Overview
Albert Reynolds Peace Park – popularly called The Mall – sits at the heart of Longford town on the banks of the River Camlin. This 2.6 km looped walking trail weaves through mature trees, flower gardens and a tranquil pond that attracts ducks and other waterfowl. The park’s recent Green Flag Award (2025, its sixth in seven years) marks it as one of Ireland’s finest public green spaces, celebrated for its biodiversity, clean presentation and community focus.
History & Background
Named after former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, who played a pivotal role in the Northern Ireland peace process, the park was created as a civic tribute to his legacy of reconciliation. Originally a simple town green, it was transformed in the early 2000s through a partnership between Longford County Council, Longford Town Suburbs Ltd and local community groups. The collaborative management plan earned the first Green Flag in 2019 and the park has retained the award every year since, most recently receiving its sixth flag in 2025 – the highest number of awards for any Irish site in the EU that year.
The Green Flag scheme, administered by An Taisce, evaluates parks on eight criteria – from horticulture to community use – and the Mall consistently scores highly, especially for its commitment to biodiversity: herbicides are avoided, wild‑flower areas are allowed to flourish, and pollinator‑friendly plants are deliberately planted.
Recent Developments
Inclusive Fitness Zone (opened March 2026)
Longford County Council unveiled a purpose‑built outdoor fitness zone in March 2026. The area features a circular running track, a range of exercise stations, monkey bars, a stationary bike, an accessible hand‑bike, a climbing rope and a standing squat machine. Each piece carries a QR code with video instructions, making it easy for beginners. The zone was designed after extensive consultation with pupils from four local primary schools and is fully free to use.
Weather‑related closures
The park is normally open year‑round, but severe weather can force temporary closures. In January 2025 the park was closed after Storm Éowyn caused fallen power lines and several downed trees. The council posts any such notices on the park’s page on the Longford County Council website.
What to See & Do
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Walking Trail | A 2.6 km loop that connects to a larger 4.6 km town‑and‑park walk, part of the Slí na Sláinte health route. A downloadable map is available on the council site. |
| Timelessness Sculpture | A stone circle by local artist Gary Robinson, created for the new millennium. Three stones are inscribed; a fourth is reserved for a future artist. |
| Outdoor Gym | Updated equipment (2020) plus the 2026 inclusive Fitness Zone. |
| Playground | Modern, safe play area for children, situated near the pond. |
| Bowling Green & All‑Weather Pitches | Well‑maintained green for lawn bowls and football, used by local clubs. |
| Basketball Courts | Open courts that host informal games and community tournaments. |
| Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool | Part of the Coral Leisure complex, offering indoor swimming, a gym and other sports facilities adjacent to the park. |
| Parkrun | A free, weekly 5 km run/walk organised by Longford Parkrun every Saturday morning. |
| Wildlife | Ducks, swans and a variety of birds frequent the pond; seasonal wildflowers attract pollinators. |
Visitors can pause at numerous scenic picnic spots, many of which overlook the river or the landscaped gardens. A new pedestrian bridge, installed alongside the refreshed gym equipment, improves circulation and invites more people to explore the park’s quieter corners.
Art and Monuments
- Timelessness stone circle – Gary Robinson’s millennium‑era sculpture forms the visual centre of the park. Three of the stones bear engraved messages; a fourth stone is intentionally left blank for a future artist, symbolising continuity.
- Albert Reynolds Peace Pavilion – A modest glass‑fronted pavilion near the pond provides shelter for community events, exhibitions and seasonal markets. It is frequently used for local school performances and craft fairs.
- General Sean Mac Eoin Monument – A bronze statue commemorating the Irish War of Independence commander stands on the park’s northern edge, offering a quiet spot for reflection.
- Camlin River walk – The river runs alongside the park’s northern boundary. A well‑signposted footpath links the park to the wider Camlin River trail, ideal for a gentle riverside stroll.
Additional Activities & Facilities
- All‑weather AstroTurf pitches – Flood‑lit synthetic pitches support football and other team sports year‑round, and are booked by local clubs and schools.
- Community Summer Festival – Held each July on the central lawn, the festival features live music, food stalls and family‑friendly activities.
- Winter Lights – In December the Timelessness circle and main pathways are illuminated with festive lighting, creating a magical evening ambience.
- Health & Wellbeing – The park forms a key segment of the Slí na Sláinte health route, encouraging residents to incorporate walking or running into daily routines.
Events & Seasonal Highlights
- Longford Parkrun – every Saturday at 09:00, suitable for walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities.
- Community Summer Festival – a weekend of music, food stalls and family activities held in the park’s central lawn (usually July).
- Winter Lights – a temporary illumination of the Timelessness sculpture and pathways during December.
- Local school sports days – the inclusive Fitness Zone is frequently booked for primary‑school physical‑education sessions.
Practical Information
- Opening hours – Open daily, no set closing times (subject to temporary closures after severe weather).
- Admission – Free.
- Parking – Limited on‑street parking is available on Battery Road and nearby streets. The Coral Leisure complex provides a larger car park (free for park visitors who also use the leisure facilities). Pay‑and‑display bays are clearly marked.
- Public transport – Longford bus station (on Main Street) is a 5‑minute walk away. Bus routes operated by Bus Éireann and local services stop at the town centre; the nearest stop for the park is on Templemichael Terrace.
- Accessibility – Paths are level and paved, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The new pedestrian bridge and the inclusive Fitness Zone are fully accessible.
- Facilities – Restrooms at the Coral Leisure centre, drinking fountains, benches, and free Wi‑Fi in the central pavilion.
- Contact – For event bookings or enquiries, contact Longford County Council via their main website or call the park’s information desk at the Coral Leisure reception.
Getting There & Nearby Attractions
By car – From the centre of Longford, follow the N4 southwards, turn left onto Battery Road, then right onto Connolly Crescent. The park entrance is at 2 Connolly Cres, Abbeycartron (postcode N39 K0T2).
By foot – The park is a short, pleasant walk from the town centre, the bus station and the railway stop.
Nearby places worth visiting:
- Camlin River – a riverside walk that runs alongside the park’s northern edge.
- Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre – a short bus ride north to explore the ancient bog road.
- Longford Town – historic streets, St Mel’s Cathedral and a range of cafés.
- Connolly Barracks – the flagship regeneration project at the northern end of town.
Summary
Albert Reynolds Peace Park offers a blend of natural beauty, modern recreation and community spirit. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll, a vigorous workout in the new inclusive Fitness Zone, or a family picnic by the pond, the park provides a welcoming, award‑winning environment in the heart of Longford.