County Longford, Ireland Travel Guide

Discover the untouched beauty and rich heritage of County Longford, Ireland – a haven for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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County Longford

County Longford, nestled in the heart of Ireland, offers a serene escape with its lush landscapes and historical charm. Known for its rolling green hills and tranquil lakes, Longford provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The county’s rich heritage is evident in its ancient ruins, grand estates, and folklore, making it a captivating destination for all ages. Visitors can explore the stunning St. Mel's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture that stands proudly in Longford town. The Royal Canal, winding through the county, offers picturesque walking and cycling paths, allowing tourists to soak in the serene beauty of the Irish countryside. For a touch of history, a visit to the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre is a must. Here, you can marvel at a preserved Iron Age bog road dating back to 148 B.C. County Longford is also a haven for anglers, with its numerous lakes and rivers teeming with fish. Lough Ree and the Shannon River provide ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports. After a day of exploration, visitors can relax in the county’s cozy pubs and enjoy traditional Irish music and hospitality. With its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, County Longford promises an unforgettable Irish experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring County Longford.

Bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the countryside.
Visit St. Mel's Cathedral early in the day to avoid crowds.
Check local fishing regulations if planning to fish in Lough Ree or the Shannon River.
Consider renting a bike to explore the Royal Canal towpaths.
Pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable.

Top City Travel Guides in County Longford

The cities of County Longford, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Athlone

Explore County Longford: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in County Longford

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

St Mel's Cathedral

Explore the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of St Mel's Cathedral in Longford, Ireland - a must-visit tourist attraction.

4.8

Leebeen Park

Experience the tranquility of Leebeen Park in Co. Longford, a picturesque retreat perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

4.8

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

Explore the rich heritage of ancient Ireland at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, where history and nature blend seamlessly.

4.8

Newcastle Wood Walk

Explore the breathtaking Newcastle Wood Walk in Co. Longford, a serene national forest perfect for nature walks, picnics, and wildlife spotting.

4.7

Best landmarks in County Longford

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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Center Parcs Longford Forest

Experience the ultimate getaway at Center Parcs Longford Forest, where adventure meets relaxation in the stunning Irish countryside.

4.6

St Mel's Cathedral

Discover the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of St Mel's Cathedral in Longford, a must-visit for every traveler seeking history and tranquility.

4.8

Leebeen Park

Explore the tranquil beauty of Leebeen Park in Co. Longford, a perfect escape into nature for tourists seeking relaxation and adventure.

4.8

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

Discover the ancient Corlea Trackway and immerse yourself in Ireland's rich archaeological heritage at the Visitor Centre in County Longford.

4.8

Best restaurants in County Longford

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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The Rustic Inn

Experience authentic Irish hospitality at The Rustic Inn in Abbeyshrule - where hearty meals meet local brews in a charming atmosphere.

4.7

Take 2 Restaurant & B&B

Discover authentic Irish cuisine at Take 2 Restaurant & B&B in Longford – where every meal tells a story.

4.5

Mekong Asian Street Food

Savor authentic Asian street food flavors at Mekong Asian Street Food in Longford – a culinary delight for all taste buds.

4.5

Luigis Longford Main Street

Discover the delightful flavors at Luigi's Longford - where fast food meets family-friendly dining in the heart of Ireland.

4.4

Best bars in County Longford

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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The Rustic Inn

Discover the warmth of Irish tradition at The Rustic Inn in Abbeyshrule, offering delicious food, local brews, and cozy accommodations.

4.7

Skellys Bar & Guest House

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Skellys Bar & Guest House in Ballymahon, where delicious food and friendly hospitality await.

4.7

Edward J Valentines Bar

Experience authentic Irish hospitality at Edward J Valentine's Bar in Longford, where great drinks and a warm atmosphere await.

4.4

PV's Hotel and Restaurant (Longford)

Discover the lively atmosphere of PV's Hotel and Restaurant in Longford, where great food meets vibrant entertainment and welcoming accommodations.

4.5

Best nightclubs in County Longford

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Best Nightclubs

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Edward J Valentines Bar

Discover the lively atmosphere of Edward J Valentine's Bar in Longford, where great drinks and local entertainment await every visitor.

4.4

PV's Hotel and Restaurant (Longford)

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and entertainment at PV's Hotel and Restaurant in Longford, where cuisine meets vibrant nightlife.

4.5

Duignan's Tallyho

Discover the authentic Irish pub experience at Duignan's Tallyho in Longford, where great drinks and lively atmosphere await you.

4.8

Market Bar

Discover the heart of Longford at Market Bar – a lively venue for great food, drinks, and live music in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.1

Best shops in County Longford

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Spirit Clothing

Explore Spirit Clothing in Longford for stylish family apparel, offering a diverse selection for men, women, and children.

5.0

Home Store + More

Explore a unique selection of home goods and decor at Home Store + More in Longford, a shopper's paradise for quality and affordability.

4.6

Longford Shopping Centre

Explore Longford Shopping Centre - a vibrant retail hub with diverse shops, delightful dining, and exciting events for a memorable shopping experience.

4.2

Penneys

Explore trendy fashion and unbeatable prices at Penneys in Longford, the ultimate shopping destination for style-savvy travelers.

