The Village

In the Late 1800′s Drumsna was a very important town for Leitrim. It was the resting place for horse drawn carriages and the harbour was a thriving delivery port, it was the main trading town in Leitrim.

Drumsna 1900

In 1874, the construction of the Canal led to a change of the Shannon navigation and this alter the status of Drumsna

Drumsna used to have its own jail and its own court house in those earlier days.

Up until 1996 the main Dublin to Sligo road ran through the village but the village still managed to retain its old fashioned ‘country village’ character. The village has since been bypassed by a new main road, the N4.

Drumsna has many historical associations,

Probably the most famous son of Drumsna (so Far) is the Explorer Thomas Heazle Park, who was born in Cloghter House. He spent a lot of his youth in Drumsna, prior to qualifying as a surgeon. Park took part in the Nile expedition and crossed Africa though the jungles of the Congo.

Within a short distance of the village, stands the ivy-covered ruins of the mansion where the novelist Anthony Trollope based his interesting novel, the McDermott’s of Ballycloran.

Doon of Drumsna

Excavations in the summer of 1989 unearthed huge stretches of a Stone Age wall – one of the oldest artificial structures in the world. This is know as the Doon of Drumsna.

 

Strawbridge MemorialRobert Strawbridge , The famous Methodist Preacher was born in Gortconnellan Drumsna, in 1732. The Wesleyan historical society erected a memorial to him in 1992.

The famous Mathematician Dr James Booth, innovator of the Public Examination in England was born in Lavagh Drumsna.

Drumsna for many years had in residence an order of Franciscan Nuns.

Drumsna Old School HouseThe old school House is now without pupils but was the scene of an historical incident concerning Patrick Daly known locally as The Professor. In 1881 Patrick Daly received a letter from The department of Education about his supposed involvement with Parnell. A copy of his reply is recorded for posterity.

 

Drumsna Church Window

The beautiful Roman Catholic Church stands proudly on the hill overlooking the village.

It was built in 1845 by Father George Gearty P.P. Annaduff . The magnificent stained glass windows were paid for by parishioners at a time when money was scarce and times were hard . They remain there for posterity in remembrance of those long gone .

Drumsna River Side Walk

Today Drumsna is a vibrant prosperous village, proud of its culture, heritage and achiements. The village has recently won the All Ireland Pride of Place Competition, held a successful writers weekend and hosted the County Fleadh Ceol.The quay side in Drumsna is the end of navigation on the River Shannon and is noted for it’s peacefulness and tranquility. Many boat rallies have chosen this lovely harbour for their festivities.

 

Drumsna Community Resourse CentreThe village has a new Community and Resource Centre with facilities that is second to none.

Drumsna Centre

The village also boasts a range of businesses, shops, pubs, restaurant and guesthouses.