Carrick-on-Shannon City
Town on River Shannon, popular for boating
Where the Shannon widens, Carrick-on-Shannon hosts river cruises, angling, convivial pubs and Georgian squares; boaters use it as a hub for exploring loughs and inland waterways.
58°F
Why Visit Carrick-on-Shannon?#
A lively river town on the Shannon, Carrick-on-Shannon draws people who enjoy boating culture, relaxed waterfront pubs with live traditional music, and a welcoming festival calendar. Georgian terraces and a compact quayside create an easy-going atmosphere for strolling between craft shops and cafés. Outdoor enthusiasts value access to river cruises and nearby loughs for fishing and cycling. It’s a comfortable hub for exploring the Shannon basin rather than a frenetic tourist center.
Best Things to Do in Carrick-on-Shannon#
Carrick-on-Shannon Bucket List#
Shannon-Erne Waterway boat trips - Take a scenic boat trip along the Shannon and Erne waterways from town.
Carrick-on-Shannon riverside - Stroll the riverfront quays, cafés, and marinas that define the town centre.
Leitrim County Library & Heritage - Visit local heritage displays to learn about county history and cultural heritage.
Carrowkeel House gardens - Find quiet riverside green spaces ideal for picnics and peaceful riverside walks.
Local craft shops - Browse independent shops showcasing Leitrim textiles, pottery, and artisan food products.
Nearby fishing spots - Try angling on Shannon stretches famed for coarse and game fishing opportunities.
Lough Key Forest Park - Explore Lough Key’s trails, tree canopy walkways, and Rockingham House estate grounds.
Arigna Mining Experience - Tour the Arigna mines for a hands-on look at historic Irish mining life.
Best Time to Visit Carrick-on-Shannon#
Late spring through summer is best for boating, long daylight and festivals in Carrick-on-Shannon. Rain is possible year-round, so bring a waterproof and flexible plans.
December - February
2-8°C (36-46°F)
Soft, gray days with plenty of rain; cozy pubs and local museums are pleasant, but outdoor plans need flexibility and layers.
March - May
6-15°C (43-59°F)
Greening landscapes and increasing daylight make river cruises lovely; expect showers but mild temperatures encourage outdoor wandering and fewer tourists than summer.
June - August
15-22°C (59-72°F)
Warm, long days perfect for canal trips and al fresco dining; busiest season so book riverside stays in advance to secure rooms.
Carrick-on-Shannon's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1205 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Carrick-on-Shannon#
Carrick-on-Shannon is best reached by coach or via the nearby Dromod rail station. Regional airports (Knock, Shannon) and Dublin provide air access followed by bus, coach or train + short transfer.
Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC): Knock is one of the closer regional airports for Carrick-on-Shannon. From Knock you can take a bus or taxi to Carrick (journey typically about 50-70 minutes depending on route) - check Local Link and private shuttle timetables.
Shannon Airport (SNN) / Dublin Airport (DUB): Shannon offers more international flights in the west of Ireland; Dublin is the largest gateway. From Shannon or Dublin you can reach Carrick-on-Shannon by a combination of bus/coach or train plus short taxi (journeys vary from ~1.5-3 hours depending on origin and connections).
Train: Carrick-on-Shannon has no direct heavy rail station. The nearest stations on the Dublin-Sligo line are Dromod (about 9 km away) and Boyle. Dromod Station offers taxi or bus connections into Carrick.
Bus: Bus Éireann and Local Link provide interurban bus services to Carrick-on-Shannon from towns like Sligo, Longford and Athlone. Bus Éireann route timetables change seasonally; Local Link provides rural connections and is useful for late-evening or off-peak travel.
How to Get Around Carrick-on-Shannon#
Public coaches and Local Link services are the practical ways to reach and move around Carrick-on-Shannon; for greater flexibility use the Dromod rail connection plus a short taxi or hire a car.
- Coach / Bus (Bus Éireann, Local Link) - Regional and local buses and coaches are the main public transport. Bus Éireann and Local Link connect Carrick-on-Shannon with Sligo, Longford, Athlone and other towns - check schedules in advance as frequency varies outside commuter hours.
- Train (via Dromod) - The nearest rail link is Dromod station on the Dublin-Sligo line (about 9 km). From Dromod you can get a taxi or Local Link bus into Carrick; this is a useful option if travelling from Dublin or Sligo by rail.
- Taxi - Taxis provide local and countywide service; they’re handy for airport transfers or when bus services are limited. For longer inter-county journeys, agree a fare in advance if no meter is used.
- Car rental - Hiring a car gives the greatest flexibility to explore Leitrim and the Shannon lakes. Roads are generally quiet and well signposted; parking in Carrick-on-Shannon town centre is available but can fill during events.
- Bicycle - Biking around Carrick and the nearby greenways is popular in warmer months; many local businesses offer rental and route advice. Surfaces are good on main cycle routes but rural lanes can be narrow.
- Walking - Carrick-on-Shannon’s compact riverside centre is ideal for walking; many attractions, pubs and restaurants are within easy pedestrian reach.
Where to Eat in Carrick-on-Shannon#
Carrick-on-Shannon centres on riverside pubs and hotels serving Irish stews, smoked salmon and bakery goods. Expect relaxed evenings, live music and hearty seasonal menus focused on local produce.
- The Landmark Hotel - Riverside dining and classic Irish fare.
Weekly markets and food stalls showcase artisan cheeses, smoked fish and baked goods. Casual cafés and takeaway spots are great for a quick bite between river walks.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Carrick-on-Shannon’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Carrick-on-Shannon#
The town has a good selection of independent shops, boutiques, and outdoor stores catering to river and country visitors. For more extensive shopping options and big-brand stores, larger regional centres are a short drive away.
Nightlife in Carrick-on-Shannon#
Carrick-on-Shannon has an active, small-town nightlife focused on pubs, live music nights and riverside hotel bars. Evenings are relaxed and convivial rather than club-focused; the town suits those who enjoy live traditional and contemporary music in local venues.
