Acres Lake Loop - the shannon Blueway

After parking the car near the Marina at Acres Lake, on the outskirts of the pretty village of Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, we were greeted by a shy burst of sunshine trying its best to break through the clouds on this otherwise wet September Sunday.
We had come to walk the floating boardwalk at Acres Lake, one of the highlights of the Acres Lake Loop, a scenic 12 km trail. The route begins at Acres Lake and continues all the way to Leitrim Village, passing Drumhauver Bridge, Drumleague Lock, and Battlebridge Lock along the way. It’s a peaceful stretch of the Shannon Blueway, where water, woodland and quiet countryside blend into a gentle, easy‑to‑enjoy adventure.

The floating walkway at Acres Lake only opened on 5 September 2017, so it’s still wonderfully new. Stretching for around 160 metres, the floating path glides across the water and connects seamlessly with a newly built trail leading towards Drumhauver Bridge.

​Walking along the boardwalk gives you a completely different perspective of Ireland’s waterways. Drifting past reeds, waterlilies, and the occasional fish leaping from the surface makes it a surprisingly immersive way to experience local wildlife. It’s peaceful, gentle and full of small moments that make you pause.

We honestly think this part of the walk is perfect for schools, clubs, families, or any nature lover who wants to get close to Ireland’s water‑based flora and fauna — all without needing to step onto a boat. It’s accessible, engaging and a lovely introduction to the Shannon Blueway.​

As you can see from the pictures, when the path is wet it almost looks as though you’re about to walk straight into the lake — but don’t worry, your feet will stay perfectly dry. The floating design simply reflects the water, creating a fun optical illusion.
County Leitrim is blessed with an abundance of lakes, rivers and canals, and the opening of this boardwalk gives everyone the chance to enjoy these waterways up close and in all their natural beauty.
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The full Acres Lake Loop is a gentle 12 km route that can be completed in around 2 to 2.5 hours without much effort. The entire trail is flat, well‑surfaced and easy to follow, making it ideal for walkers of all ages and abilities. It’s a peaceful way to spend a few hours surrounded by nature, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take in the views and enjoy the calm of the Shannon Blueway.