The Global Paddling Community

Playspot, Ireland, Leitrim County, Shannon River, Jamestown Weir

What's it like

In the county of Leitrim, just off the N4 lies a nice little early summer play spot on the River Shannon. The feature is formed by gates on the Shannon designed to hold enough water above the gates to allow the cruisers access to the upper reaches of the Shannon waterway during summer. During winter the levels above and below the gates are the same, but in early summer they close some gates to hold back the water. After a few weeks a chute of water forms a play spot.

The feature varies between a wave or a hole, depending on the water levels and how many gates are open. It is hardly ever the same twice. But no matter what kind of feature is formed, getting vertical is always possible.

The water after the feature can be quite shallow, so use your eyes to judge the depth and make sure your roles are fast and solid. It can hurt. Also the eddy lines can be very boily so pay attention. They can make rolling quite difficult.

How to get there

To reach this play spot take the N4 out of Carrick and Shannon towards Dublin. About 2 kms out from Carrick there is a signposted turn to the right for Jamestown. Take the turn and in a few minutes you will see the big red gates on the river to your left.

Locals

Mind your behavior here as access is a luxury we can't afford to lose. Be respectful to the locals. This is a small, closely knit community and all it would take is one smart mouth paddler to mess up access to this spot for the rest of us.

Info sources

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PS The photos are quite old but hopefully we will get more this summer, which will show the spot better.