Introduction to Leitrim
County Leitrim (Irish: Contae Liatroma) is one of the counties of Ireland and is part of the province of Connacht. Its name derives from the Irish Liath Druim - "grey ridge."
A Brief History of Leitrim
In ancient times Leitrim formed the western half of the kingdom of Breifne. This region was long influenced by the O'Rourke family of Dromahair, whose heraldic lion occupies the official county crest to this day. Close ties initially existed with East Breifne, now County Cavan, and the O'Reilly clan seated there. The Normans invaded in the thirteenth century and occupied the south of Breifne until the exile of Irish landholders in 1620.
British Lord Deputy Sir John Perrot had ordered the legal establishment of "Leitrim County" a half-century prior, in 1565. Perrott also demarked the current county borders around 1583, enclosing the namesake grey mountains of the northwest and boggy glades of the southeast. Five forests are traditionally said to have stood in Leitrim up till the seventeenth century. Today's vast marshes likely formed soon after the county's trees were felled. Dampness quickly permeated the area's reputation: locals boasted that farmland "wasn't sold by the acre--it was sold by the gallon!". With such soil suitable solely for cows and potatoes, Leitrim's 155,000 residents (1841 census) were ravaged by the Potato Famine. After sixty years, the wounds had started to heal. William Butler Yeats spent the turn of the twentieth century fascinated with Lough Allen and the Sligo-march.
Areas of Interest in Leitrim
King House Interpretive Galleries & Museum
King House is a magnificently restored Georgian Mansion built around 1730, by Sir Henry King, whose family were one of the most powerful and wealthy in Ireland. In the 18th Century it was home to the Earls of Kingston. After this it became a military barracks to the famous Connaught Rangers from 1788 until 1922. Today visitors can explore the house and enjoy a range of exhibitions that offer an enchanting view of Ireland's heritage and culture.
The Dock Theatre
The Dock is housed in the beautiful 19th Century former Courthouse building, overlooking the majestic river Shannon, which has been wonderfully restored into Leitrim's first integrated centre for the arts. The Dock houses a 100+ seat performance space, three art galleries, artists studios, an arts education room and it is home to The Leitrim Design House.
Leitrim Roots Festival 2007
Leitrim Roots Festival is for the descendants of Leitrim exile and Leitrim people abroad to enjoy a week of heritage & entertainment.
The Leitrim Genealogy Centre, based in the West of Ireland, will host a week long programme of Events, Tours, Workshops and full entertainment programme.The Organic Centre
The Organic Centre is located in the unspoilt countryside of North Leitrim just eight miles from Manorhamilton. The Centre was established in 1995 as a non profit making company with Charitable status . The aim of the centre is to provide training, information and advice on organic farming, gardening and sustainable ways of living.
Drumkeerin Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre celebrates the history of this area. Here you can experience the beautifully reconstructed Irish cottage and farmyard, new additions to this is our coffee shop open since June 1999, also a resource centre which has photocopying and faxfacilities available.
The farmyard is located in a unique campus which draws inspiration from the magnificent rugged landscape, surrounding mountains, lakes and woods. Traditional sweat house, pig sty, old style garden, agricultural machinery and thatched cottage, and also old artifacts and craft shop.
Parkes Castle
A 17th Century fortified manor house which was originally the stronghold of the O'Rourke clan, rulers of the kingdom of Breffni. It has been beautifully restored using Irish Oak and traditional craftsmanship.
Traditional Music and Craic in Leitrim