County Longford, nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with its serene waterways, ancient boglands, and greenways, anticipates a year of continued sustainable tourism growth in 2026. Focus areas include enhancements funded by the EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, strategic plan implementations, and a flagship community festival. Ongoing projects and events will improve accessibility and experiences at key sites.
- Longford Lights Festival: Returning for its fourth and final year from 19–22 February 2026 at Connolly Barracks in Longford Town, this community-led light festival features illuminated art installations, a nighttime bicycle parade, and events themed around ‘Lightly Playful’. Created in collaboration with local schools, organisations, and international artists, it transforms the town into a captivating nighttime destination, boosting early-season visits and local economy.
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre Enhancements: Progressing under the EU Just Transition Fund, 2026 will see further improvements including reviewed signage for better awareness, enhanced historical and cultural interpretive elements, and potential conservation options for the Iron Age roadway display. These upgrades aim to elevate the visitor experience at this site preserving Europe’s largest excavated Iron Age bog road.
- Royal Canal Greenway Visitor Experience and Connectivity Upgrades: Ongoing investments will advance visitor facilities along the greenway, including improved connections to towns like Clondra and better amenities for walkers and cyclists. This enhances the 130km route’s appeal as Ireland’s longest greenway, promoting active tourism through Longford’s scenic canal landscapes.
- Clondra Village Enhancements: Funded developments continuing into 2026 include public realm improvements, outdoor facilities, and safer cycling/walking links to neighbouring areas. These upgrades make the historic harbour village at the canal’s Shannon junction more welcoming for greenway users and waterway visitors.
- Implementation of County Longford Tourism Strategy 2023–2027: Actions in 2026 focus on sustainable, connected tourism, including promotion as a ‘destination of choice’, community collaboration, and integration with Hidden Heartlands initiatives. This supports dispersed experiences across sites like the Royal Canal, Center Parcs, and bogland trails.
- Potential New Trails and Single Trail Landmark: Advancements in a dedicated single trail network, anchored by a new eye-catching landmark gateway, are expected to progress in 2026. This initiative aims to immerse visitors in Longford’s rural landscapes, encouraging longer stays and eco-friendly exploration.
These efforts align with broader regenerative tourism goals, emphasising community involvement and environmental care. For the latest details, consult official sources such as Longford Tourism, Longford County Council, or Discover Ireland, as project timelines and new funding opportunities may bring additional announcements throughout the year.
New
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
Longford:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
