Active Pursuits

Boating

There are dozens of companies renting out cabin cruisers on the Shannon. Here are a few that get particularly good word of mouth: Carrick Craft, The Marina, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim (tel. 071/962-1248); Crown Blue Line, The Marina, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim (tel. 44-1603-630513 headquartered in Britain; www.crown-blueline.com); and Emerald Star Line, The Marina, Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim (tel. 071/962-0234).

Fishing

Head to Roscommon Town and stop by the Tourist Office (John Harrison Hall, The Square; tel. 090/662-6342; www.irelandwest.ie) and ask for a map of the Suck Valley Way. The walk along the river passes some of the best fishing in Ireland, according to local fishermen. With the right equipment, you could catch rudd, tench, pike, and perch.

Golf

The Slieve Russell Hotel Golf Club, Cranaghan, Ballyconnell, County Cavan (tel. 049/26444; www.quinnhotels.com), charges greens fees of €55 ($72) weekdays and €70 ($91) weekends for nonguests of the hotel. Guests pay €40 ($52) weekdays and €48 ($62) weekends.

Two other 18-hole courses in the area are County Cavan Golf Club, Arnmore House, Drumellis, County Cavan (tel. 049/433-1283; www.cavangolf.ie), with greens fees of €25 ($33) weekdays, €30 ($39) weekends; and County Longford Golf Club, Dublin Road, Longford (tel. 043/46310), with greens fees of €18 ($23) weekdays, €24 ($31) weekends.

Horseback Riding

Moorlands Equestrian & Leisure Centre, Drumshanbo, County Leitrim (tel. 071/964-1500), offers lessons, as well as trail rides along Lough Allen and the nearby hills. Children are welcome. During the off season, courses in equestrian science are offered. Book lessons or trail rides at least a day in advance. Mountain walking, watersports, and accommodations are also offered.