County Longford is located in the Midlands. The county is a pleasant rural county of lakeland, bogland and pastureland. Being located in the Shannon river basin, Longford is well-known for its fishing, particularly in and around Lough Ree. Its quiet countryside of farmland, bog, low hills and pleasant views make it an ideal spot for a relaxing break.
Top Attractions in County Longford
Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre – Longford Town, Ardagh – Ardagh Heritage Centre is located in an the old 1898 schoolhouse. The story of Ardagh is one of history, literature and storytelling and the exhibition in the centre draws on the rich fabric of Ardagh life down through the ages.
Ballinamuck Visitors Centre – Ballinamuck – In the historical former RIC Barracks you will find this lively exhibition giving details of the battle of Ballinamuck and 1798.
Bogoak Sculptures – Barley Harbour, Newtowncashel – Bogwood is found in Irish Bogs where it has been preserved for 5,000 years. This wood was part of the great forest that covered the central plains of Ireland. Michael and Kevin Casey are artists who create beautiful sculptures from this wood.
Corlea Trackway Visitors Centre – Kenagh – The Centre interprets an Iron Age bog road which was built in the year 148 BC across the boglands close to the River Shannon. The oak road is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe.
Newtowncashel Heritage Centre – Newtowncashel – Traditional Irish Farmhouse with a parlour, kitchen and bedroom featuring furniture, tools, implements and utensils from the early 1930’s.
Main Destinations in County Longford
Edgeworthstown is a successful centre located on the N4. The town has a long association with the celebrated family of Edgeworth, who first settled here in 1583. The Edgeworth family vault, in which Richard Lovell Edgeworth and his daughter Maria, the well known poet, are interred, is in the churchyard of Saint John’s.
Longford Town is located the south bank of the River Camlin and on the main Dublin-Sligo road, is a progressive town and the County Administrative centre. The town is spaciously laid out with wide streets, pleasant buildings and with recent signs of impressive urban development.
Other Towns and Villages in Longford
Abbeyshrule, situated east of Ballymahon in a picturesque valley of the river Inny. A Cistercian abbey founded here in 1150 AD which was one of the earliest in the country.
Ardagh lies to the south east of Longford town and owes its name to the diocese in which the greater part of the county is situated. It is said that St. Patrick founded a church here in the 5th century and installed St. Mel as bishop.
Ballinamuck is one of the most historic towns in north Longford because of the great battle that was fought there in 1798 between the combined Irish and French forces under General Humbert and General Blake and the English under Lord Cornwallis.
Ballymahon is picturesquely situated on the River Inny. The town has a fine wide street, and many associations with Oliver Goldsmith. This area is said to have seminal influence on Goldsmith and formed the inspiration for his future works.
Drumlish is to the west of a ridge of low hills running north-eastwards from Newtownforbes to Arva in County Cavan. A famous episode in Ireland’s history took place here during the Land War.
Granard is a thriving market town located on a busy north/south route (N55). One of its distinguishing features is the Motte of Granard with its Church which is visible from a distance. The town dates its origins back to pre-historic times.
Lanesborough is in a pivoted position located on the River Shannon at the northern entrance to Lough Ree. The town is called after the family name Lane who owned large tracts of land in the vicinity.
Popular locations to stay in Co. Longford are Longford Town (6 places to stay).
Other towns include Abbeyshrule, Annagh, Ardagh, Ballinalee, Ballinamuck, Ballymahon, Clondra, Cloondara, Drumlish, Edgeworthstown, Kenagh, Lanesborough, Newtowncashel, Taghshinny.
Getting Here and Around
Longford is located in the midlands. It is accessible by bus from Sligo, Galway, and Dublin.
Longford is also served by the Dublin-Sligo rail line with stations at Longford Town and Edgeworthstown.
The N4/M4 and N5 national primary routes pass through the county, providing direct access from Dublin and Sligo and beyond.
More detailed information on getting to and around County Longford can be found in our Co. Longford Transport Guide.