Leitrim’s new waterpark set to make a big splash for visitors!

A new inflatable waterpark is now officially open for bookings in Leitrim, promising thrills galore for families, adventure lovers and groups of all sizes.

There are few places in Ireland where visitors can spend the morning flying down inflatable water slides, the afternoon kayaking through hidden lake channels and the evening relaxing by a lakeside watching the sunset.

But that's exactly the experience awaiting travelers this summer at Lough Allen Adventure in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, where the waterpark has officially opened.

Set against the spectacular backdrop of Lough Allen, the new attraction adds another dimension to a destination that has quietly become one of the North West’s most compelling outdoor tourism success stories.

Originally launched in 2021 by Edwin Gray and Tojo Lazzari, Lough Allen Adventure began with guided kayaking tours and paddleboarding experiences showcasing the scenic beauty of the Shannon Blueway and surrounding waterways. 

Attractions like this have helped many visitors discover a lesser-known side of Ireland, a slow adventure tourism experience defined by still waters, forest trails and unspoilt landscapes.

Since then, the business has steadily expanded into a full adventure destination attracting families, couples, school groups and corporate visitors seeking immersive outdoor experiences away from crowded tourist centres.

The newly opened water park is expected to become a major summer draw. Designed for a wide range of ages and abilities, it features interconnected floating obstacles, slides, trampolines and climbing features, with direct shoreline access making it especially family friendly.

Alongside the water park, the centre continues to offer slow adventure tourism experiences such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, raft building and guided lake expeditions. Summer camps running throughout July and August are already generating strong demand, with activities ranging from island BBQs and water sports to team-building challenges and outdoor survival experiences.

Yet what makes Lough Allen Adventure stand out within Ireland’s increasingly competitive adventure tourism market is its unusual blend of high-energy activity and wellness-focused experiences. The growth of businesses like Lough Allen Adventure reflects wider tourism trends, with increasing numbers of domestic and international visitors seeking authentic nature-based experiences and active short breaks beyond Ireland’s traditional tourism hotspots.

“We’ve always wanted people to leave here feeling energised and refreshed,” says Lough Allen co-founder. Edwin Gray. 

“Adventure tourism today is about more than adrenaline. People want memorable experiences they can share together, but they also want time to slow down and switch off. That combination of activity and wellness in a natural environment is what makes Lough Allen Adventure unique.” 

Leitrim, with its extensive waterways, mountain scenery and relatively undiscovered character, is increasingly benefiting from that shift.

Sinead McDermott, Tourism Officer for Leitrim County Council said the continued expansion of Leitrim’s tourism attractions was strengthening its reputation as an outdoor destination.

“Lough Allen Adventure has created a unique visitor experience that perfectly complements Leitrim’s natural landscape and tourism ambitions.The combination of adventure, wellness and family-friendly activities is hugely important in attracting new visitors to the county and supporting local tourism businesses.”

For many visitors, however, the greatest attraction may simply be the chance to experience a quieter, slower side of Ireland, one where the day ends not in traffic queues or crowded resorts, but beside a peaceful lakeshore in the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

As Ireland’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, Lough Allen Adventure is proving that some of the country’s most exciting travel experiences can still be found off the beaten track.

For details on all the activities at Lough Allen Adventure, see https://loughallenadventure.ie or www.enjoyleitrim.com