From the R280, the road goes east to Drumshanbo, crossing the Lough Allen Canal as it leaves Lough Allen. From Drumshanbo, the road passes Lough Scur and St. John's Lough, crossing the Ballinamore canal at Ballyduff Bridge in Tomloskan townland, before ending at the R202. The R208 is 18.9 kilometres (11.7 mi) long eastbound, shorter westbound.[1]