Manorhamilton is a friendly, peaceful and picturesque village situated in the centre of the North Leitrim Glens region, which is famous for its hill-walking.
The town of Manorhamilton was built by Sir Frederick Hamilton and it was here between 1634 and 1638 that he built Manorhamilton Castle, his fortified house that gives the town its name. It is seen as one of a group of six in Ireland which feature defensive flanking towers at each corner.
The castle withstood attacks in 1641 during the Irish rebellion, but was later taken and burned by the Earl of Clanrickard in 1652 during the War of the Three Kingdoms.
A permanent exhibition is on display at Manorhamilton Castle Heritage Centre, including artifacts from the 17th century, replica period costumes, furniture, a castle model and other interesting items and information which allow you to peek through the centuries to what life was like when the castle was in use.
Manorhamilton Castle and Heritage Centre is open year-round to the general public and to organised tours. A tour of the recently restored castle ruins and grounds can be taken, conducted by an experienced and informative guide.
The Glens Centre in Manorhamilton runs an exciting programme of events, including theatre and music. The Glens Centre was built in 1994 by North Leitrim Glens Development Company as a general purpose meeting and performance space, and tourist information hub for north Leitrim. Originally the old Methodist Church, built in 1830 and deconsecrated in 1964, the company restored the old building and added self-catering apartments and office space. In 2001 the company converted the auditorium to a 140-seat theatre. Since then, the Glens Centre has become a favourite of both artists and audiences.
The Leitrim Sculpture Centre was established in 1997 to facilitate the training and professional needs of artists across the North West.
The objective was to provide a high quality working facility for practising artists in traditional and contemporary sculpture techniques with a specific focus on the development of work in stone, bronze and wood.
Originally offering facilities and professional support in these areas the Centre has since developed into a leading centre for contemporary practice across all mediums and styles including installation, multimedia and environmental practice and research. The centre hosts exhibitions, workshops and masterclasses and collaborates with other local organisations to host festivals
Of great historical importance is the Famine Graveyard in Manorhamilton, one of three graveyards opened shortly before and during the Great Famine of 1845 – 1849. It is a sobering place to visit and a memorial and tribute to the tragic victims of the Great Famine. The Manorhamiton Heritage Trail guides you through the rich heritage and history of the town. The Heritage Trail is a walking tour outlining the rich heritage and history of the Manorhamilton. Buildings of note include the oldest building; Manorhamilton Castle which dates from the 17th Century, the Star Fort a military fortification from the 1600s and the Old Protestant Church and Graveyard which also dates from this period.
Miltown Wood
Near to the town of Manorhamilton are three loop walks developed around the village of Lurganboy and Milltown Wood. The loops can either be combined for one long walk or various parts can be followed for shorter less demanding walks.
Some of the walks have steep inclines and give elevated views over surrounding countryside. They go through forest property owned by Coillte and in some cases follow forest access roads. The walks remain close to the village and do not extend into the higher open countryside adjacent to the village in which there are guided walks from time to time.
Leitrim Tourism have compiled details about a number of walks in the area, which can be found here
