From May 23rd to 25th, 2025, something truly special is happening in the lush heart of Ireland. County Leitrim is calling its people home—both near and far—for a weekend of celebration, connection, and heritage. The Leitrim Gathering is more than an event. It’s a global invitation. It’s a heartfelt welcome. It’s a celebration of place and people, of stories and shared roots.
Whether you’re a local, a member of the far-reaching Leitrim diaspora, or someone who simply feels a connection to this enchanting county, this is your chance to be part of something unforgettable.
What Is The Leitrim Gathering?
Running from May 23rd–25th, The Leitrim Gathering 2025 is a county-wide celebration designed to bring Leitrim people together—no matter where in the world they may now live. With a full programme of cultural events, music, walking tours, storytelling, and community gatherings, the weekend is a joyful expression of everything that makes Leitrim unique.
Organised by Leitrim County Council, the event is built around three central themes: Place, Connection, and Heritage.
Place: Discover Leitrim’s Natural Charm
Leitrim might be one of Ireland’s smallest counties, but it’s bursting with natural beauty and quiet wonder. From the lake shores of Lough Allen to the misty uplands of the Iron Mountains, Leitrim’s landscapes are a balm for the soul.
During The Gathering, visitors can take part in scenic walks, guided nature tours, and leisurely meanders through charming towns and villages. The Leitrim Walking Guide will help you navigate grassy trails, tranquil waterways, and secret spots you’ll never want to leave.
If you’ve never been to Leitrim—or haven’t returned in years—this is your chance to rediscover the magic of small-town Irish life.
Connection: Bridging the Global Leitrim Family
One of the most powerful aspects of The Leitrim Gathering is its focus on connection. Over generations, Leitrim people have made homes around the globe—from New York to Sydney, from Toronto to London. The Gathering invites them all to return, to reunite with old neighbours and long-lost cousins, to share stories, laughter, and memories.
The event will feature opportunities for families to trace their roots, reconnect with their ancestral townlands, and even take part in the Leitrim Diaspora Survey—an exciting initiative that aims to map the global Leitrim family.
No matter where life has taken you, this weekend offers a chance to come home, if only for a while.
Heritage: Celebrating the Spirit of Leitrim
Leitrim’s story is deeply woven into Ireland’s cultural and historical fabric. From the Neolithic tombs that dot the countryside to the medieval castles that rise silently over rivers and valleys, the county is rich with echoes of the past.
During The Gathering, a series of heritage-focused events will give visitors the chance to explore Leitrim’s historical sites, dive into traditional crafts and music, and engage with the tales and folklore that have shaped generations.
This is where the spirit of Ireland truly comes alive—through language, storytelling, song, and shared memory.
How to Get Involved
The success of The Leitrim Gathering lies in community participation—and there’s still time to get involved. Whether you’re a musician, artist, historian, local business owner, or simply someone with a story to share, your contribution can help shape this incredible weekend.
You can:
- Join an existing event
- Organise your own gathering
- Host workshops or exhibitions
- Perform or share your creative work
- Volunteer to help welcome guests
Visit the official Leitrim Gathering website to learn more and find guidance on how to take part.
A County That Welcomes You Home
As W. B. Yeats once wrote of nearby Glencar Waterfall, “Where the wandering water gushes, from the hills above Glen-Car, in pools among the rushes, that scarce could bathe a star”—there is a poetry in the landscape of Leitrim that stirs something deep within. It’s a place that stays with you, long after you’ve left it behind.
Now, Leitrim is opening its arms once again. Whether you’re a descendant of Leitrim heritage, a lover of Irish culture, or a traveller in search of meaning, The Leitrim Gathering is your invitation to be part of something real.
Let the soft hills, warm welcomes, and rich stories of Leitrim remind you of what matters most—place, people, and a sense of belonging.
Plan Your Visit
Leitrim is easily accessible by road and rail, with the towns of Carrick-on-Shannon and Drumshanbo serving as lively hubs throughout the weekend. Accommodations—from cosy B&Bs and hotels to self-catering lodges like Ash Lodge—offer comfort and charm just minutes from the festivities.
Whether you’re coming from nearby counties or crossing oceans to be here, you’ll find Leitrim ready to welcome you with open arms and a hot cup of tea.
Final Thoughts
The Leitrim Gathering 2025 is more than a festival—it’s a heartfelt invitation to reconnect, rediscover, and celebrate everything that makes this beautiful county what it is.
So mark your calendars for May 23rd–25th, and join Leitrim’s global family for a weekend to remember. You’ll come for the events, but it’s the people—and the place—that will stay with you forever.
🌍 Join the Gathering. Come home to Leitrim.