Rethinking Rural - Leitrim

Inspiration for Buyers

Inspiration for Buyers

Rethinking Rural

Focus On: Leitrim

Managing to be in the midlands, but also have a stretch of coastline, Leitrim became famous for being the only county in Ireland to have no traffic lights… In fact there are two sets. Yes, that’s right, two sets in the entire county. With rivers, lakes and extraordinary spots of scenic beauty, plus a vibrant cultural life on offer let’s take a closer look at lovely Leitrim

Living in Leitrim

Renowned as the most affordable county in Ireland, Leitrim is frequently overlooked. But with cheaper childcare, lower house prices – whether you’re buying or renting – and acres of space, there’s a lot to consider here.

Known as the Wild Rose County, the average house price in Leitrim is an astonishingly affordable €131,000. In fact, if you’re selling up in Dublin or coming one of Ireland’s other big cities or property hot spots, you can quickly imagine living mortgage-free, and with a nice cushion to keep you going. That said, there’s plenty of work on offer too (see below). For first time buyers it’s also a clever option, and with full time weekly child care fees at under €150, it’s a great place for young families.

In most counties in Ireland, indeed in most parts of the world, owning a waterfront property is only for the very wealthy, in Leitrim it comes with the territory. The main town is Carrick-on-Shannon, right on the Roscommon border, while at the top of the county, the coastline stretches from Sligo’s Mullaghmore to meet Bundoran in Donegal, another famous and beloved surfing and seaside spot. Also find Drunshanbo, Dromahair and Manorhamilton, gorgeous places with lovely cafés and quiet cosy pubs – as well as plenty of schools. You’re just a short hop over to Sligo for IT Sligo, which also offers remote learning.

Do note that while Dromod and Carrick on Shannon are served by the Dublin-Sligo railway line, and there is also a bus service, Leitrim is the kind of county you’ll almost certainly want a car for – on the subject of which, they’ve worked out that the average commute time in the county is just 27 minutes.

Working in Leitrim

Leisure and hospitality are big employers in Leitrim, if you’re looking for work that centres on the rivers, lakes and waterways. Whether it’s Shannon cruising, work on the newly developed Blueway, cheffing or working in the holiday sector, there are lots of options.

On the corporate and multinational side, AvantCard, MCI, Elastometall and Abbott are all based in the county. Meanwhile, remote working has led to the establishment of hot desking and technology hubs, including The Hive in Carrick on Shannon, the ManorHUB in Manorhamilton, and W8 in North Leitrim, which is a holiday village, but also houses a co-working space.

Or you may want to work as an artist? See below!

Playing in Leitrim

Long favoured by artists because of its affordability, you’ll find a cluster of arts centres and studios, including The Dock in Carrick on Shannon, The Glens in Manorhamilton and the Leitrim Sculpture Centre. The Dock in particular has a lively programme of theatre, workshops and art exhibitions, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Leitrim is also famous for music and dancing – being home to the famous Rainbow Ballroom, and lots of live music – including great trad and folk in the bars.

The River Shannon is a big draw, and the new Bluewayoffers walking by the water, and kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddling on it… Find lovely cafés, bars and restaurants in Carrick on Shannon, where there’s a new pedestrianisation project making the town even more pretty. Or head to Manorhamilton, Drunshambo and Dromahair, where the pubs get quieter, and the pace of life even calmer.

You Might Miss…

Seriously, would anyone miss waiting at traffic lights? Still, Leitrim had always been one of the counties most affected by rural depopulation as people flocked to Ireland’s major cities. And even though it does have a stretch of coastline, the county is still more about the inland waterways, including the lakes and the Shannon, than it is about miles of sandy beaches. So if you like the teeming rush of hectic city life, the fact that Leitrim has the lowest population density in the country means you might want to pass – but if you’re looking for peace, ease and a slower pace of life in a gorgeous setting, you’d do well to consider setting up here.

Contact your local Sherry FitzGerald agent to help you make the move. Click here to find your local agent.

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15 Lough Allen Resort, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim