Mohill: History, Lakes and Lough Rynn

Several lakes and the Rinn River surround Mohill, alongside the town’s history and the shores of Lough Rynn. This means you can take different interests into account when choosing a destination: a look at its former trading life, time by the water or an exploration of the landscape around the Lough Rynn estate.

Mohill’s history from different perspectives

The digital story map “Mohill Mo Scéal” explores Mohill’s heritage and history. It portrays the town as a market and trading town in the 20th century, with a particular focus on the people who lived and earned their living there. Alongside the town’s development, it therefore puts its people and their work at the centre.

According to the local account, Mohill’s history goes back to around 500 AD, when a monastery was founded in the area of St. Manchán. This early date offers a different emphasis from the story map, which focuses particularly on the 20th century. Those interested in local history will encounter both an early monastic foundation and the town’s later market and trading life.

Lakes, shores and kayaking trips

The Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens near Mohill covers more than 300 acres. Among the estate’s features are historic sites, walled gardens and scenic shorelines. Together with the lakes and the Rinn River, the shores offer a different aspect of a trip to Mohill from the history of the town centre.

Lough Rynn Kayaking Tours offer kayaking trips along the shores of Lough Rynn on the estate grounds. Visitors learn more about the estate’s history, wildlife and local lore along the way. This combines time on the water with insights into the stories and nature around the lake. If you’re looking for holiday accommodation in Mohill, you can consider whether local history or the shoreline and kayaking are more important to your travel plans.

Getting there and finding your way around

Mohill is about 6 km off the national N4 route between Dublin and Sligo. The nearest railway station for Mohill is Dromod, served by the Dublin–Sligo line. The drive from Mohill to the station takes about 10 minutes.

More perspectives on County Leitrim

County Leitrim also offers a range of cultural and scenic points of interest. Parke’s Castle is a restored early 17th-century castle on the northern shore of Lough Gill in County Leitrim. Creevelea Abbey, also in County Leitrim, is a Franciscan abbey built in 1508. It is located on the Sligo Way, an 80 km walking trail with upland paths. The two sites represent different historical themes: an early 17th-century castle and a Franciscan abbey dating from 1508.

County Leitrim has more options for walking and cycling. The first section of the Shannon Blueway comprises 16.5 km of waterways, as well as circular walking and cycling routes between Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon. The Leitrim Way runs for 56 km from Manorhamilton to Leitrim Village; it usually takes two to three days to complete. Another option is the 600 m Acres Lake Boardwalk, part of a 6.5 km linear walking and cycling route from Acres Lake in Drumshanbo to Battlebridge Lock near Leitrim Village. County Leitrim thus offers trails of different lengths and formats.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kilclare, Kiltyclogher, Dromahair, Leitrim, Fenagh, Drumsna, Drumnafinnila, Keshcarrigan.

For the main travel overview: County Leitrim.