100 Things to Do in County Longford

  1. Longford Greyhound TrackEnjoy an evening at The Longford Greyhound Racing Track, a unique and fun filled experience. Betting service, full bar facilities, and take away food are all available.
  2. Midland PaintballingGet the adrenalin pumping with a hour or two spent at the exhilarating Midland Paintballing course
  3. Midland KartingBring out the daredevil in you and go karting at Midland Karting in Edgeworthstown, the best Karting Track in the country.
  4. Longford Mega BowlJoin up with a group of friends or as a family for an evening of fun and show off your bowling skills while having a beer at Longford MegaBowl.
  5. The Royal Canal at ClondraExperience the pleasure of boating on the historic Royal Canal, navigable the whole way from Dublin to the magnificent Richmond Harbour in Clondra Co.Longford.
  6. Richmond Harbour in ClondraTake a wander around the quaint village of Clondra which is full of memories of canal life, then enjoy a pint of Guinness and some fine Irish food at Richmond Inn Guesthouse.
  7. Tubing on the River InnyMake a visit to The Outdoor Discovery Adventure Centre in Ballymahon where you can get advice on the best spots for Kayaking, Canoeing, Whitewater rafting, Tubing, Zorbing and many other water sports on  County Longford’s myriad of rivers, lakes and canals.
  8. Fishing on the ShannonEnjoy some of the Ireland’s best fishing at over 30 lakes, rivers and canals around the county.
  9. Abbeyshrule AirfieldLearn to Fly! atAbbeyshrule Airfield, the only airport in the Midlands and the location for the longest running International Air Show held annually in August.
  10. View of Lough Gowna from Derrycassin Woods Meander through Derrycassin Woods located in Dring Co.Longford, while taking in the splendid views of lovely Lough Gowna.
    Map of Derrycassin Woods
  11. Newcastle House in BallymahonEnjoy a leisurely walk through Newcastle Woods & view Newcastle House a 300 year old Manor House and former home to the King Harmon family.
    Map of Newcastle Woods
  12. Edenmore BogwalkExplore the bogs of Ballinamuck and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the pristine Edenmore Bog by making the 4.5km looped walk.
    Map of Edenmore Bogwalk
  13. Turf CuttingWitness the centuries old tradition of turf cutting in Co Longford and learn about the importance of conservation for the boglands of Ireland.
  14. Corlea Trackway Heritage CentreVisit Corlea Trackway Heritage Centre – the site of the largest iron-age bog road in Europe, dating to 148BC.
  15. Humberts surrender to the British at BallinamuckFollow the historical Ballinamuck trails retracing the steps of those brave women and men who fought at the Battle of Ballinamuck in 1798.
  16. Ballinamuck R.I.C Barracks Visit Ballinamuck Heritage Centre in the old R.I.C Barracks in Ballinamuck.
  17. The Royal Canal WayWalk, cycle or boat the Royal Canal Way from Longford to Dublin, or simply enjoy the County Longford stretch of the Royal Canal Way which takes in many picturesque towns and villages in the county.
  18. Brannigan HarbourVisit Brannigan Harbour on the Royal Canal in Ballymahon and view the original ticket office.
  19. Abbeyshrule on the Royal CanalDrive or boat to the picturesque village of Abbeyshrule on the Royal Canal - Tidy Towns Gold Winner 2009 & 2010.
  20. Ardagh VillageDiscover Ardagh Heritage Village –An historical gem in the midlands of Ireland - designed by J Rawson Carroll the famous Victorian architect.
  21. VM Restaurant at Viewmount HouseDine at VM Restaurant named in the 'Bridgestone 2010 Guide to the 100 Best Places to Eat', which offers an elegant and sophisticated experience for the gourmet food lover.
  22. Aubergine Gallery CafeTreat the tastebuds with some delicious Irish/mediteranian fusion style food, wonderful coffee and a chilled glass of prosseco at the funky Aubergine Gallery Café.
  23. Boating on the ShannonWatch the boats come in on the River Shannon at Tarmonbarry on the Longford/Roscommon border.
  24. Keenans Restaurant on the Shannon at TarmonbarrySample the fare at Keenans restaurant in Tarmonbarry, located on the banks of the Shannon at Longford/Roscommon border, - Taste of the Waterways winner for 2010.
  25. The Richmond Inn & Guesthouse in ClondraEnjoy traditional music and fare with excellent hospitality at The Richmond Inn, located at Richmond Harbour in Clondra.
  26. Richmond Harbour Celebrations on the re opening of the Royal Canal 2010Enjoy the celebrations at Richmond Harbour on the Royal Canal at the Clondra Canal Festival.
  27. Barley HarbourEnjoy the splendid scenery at Barley Harbour & Elfeet Bay near Newtowncashel in South Longford.
  28. monastery ruins on Saints IslandStand on the ground of the saints and scholars of Ireland at Saints Island on Lough Ree.
  29. Queen MaeveVisit Inchcleraun Island, associated with the famous Irish epic The Tain Bo Cuailgne. This Island was Queen Maeves favourite bathing place and also the spot where she met her untimely death. It is also the burial site of Maeves sister Clothra from whom the Island gets it's name.
  30. Granard Motte and BaileyWonder at the height of Granard Motte and Bailey and chat with the locals about the many stories attached to it's history and significance.
  31. The Greville Arms HotelStay at the Greville Arms Hotel – which was often frequented by General Michael Collins, the famous Irish military hero and great love of Kitty Kiernan, whose family owned the premises at the time.
  32. General Sean Mc Keons Forge in BallinaleeVisit Ballinalee the home place of General Sean McKeon 'The Blacksmith of Ballinalee. See the family Blacksmith Forge and the location of the famous Irish stand against the British, The Battle of Ballinalee.
