Enniscrone, Watch out for the ‘Split Rock’. Local legend holds that the rock was split as a result of an argument between two giants on the Ox Mountains, one of whom was Fionn MacCumhaill.

It is said that if someone dares to go through the split three times, the rock will close in on them!

Get a closer look at the big waves at Easkey pier, a haven for surfers. Investigate O’Dowd Castle a dominant landmark at the pier. Enjoy the sunset over the 5 km stretch of beach at Enniscrone or take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of the renowned Enniscrone Seaweed Baths.

After a hearty Irish beakfast the next morning you will be collected and taken back to Carrick on Shannon for your connecting train or bus. Arrangements can be made for drop off al Ireland West Airport, Knock if prearranged.

Approximate Prices Subject to Availability Number of days

Hybrid Bike pp

Kalkhoff Electric Bike pp

Single Supplement

8 days/7nights

€750

€850

€80

7 days/6nights

€650

€760

€70

6 days/5 nights

€560

€640

€60

5 days/4 nights

€500

€570

€50

4 days/3 nights

€420

€480

€40

Minimum of 2 people required to take the tour.

Pre booking essential with 20% deposit on booking. Full payment required within 28 days of start date of tour. Accomodation will be in 3 star hotels and Failte Ireland approved B&Bs and guesthouses.

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SELF GUIDED TOURS

SHANNON BLUEWAY SAMPLE TOURS

3.2 SHANNON BLUEWAY CYCLES Experience the peace and tranquility of the Shannon Blueway as you cycle with ease on Kalkhoff

electric bikes or choose from a range of hybrid bikes from Leitrim Village to Drumshanbo on quiet county roads, approx. 18 km round trip. Pop in to an old world pub for a hot drink by a cosy open fire to warm the cockles of your heart or enjoy a tasty home cooked lunch at Sweet Geranium Cafe before you return to Leitrim Village. This cycle is on mainly flat terrain so it is suitable for all levels of fitness.

This trail is suitable for all abilities.

Distance: 15 Km to 39 Km depending on return route Minimum cycle time: 1.5 hours for 15 km route.

INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE: •

Complimentary map with local information and points of interest as well as all the safety gear you need for your cycle.

Approx Price €25 pp for a half day on a Kalkhoff Bike or €12 pp on a hybrid bike.

4.1 KING FISHER TRAIL The Kingfisher Trail is the first long-distance trail of its kind in Ireland. It follows minor country roads through the border counties of Leitrim, Fermanagh, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan. The trail travels through landscapes dotted with rivers and lakes. This unique mixture of lake-lands, canal side tracks, rolling hills, leafy lane-ways and mountain climbs make the Kingfisher Trail the ideal choice for all levels of cyclist. The Kingfisher Cycle Trail is over 300 miles of public roadway winding through rural countryside, Lakelands, Atlantic Coast and Mountain Trail.

A number of holiday packages (accommodation, bicycle hire, back-up service etc.) are available and there are three types of routes: casual, active and challenging. For groups of 4 or more, customised tours can also be organised. The route is well sign-posted and can be followed easily by those who wish to organise their own holiday.

The Trail is dotted using high-quality Bed & Breakfasts which have been approved by the Tourist Board. www.kingfishercycletrail.com

4.2 NORTH WEST CYCLE TRAIL The North West Cycle Trail travels through a wide variety of scenic landscapes, utilising quiet country roads with some traffic free sections, mostly in urban areas. The route enjoys dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean, with scenic cycling in remote uplands and through rural towns and villages passing through the main towns of Enniskillen, Sligo, Donegal, Lifford, Strabane and Omagh.

The placid trail can be explored in its entirety as a long distance touring holiday as the route meanders through picturesque rural towns and villages with plenty of opportunities to change gear and stop for a well earned break to sample local hospitality and cuisine. www.cycleni.com/102/north-west-trail/

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CYCLING IN COUNTY LEITRIM NORTH WEST OF IRELAND R

BELFAST A4

Manorhamilton

SLIGON16

N4

KNOCK

N5

A1

A4

Carrick-on-shannon

N1

Longford N1

N4 N63

DUBLIN

SHANNON

WATERFORD

CORK

CONTACT DETAILS Sinead or Phyl Leitrim Tourism, The Old Barrel Store, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, Ireland

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T: 00 353 (0) 71 9623274 E info@enjoyleitrim.com Facebook: Leitrim Tourism Twitter: @leitrimtourism Website: www.enjoyleitrim.com