Things To Do in Longford: For an Idyllic and Great Escape into the South of Ireland

Updated On: April 13, 2024 by   Sara Lynch

Longford is a county in the midlands of Ireland and one of the smallest counties in the land. There is also a cathedral town of Longford in the west-central part of the county, which has a long-standing religious history. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the great things to do in Longford, it’s a beautiful place to escape to and embrace the rural landscapes of Ireland. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or fishing enthusiast, you’ll have a great time in this idyllic county. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p_Xz5rY-8Y

What is Longford known for?

County Longford is known for being the home of the Corlea Trackway, a unique archaeological site located near the village of Keenagh. This site features an impressive wooden road that dates back to the Iron Age of 148 BC.

Top Things To Do in Longford 

Longford has a great range of experiences and attractions to choose from. It is a county steeped in history and full of stunning scenic views that encompass Ireland’s natural beauty. If you happen to be visiting this county soon be sure to check out the following things to do in Longford. 

Explore Nature in Longford 

Despite being inland, Longford is known for its many waterways, such as the River Shannon and several lakes, including Lough Forbes, Drumshanbo Lake and Gulladoo Lake. it is also full of tranquil trails and picturesque woodlands, be sure to check out the spots listed below and relish being surrounded by natural Irish beauty.

Royal Canal Greenway

The Royal Canal Greenway is a 144km scenic walking and cycling route that runs from Longford to Dublin. It follows the path of the historic Royal Canal and is the longest designated walking and cycling trail in Ireland.

The trail takes in a variety of landscapes, from urban areas to rural farmland and peat bogs. 

It passes through several counties: Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, and Longford and has numerous canal-side pubs and restaurants you can stop off at. 

Mall Park

Mall Park, also known as The Mall or Albert Reynolds Peace Park, is a lovely public park located in Longford town, Ireland. It covers a large area of land and offers a peaceful, green oasis in the heart of the town.

When visiting Mall Park you’ll come across the Camlin River, a Monument to General Sean Mac Eoin and Albert Reynolds Peace Pavilion. The are also many sports facilities on site, including a swimming pool, sports and leisure centre, and tennis courts.

Newcastle Wood

Located near Ballymahon, this scenic forest is perfect for walking, bird watching, and enjoying the natural beauty of Ireland. It spans for over 400 hectares and is a delightful destination for outdoor enthusiasts offering many opportunities for leisure and recreation.

Center Parcs 

Center Parcs is adjacent to Newcastle Woods, it’s a popular holiday resort that recently opened in 2019. It features a range of indoor and outdoor activities, on-site restaurants, and accommodations, all conveniently set within 400 acres of woodland.

Historical things to do in Longford 

Longford is a rich historical town, with many ties to Irish history and religious landmarks. Explore the history of Longford and visit the historical attractions that are listed below. 

St. Mel’s Cathedral

A beautifully restored cathedral that’s worth a visit not only for its stunning architecture but also for its inspiring history. This prominent landmark once served as the cathedral for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. It is dedicated to Saint Mél (or Mel), who came to Ireland with Saint Patrick and is said to have been his nephew. 

St. Mel’s Cathedral is built in a Neo-Classical style with a portico of eight Ionic columns. Inside, there are beautiful stained glass windows, including some by the renowned Harry Clarke studios, and intricate mosaic work. The building is constructed mainly from limestone that was quarried locally.

Today, the restored cathedral incorporates a new museum that displays artefacts recovered after the cathedral’s fire in 2009, telling the story of the cathedral’s history, destruction, and restoration.

Ballinamuck Battlefield

Ballinamuck Battlefield is an important site in Irish history, where the final major battle of the 1798 Rebellion took place. The visitor centre offers detailed information about the battle and you can visit the 1798 Monument that pays tribute to the combined Irish and French forces that fought in the battle. 

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

You can visit the Corlea Trackway which is located just outside Longford. This 18-meter stretch of wooden road dates back to the Iron Age in 148 BC and is made of oak planks laid on top of a raised railway of birch, hazel and heather. 

Interestingly, the road seems to have been built through a boggy area that would have been very difficult to traverse. The oxygen-free conditions in the bog preserved the wooden timbers remarkably well, allowing archaeologists to study the construction techniques used in the Iron Age. 

Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre

Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre is located in the picturesque village of Ardagh, County Longford, Ireland. The village itself is steeped in history and is renowned for its Victorian-style architecture, winning multiple awards in the national Tidy Towns competition.

The Centre is housed in a renovated old schoolhouse and aims to celebrate and share the rich heritage and creativity of Ardagh and its surroundings. Visit here to take a deep dive into the history and mythology of the Ardagh region.

Edgeworthstown

Edgeworthstown has a rich literary heritage and is particularly known for its association with the Edgeworth family, who settled there in the late 17th century. The most famous member of this family is Maria Edgeworth, a pioneering novelist of the 19th century who wrote many of her works at the family estate in the town. 

Fun things to do in Longford 

There are a lot of fun things to do in Longford, suited for a range of interests and hobbies, check them out below!

Longford Greyhound Stadium

For a taste of local sport and culture, spend an evening at the races at Longford Greyhound Stadium. Located on Park Road in Longford town, the stadium is a hub of activity on race nights, attracting both locals and tourists who come to experience the thrill of racing, placing bets, enjoying delicious food and soaking up the lively atmosphere.

St. Mel’s Brewing Company

St. Mel’s Brewing Company is an independent craft brewery located in Longford and is named after Saint Mel, the patron saint of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise.

St. Mel’s Brewing Company is committed to using traditional brewing methods to create high-quality, distinctive beers. Their selection typically includes various types of ales, lagers, and seasonal beers. Each brew is crafted with an emphasis on flavour and quality, using only four ingredients: water, malted barley, hops, and yeast.

Fishing/Angling

Longford is known for its fantastic fishing opportunities and is particularly renowned for its coarse fishing, which targets species such as bream, roach, perch, and pike. 

Some of the best locations for coarse fishing include Lough Ree, one of the largest lakes in Ireland, and the Royal Canal, which stretches across the county. The River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, also flows through the area and provides excellent coarse fishing.

Check Out More Things To Do Near Carlingford 

If you are planning on visiting Carlingford anytime soon, be sure to these articles for more things to do around Ireland: Things to do in Mayo | Things to do in Antrim | Things to do in Derry | Things to do in  Fermanagh | Things to do in Armagh | Things to do in County Down | Things to do in Monaghan | Things to do in Roscommon | Things to do in Northern Ireland for Couples | Things to do in Donegal | Things to do in Sligo  | Things to do in Leitrim  | Things to do in Louth  | Things to do in Cavan.