Nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, County Longford invites you to explore its serene landscapes, meandering waterways, and rich history. From the ancient wooden roads of the Corlea Trackway, an Iron Age marvel preserved in the bog, to the peaceful banks of the Royal Canal and the River Shannon, Longford is a testament to natural beauty and enduring heritage. Enjoy tranquil lakeside walks, delve into the stories of medieval monastic ruins, or simply relax in welcoming towns that offer a slower, more deliberate pace of life.
Ballymahon, longford
Sunlit humidity greets guests as they step into the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, where warm mist and the gentle splash of water create a year‑round summer feel. Beyond the pool, over 400 self‑catering lodges nestle within 400 acres of mixed woodland, offering families a full programme of indoor and outdoor activities.
Keenagh, longford
When workers from Bord na Móna unearthed the oak planks in 1984, they revealed the Danes’ Road—a 148 BC Iron Age causeway now the largest prehistoric wooden trackway in Europe. Today an 18‑metre section lies climate‑controlled in the visitor centre, while the surrounding peat board‑walk invites quiet contemplation of the ancient engineering feat.
Mullinaghta, longford
Only forest in County Longford preserves both an 18th‑century walled garden foundation and a 12th‑century ringfort within its 179‑acre bounds. Three colour‑coded loops—Nature Trail, Walled Garden Loop and Main Avenue Walk—lead walkers past stone bridges, the Clooneen River and panoramic views of Lough Gowna.
Edgeworthstown, longford
Imagine a modest, plain‑looking mansion that welcomed Sir Walter Scott, William Wordsworth and chemist Humphry Davy for lively evenings of ideas. Although the interior now serves as a nursing home, the surrounding literary trail and Maria Edgeworth Centre keep the house’s Enlightenment spirit alive for curious visitors.
Granard, longford
Who can stand atop Ireland’s highest motte and glimpse nine counties in a single glance? At Granard Motte, the 1199 earthwork erected by Norman knight Richard de Tuite offers sweeping vistas, a bronze St Patrick statue and a forthcoming Norman Heritage Park that recreates medieval village life.
Lough Ree, longford
In the early 1800s, Quaker Edward Fairbrother built a stone cottage from the abbey’s sacred stones, an act said to anger St Diarmaid’s spirit. Today the island’s ruined churches and grazing livestock sit amid tranquil fields, accessible via a modest east‑side landing.
Keenagh, longford
Misty mornings hover over the Royal Canal as you arrive in Keenagh, where the scent of peat hints at ancient engineering. The village’s highlight, the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, shelters a 12‑metre section of a 148 BC oak bog road, offering a tactile glimpse into Iron Age travel.
Granard, longford
Richard de Tuite’s 1199 earthwork towers over Granard, anchoring the Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre’s immersive journey through Norman Ireland. Costume dress‑up, weapon training and a climb up Ireland’s tallest motte let families experience the clash between Rory O’Connor and Diarmuid MacMurrough that reshaped the island.
Midlands, longford
Brian Boruma mustered a fleet of 300 boats on Lough Ree in 988 AD, underscoring the lake’s strategic role on the Shannon waterway. The island‑dotting lake now hosts pike over 9 kg, important bird habitats and wheelchair‑friendly boat trips that trace its historic waterways.
Newtowncashel, longford
Morning mist rolls over Lough Ree as the village’s tidy‑town charm greets visitors. Beyond the calm waters lie the ruins of Elfeet Castle and Inchclearaun Island’s seven early‑Christian churches, echoing a landscape shaped since the 6th century.
Maynooth, kildare
Longest greenway in Ireland stretches 130 km of flat towpath from Maynooth to Cloondara, threading 90 bridges, 33 locks and four aqueducts. The award‑winning route invites cyclists, walkers and runners to explore historic canalside villages, the Hill of Uisneach and the Corlea Trackway visitor centre along a gentle, traffic‑free corridor.
County Longford, longford
Echoes of organ music mingle with the scent of limestone as you step into St Mel’s towering bell‑cote in Longford. After a devastating 2009 fire, the restored interior now showcases hand‑carved Ionic columns and stained‑glass that capture both history and contemporary artistry.
