Lough Allen is a large lake in County Leitrim, in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands region, forming the uppermost lake on the River Shannon. Its considerable size allows for extensive kayak exploration, taking in a largely undeveloped shoreline and numerous small islets. The surrounding hills create a funnel effect that channels winds from the north and south, producing conditions well suited to windsurfing and making wind awareness an important consideration for paddlers on open water.

The Drumshamazon tour is a well-established paddling route that begins on the lake's shoreline and passes through a working lock into a quieter, more sheltered waterway. The route continues through lush vegetation to Acres Lake in Drumshanbo, which is home to Ireland's first floating boardwalk, before returning along the Blueway back to the launch point. Guided kayak and stand-up paddleboard tours on this route run as two-hour sessions from the Lough Allen Adventure Centre, with prices starting from €25 per person. A separate tour option involves paddling around O'Connor's Island on the lake itself. The Drumshanbo to Battlebridge stretch of the Shannon, which flows from Lough Allen, covers approximately 15 kilometres and is suitable for fit paddlers, with guided options available for less experienced groups.

The lough and its surrounding coniferous woodland support a notable range of wildlife. Bird species recorded in the area include Merganser, Common Sandpiper, heron, jay, redpoll, crossbill, and curlew. Paddlers may also encounter pine marten along the wooded shoreline, and the viviparous lizard — Ireland's only native reptile — has been recorded in the area as well.

The Lough Allen Adventure Centre, located on the lake's shoreline, provides a base for water-based activities and offers kayak and SUP rentals and guided tours. The centre also has wellness facilities on site. For paddlers looking to connect with the broader Shannon system, the river downstream offers additional sections extending through Carrick-on-Shannon and beyond, with multiple access and egress points along the way.