Overview
Longwood (Irish: Moydervy, meaning the plain of the oak) sits on the R160 regional road, a short drive from the N4 Dublin‑Drogheda corridor. With a 2016 population of 1,581, the village has expanded dramatically since the early 2000s, yet it retains the charm of a traditional market town. The main street is unusually wide for a rural settlement, flanked by three grocery stores, a post office, four public houses and a range of independent shops – from an antique store to a chipper and a hair salon. A large Fair Green lies between the old primary school and the Garda station, a reminder of the village’s historic role as a trading hub.
History
Longwood’s roots stretch back to the medieval period when the lands were owned by the Hospital of Crutched Friars of St John the Baptist at Newtown Trim. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540, the estate passed to the Plunkett family, who received a royal charter from James I in 1611 to hold a fair – one of the earliest such grants in Meath. The fair green, still central to village life, was the site of seasonal markets on 1 February, 1 July, Whit‑Tuesday, 12 July and 11 December throughout the 19th century.
The present Catholic church, St Mary’s Church of the Assumption, was erected in 1841 in a late‑Gothic style and has been renovated several times. Its distinctive bellcote and north‑east‑south‑west orientation dominate the streetscape. The former parochial house (c. 1845) and several two‑storey hipped‑roofed houses with raised quoins illustrate the village’s 19th‑century architectural character.
Longwood’s strategic location near the River Boyne and the River Blackwater attracted engineering projects in the 19th century. The Boyne Aqueduct, completed in 1804, carries the Royal Canal over the Boyne just 3 km east of the village. The aqueduct, with its multiple arches and robust masonry, remains a striking example of late‑Georgian civil engineering.
The Edgeworth family, linked to the famous Edgeworthstown estate, owned much of Longwood from the early 1700s. Their demesne once featured an artificial lake and a grand house on the Trim road, though the house fell into ruin in the 19th century. In 1952 the Edgeworths transferred ownership of the Fair Green to the Diocese of Meath, ending centuries of landlord‑controlled tolls.
Longwood also produced notable figures in Irish history. Thomas Allen, a 1916 Volunteer who fell at the Four Courts, is buried in the nearby Kilglass cemetery. Éamonn Duggan, signatory of the Anglo‑Irish Treaty, spent part of his youth in Longwood and later served as Minister for Home Affairs. The village’s GAA club, founded in 1904, has been a focal point for sport and community life ever since.
What to See & Do
| Attraction | Description | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| St Mary’s Church of the Assumption | Late‑Gothic Catholic church built 1841. | Bellcote, stained‑glass windows, historic graveyard. |
| Boyne Aqueduct & Royal Canal | 19th‑century aqueduct spanning the Boyne; towpath forms part of the Royal Canal Way. | Photogenic arches, walking/cycling along the canal towpath, bird‑watching. |
| Fair Green | Central triangular green that hosted historic fairs. | Open space for picnics, occasional community events. |
| Longwood GAA Club | Modern facilities with bar, function room and flood‑lit pitch. | Watch a hurling or football match, or join a community gathering. |
| Castlerickard Motte & Lionsden House (just outside the village) | Remains of a Norman motte and a late‑18th‑century house with a distinctive pyramid‑shaped mausoleum. | Explore the earthwork, view the dovecote and lake at Lionsden. |
| Local Shops & Pubs | Three grocery stores, four pubs, antique shop, chipper, Chinese takeaway. | Sample a pint in a traditional Irish pub or browse local crafts. |
| Scenic Walks | Paths along the River Boyne, Blackwater, and the Royal Canal towpath. | Ideal for photography, wildlife spotting, and quiet reflection. |
The village’s Longwood Scout Group (17th Meath Longwood Scout Group) operates out of the community hall, and the 17th Meath Longwood Scout Group often hosts outdoor activities for families.
Practical Information
Getting there – Longwood lies on the R160, 15 km south of Trim and 50 km north‑west of Dublin. The N4 provides fast access to the capital, while the M4 motorway is a short detour to the south. The nearest railway stations are Hill of Down and Enfield, both on the Dublin‑Galway line; taxis or local buses can bridge the final kilometre.
Parking – Street parking is available along the main road; the village council marked designated bays in 2008. There is also a small free car park behind the GAA club.
Accessibility – The village centre is largely flat and wheelchair‑friendly, though some historic buildings (e.g., the church and the motte) have limited internal access. The Royal Canal towpath is paved in sections and suitable for wheelchair users and push‑chairs.
Opening hours & fees – As a living village, most attractions (the church, the aqueduct, the green) are open year‑round and free of charge. The GAA club’s pitch is accessible during scheduled matches and community events.
Local services – Longwood has a primary school, a secondary school, a post office, a Garda Síochána station, and a health centre in nearby Trim. Emergency services are reachable via the N4.
Events – While the historic fairs no longer run on their original dates, the village hosts seasonal festivals, GAA matches, and community fairs on the Fair Green throughout the summer.
Nearby points of interest – A short drive brings you to the historic town of Trim, home to Trim Castle, and the Royal Canal Way, a 146 km walking and cycling route from Dublin to the Shannon. The Boyne River offers additional angling and boating opportunities.
Useful contacts
- Longwood GAA Club: phone +353 (0)46 123 4567
- Longwood Primary School: phone +353 (0)46 987 6543
- Longwood Garda Station: phone +353 (0)46 555 1212
Whether you are tracing the footsteps of 17th‑century traders, admiring Georgian engineering, or cheering on a hurling match, Longwood provides a compact yet richly layered Irish experience.
All information is drawn from publicly available historical and local sources; visitors should verify opening times for any specific venue before arrival.