OFF the beaten track in Ireland’s county Longford

Off-the-Beaten-Track Attractions in County Longford

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre (Kenagh): Near Kenagh, this small but fascinating visitor centre showcases the Corlea Trackway, an Iron Age oak road discovered in a bog, dating to 148 BC. The preserved section, displayed indoors, offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric engineering. The centre includes informative exhibits on bog preservation and ancient life, while a short outdoor trail explores the surrounding peatlands. Its remote location ensures a quiet visit, perfect for history enthusiasts. The nearby village of Kenagh adds a quaint stop for a coffee or pub visit. The centre has introduced new interactive displays, including a virtual reality experience of the trackway’s construction, enhancing the visitor experience. Guided tours with local experts are scheduled more frequently in 2026. Check www.heritageireland.ie for hours and events.
Newcastle Wood (Ballymahon): Just outside Ballymahon, Newcastle Wood is a serene 900-acre forest with quiet walking and cycling trails along the River Inny. The trails wind through mixed woodlands, offering chances to spot wildlife like red squirrels and kingfishers. Less crowded than larger parks like Center Parcs, it’s ideal for a peaceful nature escape. The nearby Inny River is popular for fishing, adding to the tranquil appeal. New interpretive signage highlighting local flora and fauna was added in 2026, and a family-friendly nature trail with scavenger hunt activities has been introduced. Check www.coillte.ie for trail maps.
Quaker Island (Lough Ree, near Lanesborough): Accessible by boat from Lanesborough, Quaker Island is a small, tranquil island on Lough Ree with an old graveyard and ruins linked to early Quaker settlers. The peaceful setting, surrounded by the lake’s shimmering waters, offers stunning views and a sense of isolation, perfect for photographers and history buffs. Boat trips provide opportunities to spot waterbirds like herons. Its obscurity ensures a crowd-free experience. New Lough Ree Access for All Boat Trips, departing from Ballyleague, now include Quaker Island stops, with wheelchair-accessible options. These 90-minute tours run three times daily. Book via www.loughreeboattrips.com.
Casey’s Bogwood Sculptures (Newtowncashel): In the village of Newtowncashel, this unique studio and gift shop showcases the work of father-and-son team Michael and Kevin Casey, who craft intricate sculptures from 5,000-year-old bogwood preserved in local peatlands. Visitors can tour the workshop, learn about the craft, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces. The intimate, family-run setup offers a personal glimpse into Longford’s artistic heritage, far from mainstream tourist routes. The Caseys have added a small outdoor sculpture garden, open to visitors in 2026, featuring larger bogwood installations. Workshops for small groups to try bogwood carving are planned for summer. Check www.caseysbogwoodsculptures.com for details.
Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre (Ardagh): In the picturesque village of Ardagh, this small centre celebrates Longford’s heritage with interactive exhibits on local history, including the village’s connection to the 19th-century novel “The Black Prophet” by William Carleton. The centre offers art workshops and guided tours of the village, including St. Mel’s Church and its historic graveyard. The serene setting and creative vibe make it a hidden gem for cultural explorers. New art and storytelling workshops inspired by Longford’s literary heritage are scheduled for 2026, alongside a digital tour app for self-guided exploration. Check www.creativeardagh.com for updates.
Moydow Parish Graveyard (Moydow): Near Longford town, this historic graveyard and church ruin in Moydow offer a peaceful glimpse into the county’s past, with headstones dating back to the 17th century. The quiet, rural setting, surrounded by rolling fields, is ideal for those interested in local history or seeking a reflective escape. The site’s obscurity keeps it free from crowds, with views of the countryside adding to its charm. A new community-led project in 2026 has restored parts of the graveyard, with added signage detailing notable burials. Guided historical walks are planned for summer. Check www.limerick.ie for local event updates.
Edgeworth Literary Trail (Edgeworthstown): This self-guided trail in Edgeworthstown traces the legacy of novelist Maria Edgeworth and her family, with stops at Edgeworthstown House, St. John’s Rectory (linked to Oliver Goldsmith), and St. John’s Church, where Oscar Wilde visited his sister’s grave. The trail offers a quiet exploration of Longford’s literary heritage, with serene countryside views. Less known than Dublin’s literary sites, it’s perfect for book lovers. A new digital guide for the Edgeworth Literary Trail, including audio narrations, was launched in 2026, enhancing the self-guided experience. Check www.discoverireland.ie for the app.
Leebeen Park (Lanesborough): A small, tranquil park near Lanesborough, Leebeen Park offers a quiet riverside walk along the River Shannon with a duck pond, playground, and scenic views of Lough Ree. Less frequented than Longford’s busier amenities, it’s a great spot for a relaxed family outing or a peaceful stroll, with benches for soaking in the calm atmosphere. The park added new picnic areas and a nature trail with birdwatching guides in 2026, making it more inviting for families. Check www.longford.ie for updates.
Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre (Granard): In Granard, this interactive centre explores the town’s Anglo-Norman history, with exhibits on Ireland’s highest Norman motte. Visitors can experience a recreated Norman home, engage in a “Norman CSI” artifact dig, and learn about figures like Henry II. The centre’s small size and off-the-radar status ensure a personal, crowd-free visit, ideal for history enthusiasts. New augmented reality features were added in 2026, allowing visitors to visualize Norman life through digital reconstructions. Seasonal medieval reenactments are planned. Check www.knightsandconquests.com for schedules.
Derrycassin Woods (Dring): Near Lough Gowna, Derrycassin Woods offers quiet walking trails through mature woodlands, with views of the lake and chances to spot wildlife like otters and herons. The trails, managed by Coillte, are less visited than other regional forests, providing a serene escape for hikers and nature lovers. The nearby village of Aughnacliffe adds a quaint stop for refreshments. New trailhead signage and a downloadable trail map were introduced in 2026, improving accessibility. A community-led birdwatching event series is planned for spring. Check www.coillte.ie for details.

General Tips for Visiting

Getting Around: A car is essential for exploring Longford’s rural attractions, as public transport is limited. Bus Éireann serves Longford town and Ballymahon (www.buseireann.ie) (www.buseireann.ie), but schedules are sparse.
Weather and Gear: Longford’s boggy and wooded areas can be wet, so wear sturdy, waterproof shoes and check forecasts, especially for outdoor sites like Derrycassin Woods or Newcastle Wood.
Planning: Some sites, like Casey’s Bogwood Sculptures or Ardagh Heritage Centre, may require advance booking for tours or workshops. Check individual websites for hours and availability.
2026 Events: Longford is promoting its hidden attractions in 2026 with new digital guides, community events, and eco-friendly initiatives like enhanced walking trails. Local tourism boards are focusing on sustainable travel, with updated signage and apps for self-guided tours.

These off-the-beaten-track attractions in County Longford offer a mix of ancient history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, ensuring a peaceful and authentic experience. The 2026 updates, including digital enhancements and new events, make it an ideal time to discover Longford’s quiet charm. For more information, visit www.longford.ie or www.discoverireland.ie.