Carrick-on-Shannon
The Shannon runs the town: cruisers at the marina, a boardwalk along the water and boats leaving all summer. Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim's county town, is a long-established crossing point on the river.
Best sites to see in Carrick-on-Shannon
The marina and Shannon boardwalk
Carrick is one of the main cruiser-hire and boating centres on the River Shannon, with a large marina and a riverside boardwalk through the town.
Costello Memorial Chapel
A tiny, ornate 19th-century memorial chapel on Bridge Street, built by Edward Costello in memory of his wife.
The Dock Arts Centre
The town's arts centre, housed in the restored early 19th-century former courthouse beside the river, with galleries, theatre and workshops.
St Mary's Church and the town clock area
The historic core of the town around Main Street and Bridge Street, leading down to the Shannon bridge and quays.
Where to stand, and when
- The boardwalk over the River Shannon: Sunset gives colour over the marina and the cruisers moored along the quay.
- Carrick bridge: Photograph the town and marina from the bridge in calm early-morning light.
- Costello Memorial Chapel interior details: Visit in daylight when light through its stained glass shows the carved stone and mosaic interior.
Carrick-on-Shannon through history
Carrick-on-Shannon is the county town of County Leitrim and a long-established crossing point on the River Shannon.
The town developed as a river port and market town serving traffic on the Shannon, Ireland's longest river.
The Costello Memorial Chapel was built in 1879 by local merchant Edward Costello in memory of his wife Mary.
Cruiser tourism on the Shannon grew strongly from the later 20th century, making Carrick one of the river's main boating bases.
Practical tips
- Book cruiser hire and marina berths well ahead for the summer boating season.
- The boardwalk and quays give a flat, easy walk suitable for a short evening stroll after dinner.
- Carrick is a useful base for the Shannon-Erne Waterway and Lough Key Forest Park, both a short drive away.
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar