DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Longford

County Longford, located in Ireland’s Midlands within the province of Leinster, is one of Ireland’s smallest counties, with a population of 46,634 (2022 census). Known as “O’Farrell County” or the historic territory of Annaly, it’s part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, offering a tranquil blend of lush landscapes, ancient history, and vibrant cultural traditions. Centered around Longford Town, with charming villages like Clondra, Edgeworthstown, Granard, and Ballymahon, Longford is ideal for those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Visitors can expect serene waterways, archaeological treasures, literary heritage, and lively festivals, all set against a backdrop of rolling pastures and boglands.

Longford is Ireland’s fourth smallest county by size and second smallest by population (46,751). Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect, based on available information:

Historical and Cultural Attractions:

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre (Kenagh, 10km south of Longford Town): This center showcases Europe’s largest preserved Iron Age bog road, dating to 148 BC, with an 18-meter stretch of oak planks displayed in a climate-controlled hall. Guided tours (€5 adults) explain its construction for wheeled vehicles, offering a rare glimpse into prehistoric Ireland. A reconstructed trackway outside adds context.
Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre (Ardagh, 10km northeast): Housed in an 1898 schoolhouse, this center explores Ardagh’s history from Irish mythology to its early Christian roots and estate village era. Exhibits, a craft shop, and a café encourage visitors to create art inspired by the village’s past (€5 entry, family-friendly).
Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre (Edgeworthstown, 15km east): Dedicated to the 19th-century novelist Maria Edgeworth, this center in an 1840 schoolhouse highlights her family’s role in founding Ireland’s national school system. Artifacts and guided tours (€5) connect to literary figures like Walter Scott and Oliver Goldsmith, with the Edgeworth Literary Trail exploring nearby sites like St. John’s Church.
Granard Motte and Bailey (Granard, 20km northeast): One of Ireland’s finest Anglo-Norman fortifications (circa 1199), this 534ft motte, the highest in Ireland, offers panoramic views. The Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre in Granard provides immersive tours with Norman reenactments and artifact digs (€10 adults).
Ballinamuck Visitor Centre (Ballinamuck, 20km north): This center in a former 1846 RIC barracks details the 1798 Battle of Ballinamuck, the final battle of the 1798 Rebellion. Exhibits and trails to battle sites and “Croppies’ Graves” offer insights into Ireland’s revolutionary history (€5 entry).
Monastic Sites: Longford’s Early Christian and medieval monasteries include Abbeylara, Abbeyshrule, and Saints Island on Lough Ree, with well-preserved ruins open to visitors (free). Inchcleraun Island (Quaker Island) on Lough Ree, accessible by boat, features St. Diarmaid’s 6th-century monastery and is steeped in legends of Queen Maeve (€20–€30 boat hire).

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities:

Lough Ree: Forming Longford’s western boundary with Roscommon, this expansive lake on the River Shannon is a hub for fishing (pike, trout) and boating. Lough Ree Access for All Boat Trips from Ballyleague (90 minutes, €15) are wheelchair-accessible and showcase islands like Inchcleraun. Rumors of a lake monster add intrigue.
Royal Canal: Stretching 150km from Dublin to Clondra, this restored canal offers scenic walking, cycling, and boating. Rent kayaks or barges in Clondra (€20–€50/day) or cycle the Royal Canal Greenway (free). Richmond Harbour in Clondra is a picturesque stop with canal locks and a visitor center.
Newcastle Wood (Ballymahon, 20km south): This 325-hectare Coillte-managed forest features walking trails, wildlife (red squirrels, deer), and a variety of flora. The Newcastle Loop (5km) is ideal for families, with picnic areas and playgrounds (free entry).
Lough Gowna: On the Cavan border (25km northeast), this lake offers fishing and tranquil walks, with its reedy shores evoking ancient Irish mythology. Nearby trails connect to historic sites like Ardagh (free).
Center Parcs Longford Forest (Ballymahon): Set in 400 acres of woodland, this holiday village offers over 100 activities, including a heated indoor pool, ziplining, archery, and a spa. Lodges range from one-bedroom to eight-bedroom with hot tubs (€100–€300/night).

Cultural and Craft Experiences:

Casey’s Bogwood Sculptures (Newtowncashel, 15km southwest): Father-and-son artists Michael and Kevin Casey craft intricate sculptures from 5,000-year-old bogwood. Studio tours (€10) include demonstrations and a gift shop, showcasing Longford’s bogland heritage.
Cloughan Farm & Cookery School (Cloughan, 10km south): Run by Local Food Hero Fiona Egan, this sustainable farm offers hands-on cooking classes using homegrown ingredients. Farm walks and tastings (€20–€50) immerse visitors in rural life.
Traditional Music and Pubs: Pubs like The Richmond Inn in Clondra and O’Boyle’s in Killoe host traditional music sessions, especially on weekends (free, drinks €5–€7). Longford’s “great craic” ensures a warm atmosphere.

