- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre: Near Kenagh, this centre showcases a preserved Iron Age bog road from 148 BC, one of Europe’s largest wooden trackways. Visitors can expect guided tours of the excavated trackway, interactive exhibits on bog preservation, and a replica of the ancient oak road. Open April–September, free entry. Ideal for history buffs and those curious about prehistoric engineering.
- St. Mel’s Cathedral: In Longford town, this 19th-century Catholic cathedral, restored after a 2009 fire, is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture. Visitors can expect to explore its grand interior with intricate mosaics, stained-glass windows, and a soaring dome. Free entry, open daily, with occasional guided tours. A serene stop for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual history.
- Carrigglas Manor: Near Longford town, this 1837 Gothic Revival manor, once home to the Lefroy family, offers limited public access for guided tours (seasonal, by appointment). Visitors can expect to see period interiors, a costume museum with 19th-century garments, and landscaped grounds with stables and a tunnel. Entry fees apply. Perfect for history lovers and fans of grand estates.
- Newcastle Woods: A 900-acre forest park near Ballymahon, along the River Inny. Visitors can expect scenic walking trails through mixed woodlands, with chances to spot wildlife like red squirrels and kingfishers. Picnic areas and fishing spots add to the appeal. Free entry, open year-round. Ideal for families, walkers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat.
- Granard Motte and Bailey: In Granard, this 12th-century Norman motte is one of Ireland’s highest, offering panoramic views of five counties. Visitors can expect a short climb to the summit, where a statue of St. Patrick marks the site’s early Christian links. Free to visit, with interpretive signs. A quick stop for history buffs and those seeking scenic vistas.
- Longford Centre for Arts, Culture & Heritage (Backstage Theatre): In Longford town, this cultural hub hosts theatre, music, and art exhibitions, with a focus on local history and creativity. Visitors can expect performances, workshops, or exhibits in a modern venue, with a small heritage display on Longford’s past. Event tickets vary; check schedules. Ideal for culture lovers and those interested in contemporary Irish arts.
- Lanesborough and Lough Ree: On the River Shannon, Lanesborough is a gateway to Lough Ree, one of Ireland’s largest lakes. Visitors can expect boating, fishing, or kayaking, with cruises available from the marina. The Lough Ree Access for All Boat offers inclusive tours. Walking trails and birdwatching (e.g., herons, swans) enhance the experience. Free to explore; activity fees apply. Perfect for water sports and nature lovers.
- Ardagh Heritage Village: In Ardagh, this picturesque village, inspired by the 19th-century designs of Lady Harriet Fetherston, features a heritage trail. Visitors can expect a self-guided walk past St. Brigid’s Church, the Fetherston Clock Tower, and quaint cottages, with a small visitor centre explaining the village’s history. Free to explore, open year-round. Ideal for those seeking charming, historical settings.
- Ballinamuck Visitor Centre: In Ballinamuck, this centre commemorates the 1798 Rebellion, where Irish rebels and French allies fought British forces. Visitors can expect exhibits on the battle, local folklore, and a replica of a pikeman’s cottage. Open seasonally, with a small entry fee. A poignant stop for history enthusiasts interested in Ireland’s revolutionary past.
- Inchcleraun Island (Quaker Island): In Lough Ree, accessible by boat from Lanesborough or Coosan Point, this island features 6th-century monastic ruins, including churches and a bullaun stone linked to St. Diarmuid. Visitors can expect a boat trip (hire required) and self-guided exploration of the ruins, with peaceful lake views. Free to visit, weather-dependent. Perfect for history buffs and those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Attractions
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth\ – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Longford:
Ireland’s county Longford offers a peaceful blend of history and countryside, with the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre showcasing an ancient Iron Age road. The county’s St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford town provides architectural beauty, while the River Inny offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Other attractions include the rolling farmlands and historic Ardagh village. Longford is Ireland’s fourth smallest county by size and second smallest by population (46,751). Population peaked at 115,491 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 28,250 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Longford is Ireland’s 32nd most visited and Ireland’s least visited tourist county with around 22,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
