The Shed Distillery has tourists from around the country and across the world flocking to Lovely Leitrim, and there’s plenty of fun for the whole family in this small picturesque town to warrant an overnight stay.
In the decade since PJ Rigney and his wife Denise established The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo has become known the world around — thanks to their award-winning, best-selling catalogue of spirits, including Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey, and Drumshanbo Sausage Tree Vodka.
Although it’s tucked away in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Drumshanbo is quite central to several major Irish cities. Just two hours from Dublin, Belfast, and Galway, this idyllic spot in rural Leitrim is certainly worth the trip.
Nestled at the foot of Sliabh an Iarainn (the Iron Mountain), Drumshanbo sits on the lakeshores of Lough Allen, offering tranquil waters for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, plenty of trails and woodland walks for hiking and cycling, and several vibrant local pubs where you can enjoy lively music, culture, and traditional fare.
The distillery’s carefully curated visitor experience is the perfect starting point to enjoy the scenic and unspoilt countryside that surrounds The Shed. Here are a few items you may want to add to your travel itinerary:
Day 1
Take In The Shed Distillery Tour
The Shed’s gin may have put Drumshanbo on the map, but the €3 million visitor centre and cafe that opened in 2020 have made it an in-demand destination for locals and tourists alike. Open seven days a week, the distillery offers multiple types of tours that are suitable for all ages.
Join one of The Shed’s “Curious Ambassadors” for a fully guided tour that will take you into the heart of the world’s largest family-owned gin distillery to see the traditional copper pots and column stills they use for slow hand-distillation of their acclaimed spirits. Enjoy an expert tasting of Drumshanbo Single Pot Irish Whiskey and finish with a refreshing complimentary cocktail at the Honey Badger bar in their majestic botanical glasshouse.
Even for those who aren’t drinkers or of drinking age, the tour has plenty to offer. Funny, informative, and entertaining, the 90-minute experience includes treasures from around the world that have inspired “The Curious Mind” of PJ Rigney.
Lunch at the Jackalope Café
An ideal location for families, the Jackalope Café offers a range of delicious, locally sourced meals in a friendly, comfortable atmosphere with great service. The café is open seven days and although they don’t take reservations, the wait is never long, thanks to plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They have a wide selection of luxurious coffees and homemade goodies, a variety of artisan meals that look as good as they taste, and a kid’s menu with options for the little ones in your party.
Walk on the Water
Drive two minutes down the road to take an afternoon stroll on Ireland’s first floating boardwalk. A wide and accessible path that’s ideal for prams and wheelchairs, Acres Lake Boardwalk allows you to take in the beautiful scenery and offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. If you’re feeling adventurous, the 600m boardwalk connects to a 6.5km walking and cycling trail along the Shannon Blueway that takes you to Battlebridge Lock, near Leitrim Village.
Right beside the boardwalk, you’ll find a free car park with plenty of spaces, a lovely visitor centre where you can learn all about local history and a playground that’s perfect for toddlers up to school-age children. Before you leave, make sure to grab a treat fresh from the oven at the award-winning on-site bakery at Jinny’s Tearooms. They also offer plenty of boardwalk bites for kids, sweet treats, and a full picnic basket service.
Stay the Night
Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage or a spacious lakehouse with spectacular views, you’ll find a range of self-catering accommodations in Drumshanbo. Cook yourself a meal or enjoy one of the many options for tasty local fare before you retire for the night.
Day 2
Explore the Drumshamazon
Start your day fresh by kayaking or paddleboarding the “Drumshamazon,” a local nickname for the enchanting waterways around Lough Allen. Lough Allen Adventure Centre offers two daily tours for beginners and experienced water enthusiasts, families, and solo adventurers. They can accommodate children from 4 years of age, kayaking with an accompanying adult.
Led by friendly and experienced tour guides, you’ll paddle still waters that are part of the Shannon-Erne Blueway and enjoy the surrounding views of the Sliabh an Iarainn.
Unwind at an Outdoor Spa
After you’ve gotten your adventuring in, relax in the Outdoor Spa & Wellness Centre on the shores of Lough Allen. Enjoy a unique spa experience at this nature-inspired luxury retreat, which includes two wood-fired barrel saunas, a hot tub, and a cold plunge pool. There are also plenty of retreats and workshops offered at their bespoke yurt, where they regularly hold yoga, breathwork, and sound bath sessions.