4.3

Explore County Longford on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in County Longford, mapped for you.

County Longford Essentials

County Longford is located in the Midlands region of Ireland. The nearest major airport is Dublin Airport, approximately 125 kilometers away. From Dublin, you can either rent a car or take a direct train to Longford town, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Bus services are also available from Dublin to Longford, operated by Bus Éireann and other private operators.
County Longford is well-connected by public transport. The main town, Longford, has a train station with regular services to Dublin and Sligo. Buses operated by Bus Éireann and other companies connect Longford to neighboring counties and towns. Taxis are readily available in Longford town, and renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the more rural parts of the county.
The official currency of Ireland is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in County Longford. ATMs are available in Longford town and other larger villages, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas.
County Longford is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard safety precautions. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in parked cars and be cautious when walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 or 999 for immediate assistance. Longford town has a local police station (Garda Síochána) and medical facilities, including a hospital. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Longford town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and weather-appropriately. Ireland's weather can be unpredictable, so layers are advisable. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially in religious sites. Remove hats and avoid loud conversations in churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi'. A handshake is common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and drinks. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.
To experience County Longford like a local, visit the local farmers' markets where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage in conversations with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting historical sites such as St. Mel's Cathedral and the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre. For a unique experience, take a boat trip on the River Shannon, which offers beautiful landscapes and a chance to see local wildlife.

When is the best time to visit County Longford?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for County Longford

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in County Longford. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHello
  [Hel-lo]
- GoodbyeGoodbye
  [Good-bye]
- YesYes
  [Yes]
- NoNo
  [No]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [Pleez/You're wel-kum]
- Thank youThank you
  [Thank you]
- Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry
  [Ex-cuse me/Sor-ry]
- How are you?How are ya?
  [How are ya?]
- Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [Fine. And you?]
- Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?
  [Do ya speak Ing-lish?]
- I don't understandI don’t get it
  [I don’t get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please
  [I'd like to see the men-u, pleez]
- I don't eat meatI don’t eat meat
  [I don’t eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI’d like to pay, please
  [I’d like to pay, pleez]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Go away!
  [Go away!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [Call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a doc!]
- I'm lostI’m lost
  [I’m lost]
- I'm illI’m not well
  [I’m not well]
- I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...
  [I'd like to buy...]
- I'm just lookingI’m just looking
  [I’m just look-ing]
- How much is it?How much is it?
  [How much is it?]
- That's too expensiveThat's too dear
  [That's too dear]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya lower the price?
  [Can ya low-er the price?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
- MorningMorning
  [Morn-ing]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Af-ter-noon]
- EveningEvening
  [Eve-ning]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yes-ter-day]
- TodayToday
  [To-day]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [To-mor-row]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [Where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the ad-dress?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [Can ya show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of County Longford

County Longford, known in Irish as An Longfort, meaning 'the port,' has a history that stretches back to ancient times. The area is rich with archaeological evidence, including ringforts and crannógs (artificial islands), indicating its significance in early Irish society. These ancient structures offer a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers who thrived in this fertile landscape.
In medieval times, County Longford was part of the Kingdom of Annaly, ruled by the O'Farrell clan. The O'Farrells were powerful Gaelic chieftains who controlled much of the Midlands. Their influence is still evident today, with numerous historical sites and ruins bearing their mark, including the remnants of their strongholds.
The arrival of the Normans in the 12th century brought significant changes to Longford. The Normans, led by Richard de Tuite, established several castles and fortifications in the region. One notable example is Granard Motte and Bailey, an impressive earthwork structure that stands as a testament to the Norman military presence in Longford.
During the early 17th century, Longford was part of the Plantation of Ulster, a policy implemented by the English Crown to settle Scottish and English Protestants in Ireland. This period saw the displacement of many native Irish and the establishment of new towns and estates, significantly altering the social and cultural landscape of the county.
County Longford played a notable role in the 1798 Rebellion, a significant uprising against British rule. Local leaders and residents joined the United Irishmen in their quest for independence. The Battle of Ballinamuck, fought in Longford, was one of the final battles of the rebellion, ending in defeat for the Irish forces but cementing Longford's place in the annals of Irish revolutionary history.
The Great Famine of the mid-19th century had a profound impact on County Longford, as it did on the rest of Ireland. The population of Longford was decimated by starvation and emigration. This tragic period is commemorated by various memorials and famine graveyards throughout the county, serving as poignant reminders of the hardship endured by its people.
County Longford has a rich literary heritage, being the birthplace of several notable Irish writers. Maria Edgeworth, a prominent Anglo-Irish novelist, spent much of her life at Edgeworthstown House in Longford. Her works, which offer social commentary on the Ireland of her time, are still celebrated today. Additionally, poet and playwright Oliver Goldsmith, famous for 'The Deserted Village,' was educated in Longford, further cementing the county's cultural significance.
In contemporary times, County Longford has continued to evolve while preserving its rich historical and cultural heritage. The county is known for its vibrant festivals, traditional music, and welcoming communities. Longford town, with its blend of historical sites and modern amenities, serves as a hub for exploring the county's diverse attractions.