  33. Pitch and PuttPlay a game of Pitch and Putt at Acres Pitch and Putt Club in Ballinalee village.
  34. Queen of the Harp at the Granard Harp FestivalEnjoy the mellow sounds of the Irish Harp at the Granard Traditional Harp Festival.
  35. Granard Harp Festival CompetitionsLearn to play the Harp at the many workshops taking place at the festival in Granard.
  36. The Sean Og Set Dancing FestivalLearn Sean Nos dancing - Get your dancing shoes on for the Sean Og Set Dancing Festival held annually in September.
  37. Sean Nos Dancing in the Longford Arms HotelAttend a three day ceile of round the clock music and dancing in The Longford Arms Hotel.
  38. The Longford Arms HotelPractice your Gaeilge by joining an evening of Irish speaking in the Longford Arms Hotel on New Street Longford.
  39. The banjo FestivalBe part of the excitement in the ‘Banjo capital of Europe’ when The Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival turns Longford into a haven for master banjo players, musicians and music lovers from all over the world. Held annually in September.
  40. Maria Edgeworth Sculpture outside EdgeworthstownVisit Edgeworthstown – The ancestral hoMAria Edgeworth Sculpture outside Edgeworthstownme of the famous author Maria Edgeworth who is buried in St Johns graveyard in the town. This is also the burial place of Isolde Wilde – sister of Oscar Wilde.
  41. Oliver GoldsmithTake the Oliver Goldsmith Trail and visit the sites associated with this famous Longford author.
  42. Padraic ColumVisit the site of Longford Workhouse, the birthplace of the renowned author Paraic Colum.
  43. Castleforbes in NewtownforbesArrange a visit to view Castleforbes and it's grounds in Newtownforbes.
  44. The Mall Park in Longford TownEnjoy the tranquillity of the Mall Park in the centre of town and try out some of the new outdoor exercise equipment.
  45. NewtowncashelTake a drive to the picturesque village of Newtowncashel near Lough Ree in South Longford and enjoy the many wonderful walks in the area.
  46. Set of Three Herons by Michael CaseyVisit the bog wood studios of the Caseys at Barley Harbour in Newtowncashel. Michael and Kevin create amazing works of art from the bog woods of oak, yew and pine.
  47. Kenagh Clock TowerVisit the viilage of Kenagh to view the historical Kenagh Clock Tower built in 1878 by the tenants of Lawerence King Harmon in his memory. Lawerence King Harmon resided at Newcastle in Ballymahon and was at the time landlord over 28,000 acres in South Longford.
  48. AbbeydergVisit the ruins of the 13th century Augustinian monastery of Abbeyderg which is located about 5km from Kenagh. The remains of Maiolin O’Mulgonry, who has been described as Chief Ollamh and poet of Ireland were buried here.
  49. National ISPCA Centre in KenaghBring the family to the National ISPCA Centre in Kenagh for a day trip. This will delight the children who will perhaps find a pet to give a new home to.The centre holds an annual festival and family fun day.
  50. Mosstown Harbour in KenaghVisit Mosstown Harbour on The Royal Canal at Kenagh. The harbour  is used by locals and visitors alike for boating, fishing, and other water sports.
  51. Cruising at LanesboroughEnjoy some fishing or boating on the Shannon at Lanesborough in south Longford.
  52. Aughnacliff Portal TombDrive to Aughnacliff in North Longford to view one of the most impressive megalithic portal tombs in the country. The nearby parish of Cleenrath also has a dolman reputed to have been the resting place of Diarmud and Graine in Irish mythology.
  53. Cairn Hill in WinterClimb Cairn Hill, the highest point in County Longford, and enjoy splendid views of the surrounding countryside.
  54. Longford Marathon 2010Test your speed and endurance by taking part in the annual Longford Marathon which draws athletes from around the country as well as the four corners of the globe.
  55. Michael CollinsDrop into Caseys Pub in Newtownforbes, one of the oldest and most historical pubs in Co Longford, and favourite drinking place of General Michael Collins and comrades when he visited the county.
  56. Wards Urban Day SpaPamper yourself and friends with an amazing Yonka aromatheraphy facial or hot stone massage at Wards Urban Day Spa on Ballymahon Street, Longford.
  57. Lower Main Street LongfordSpend some retail therapy hours in the excellent boutiques and shops of Longford town.
  58. Keoghs Trad BarPlay some music or join the singing at the weekly Trad Sessions in Keoghs Trad Bar on Lower Main Street in Longford.
  59. Strokestown Park HouseImmerse yourself in the literary world of poetry by taking part in the annual International Poetry Festival at nearby Strokestown Park House.
  60. Educate yourself and your family by taking part in the activities at Lough Ree Environmental School in Lanesborough, held annually in July in conjuction with Lanesborough Arts Festival.
  61. Goldsmith International Literary FestivalMingle with the literary greats of today in celebration of Oliver Goldsmith, a literary great of yore at The Goldsmith International Literary Festival.
  62. County Longford Golf ClubPlay a few rounds of golf on the county Longford's excellent 18 hole golf course located just 5 minutes outside of Longford town.
  63. Secret Bridge at Derrycassin WoodsExplore the great outdoors and make a wish at the secret bridge in Derrycassin Woods.
  64. MullinalachtaTake a drive through the beautiful area of Mullinalachta and enjoy the amazing unspoilt countryside of hidden Ireland.
  65. Barley Harbour outside NewtowncashelEnjoy splendid views of Elfeet bay and the Islands of Lough Ree while picnicing, swimming, fishing or boating at Barley Harbour outside Newtowncashel.
  66. Canal Bridge at BarryVisit the quaint village of Barry and take a stroll along the banks of the canal.