To Ballinaglera from Carrick on Shannon, (16 miles) follow signs for R280 to Drumshambo, then turn onto R207 for 8 miles to Ballinaglera.
Outdoor enthusiasts can choose from a marvel of way marked walking routes in the area offering great diversity in landscapes and challenge. The Leitrim, Cavan and Miner's Way all meet up in Dowra Village, making it an ideal spot to plan your journey.
Ballinaglera Walks, Co. Leitrim
Ballinaglera lies on the east shore of Lough Allen under Sliabh an Iarainn. The Leitrim Way passes through the heart of the village. At the top of the Slievenakilla valley, the new Sliabh an Iarainn Way touches the pass. The Slievenakilla Way leads downhill from here to join the Leitrim Way at Ballinaglera. There are magnificent views of Lough Allen to be seen while accompanying the Yellow River on its picturesque journey to the Lough. There is a Mass Rock 1km from the Way. Once in Ballinaglera, there are several loop walks and a short walk to the Lough shore. Ballinaglera hosts Sweat Houses, Holy Wells, a "Giant's Grave" and many Ring Forts.
Leitrim Way, Co .Leitrim
The Leitrim Way route is made up of tracks old and new resulting in a fast pace, and the route of dual character. The southern end is low level along Lough Allen, while the northern end is hilly towards Manorhamilton. This Way leads through a rugged landscape of lakes, ancient wells and magnificent scenery. It links into The Miner's Way and The Cavan Way at Dowra. A good place to stop and have a picnic is at St. Hughs Well and Sweathouse at Cleighran More just before Ballinaglera village. (Link to Doc) With Sliabh an Iarrain to your back and the refreshing lake-view of Lough Allen in front of you, you couldn't ask for a prettier place to picnic!
Cavan Way, Co. Cavan
The Cavan Way provides a pleasant hill and valley walking connection between the Leitrim Way at Dowra and the Ulster Way at Blacklion village. Starting your walk in Dowra, generally following the course of the young river Shannon to its source, the walk follows quiet valley and riverside landscapes to the more unenclosed uplands of the spring line of the river's source The Shannon Pot is the mystical source of the River Shannon - the longest River in Ireland. This spot makes an ideal place for a picnic and being just a short distance off the marked Way, is well worth a slight detour.
Miner's Way. Co. Leitrim and North Roscommon
The Miner's Way and historical Trail is a network of walking paths which wind their way through adjoining parts of counties Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo. The Miner's Way follows many of the paths used by the miners going to work in the Arigna coalmines. The third loop connects the Miners Way to the Leitrim Way and goes around Lough Allen by Drumkeerin, Dowra, Ballinaglera, Drumshambo and back to Arigna.
Cuilcagh Walkers - Local Walking Group
The Cuilcagh walkers, (better known as the Cuilcagh talkers!) were established in 1996. They are based in Blacklion, are a cross-border group, and have 35 members from Fermanagh, Leitrim, and Cavan. During the summer months the group walk every Sunday afternoon from 2pm to 5pm, and just on a fortnightly basis in the winter. Most of the groups walks are rambles with lots of lively conversation. The Cuilcagh Walkers would love for more people to walk with them, to experience the wonders of the area. If you are an interested local, or just on a visit to the area, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Contact: Brenda Gaffney 0719643360 and Jim Nolan 071 9853299
