County Focus Leitrim - Wild Rose County

Our focus this month is on beautiful Co. Leitrim, tucked away in Ireland’s Northwest. With its beautiful countryside, mountains, lakes and rivers, Co. Leitrim is a mostly inland county. The Shannon Erne Waterway, Europe’s longest inland navigable waterway, stretches through the county and has fostered a burgeoning river-cruising and leisure-fishing industry.

William Butler Yeats spent the turn of the twentieth century fascinated with Lough Allen and much of Leitrim. Just north from Manorhamilton can be found Glencar Waterfall, which was an inspiration to Yeats and is mentioned in his poem The Stolen Child. Leitrim is epitomised by its dynamic county town, Carrick-on-Shannon whose setting, location, flourishing economy and active social scene make it one of the most sought after locations in the West.

County Leitrim is renowned for its creative energetic spirit, with many people relocating to Leitrim to establish a business and enjoy the great quality of life it has to offer. As well as creative industries, Leitrim has created new jobs in key sectors such as international services, medical devices, engineering, manufacturing, professional services and eco-tourism.

Famous Leitrim people include 1916 revolutionary Seán MacDiarmada, actor James Cagney’s parents both had family in Co Leitrim. Of course the eminent writer John McGahern, spent much of his life in Leitrim. More recently Leitrim was made famous for hosting Irish rugby star, Brian O’Driscoll’s wedding to actress Amy Hubermann.  >> More here

Leitrim Case Studies

"I firmly believe that we would not get this team interaction and core company stability anywhere other than the West of Ireland." 

Ronan Haslette left his job in the FMCG industry in Dublin to come back to Co Leitrim and take over the management reins of his family business, Merenda Ltd. In this short video, Ronan speaks of the work-life balance benefits of managing a business in Co Leitrim. >> More here

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Inspirational Surroundings and Creativity Abounding in Co. Leitrim

It is no surprise that Co. Leitrim has the highest proportion of people working within the creative sector – 4.4% of total employment in the county is in the creative industries. This is according to Creative West: The Creative Sector in the Western Region, a 2009 report by the Western Development Commission.

Jeweller Erika Marks, who has a studio in The Leitrim Design House, tells how working in the Western Region has helped her in this LookWest.ie case study “It is such a stimulating and peaceful natural environment that is conducive to creative work and thinking.”  >> More here

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WDC Report recommends Prioritisation of Regional Policy in an Economic Downturn

The resources of less developed regions are not being utilised fully. But mobilising these resources and the unfulfilled potential in regions such as the Western Region, will add to overall national economic growth. It is a waste of talent and opportunity if the full potential of all regions is not realised. That’s according to Why Care About Regions? A New Approach to Regional Policy, a Policy Briefing published recently by the Western Development Commission (WDC).  >>

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Volunteer Advocates Wanted in Co Roscommon

The National Advocacy Programme is looking for people who would like to become a volunteer advocate for older people in residential care.
Are you interested in working with older people, non-judgmental and a good listener and have about 3 hours to spare per week. Then you could be the person they are looking for!

They are currently recruiting in the Roscommon area.  >> More here

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'Capture a Sligo Summer Moment’ - Photo Competition with Great Prizes

Sligo is buzzing this August Bank Holiday weekend; Leonard Cohen and Westlife both have concerts at beautiful Lissadell House and there's a great fringe festival in Sligo to make sure concert-goers have a great time.  To support these great events, LookWest.ie has launched a very exciting photo competition, in association with Sligo's Capture Gallery and Sligo Chamber. 

We want you to share your most inspiring, exciting, fun-filled photos capturing the perfect Sligo Summer moment.  Landscapes, surf-scapes, festivals, gigs and summer fun-filled shots - the competition will capture the buzz and magic of Sligo.  We have some great prizes including a netbook from Fastcom Broadband.  >> More here

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