Towns and Villages:

Clondra: A picturesque canal village where the Royal Canal meets the Shannon, offering Richmond Harbour, traditional pubs, and canal-side walks.
Edgeworthstown: A literary hub with the Maria Edgeworth Centre and historic St. John’s Church, linked to Oliver Goldsmith and Oscar Wilde.
Granard: Known for its motte and heritage center, with a vibrant market town vibe and cozy cafés.
Ballymahon: Home to Center Parcs and Newcastle Wood, with a growing arts scene and riverside charm.
Ballinamuck: A historic village with a focus on the 1798 Rebellion, offering a quiet base for exploring northern Longford.

Culinary Scene:

Longford’s dining emphasizes local produce. The Richmond Inn in Clondra serves hearty dishes like Irish stew (€10–€15), while Center Parcs offers diverse dining options (€20–€40). Farmers’ markets in Granard and Ballymahon feature artisan cheeses and baked goods. Cloughan Farm’s tastings highlight sustainable fare.

Activities and Events:

Festivals: The Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival (September, Longford Town) celebrates bluegrass and folk music (€20–€50 tickets). The Longford Set Dancing Weekend (November) showcases athletic set dancing with workshops and competitions (€10–€30).
Sports: Pearse Park in Longford Town hosts Gaelic football and hurling matches (€5–€15), with a passionate local fanbase. County Longford Golf Club, founded in 1894, offers an 18-hole course (€20–€30 green fees).

What’s New for 2026 in County Longford

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Awards (Spring 2026): This new initiative honors community contributions, with public events in Longford Town showcasing local talent, crafts, and performances. Visitors can attend award ceremonies and related cultural exhibitions (free entry).
Microsoft Dream Space Showcase (May 19–30, Weekdays): Over 400 children from Longford primary schools will display STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) projects at this Longford Town event, inspiring families and visitors with interactive tech displays (free, public invited).
Culture Night 2026 (September): Longford expands its Culture Night with small grants (€1,000) for local artists and venues to host new events, including music, storytelling, and art workshops across towns like Granard and Ballymahon (free or low-cost).
Longford-Westmeath Emigration Oral History Project: Launched in 2026, this collaboration between Longford and Westmeath County Councils explores Irish emigration to Argentina, with public talks and exhibitions at venues like the Ballinamuck Visitor Centre (€5–€10).
Royal Canal Greenway Enhancements: New 2026 signage and guided eco-tours along the Royal Canal in Clondra emphasize sustainable tourism, with added bike rental stations (€15–€30/day) to explore the 150km route.
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre Upgrades: The center introduces new interactive displays in 2026, including virtual reality recreations of Iron Age life, enhancing its educational appeal (€5–€7 entry).

Visitor Tips for 2026:

Best Time to Visit: May (Microsoft Dream Space) and September (Culture Night, Johnny Keenan Festival) offer vibrant events and mild weather (10–15°C). November’s Set Dancing Weekend is lively but cooler. Winter (December–February) has lower hotel rates but wetter conditions, pack waterproof gear.
Getting Around: Longford is 1.5 hours from Dublin via the N4/M4. Longford railway station, on the Dublin-Sligo line, offers frequent services (€15–€20). Bus Éireann connects to Granard and Ballymahon (€5–€10). Renting a car (€40–€60/day) is best for rural sites like Corlea or Inchcleraun. Ireland West Airport (Knock) is 1 hour away.
Accommodation: Stay at Center Parcs Longford Forest for family-friendly luxury (€100–€300/night), Longford Arms Hotel for central convenience (€80–€120), or B&Bs in Clondra (€50–€80). Book early for festival weekends.
Accessibility: Corlea Trackway, Ardagh Heritage Centre, and Center Parcs are wheelchair-accessible, but sites like Granard Motte and Inchcleraun have uneven terrain or require boat access. Contact venues for details.
Currency: Euro (€). Tip 10–15% in restaurants if no service charge is added.
County Longford in 2026 offers a serene escape with its ancient trackways, literary trails, and scenic waterways, enhanced by new cultural events, tech showcases, and sustainable tourism initiatives, making it a hidden gem in Ireland’s Heartlands. For more details, visit www.longford.ie or www.ireland.com.

County Longford, in Ireland’s Midlands, is often overlooked by tourists, making it a treasure trove of hidden gems for those seeking authentic, crowd-free experiences. Known for its lush landscapes, ancient history, and literary connections, Longford offers serene escapes and unique attractions away from the well-trodden paths of Ireland’s more famous counties.