Things to Do in Longford: The Midlands' Hidden Playground

Discover the best things to do in Longford, from the spectacular Center Parcs forest resort to ancient bog roads and secret lakeside spots that even most Irish visitors miss.

Bryan Collins

09 Jul 2025 — 8 min read

Longford sits at the gateway to Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, a town that carries the distinction of being one of the oldest settlements along the Royal Canal. Unlike its flashier Leinster neighbors, Longford rose to prominence in the 6th century when St. Mel established his church here—predating many of the region's better-known religious settlements like Clonmacnoise.

The county town might be compact, but it punches well above its weight. While Dublin, Kilkenny, and Westmeath often grab the tourist spotlight, Longford offers something increasingly rare in Ireland: authentic experiences without the crowds. It's a place where locals still outnumber visitors at attractions, and where the landscape shifts dramatically from bogland to waterways to rolling farmland within minutes.

Must-See Longford Attractions

1. Center Parcs Longford Forest

This sprawling forest resort has transformed Longford's tourism scene since opening in 2019. The 400-acre woodland paradise offers over 100 indoor and outdoor activities, from subtropical swimming to zip-lining. Best visited midweek to avoid crowds, you'll need at least a full day to explore properly. While Wicklow's Powerscourt and Kilkenny Castle might draw more international visitors, locals know Center Parcs offers a comprehensive family experience that rivals anything else in Leinster.

2. St. Mel's Cathedral

St. Mel's Cathedral, Longford aerial photograph

Longford's architectural crown jewel underwent a €30 million restoration after being devastated by fire on Christmas Day 2009. The results are stunning—particularly the ethereal light that pours through the restored stained glass. Visit around 11am when the sun hits the windows perfectly, and allow 45 minutes to appreciate the craftsmanship. The resurrection of this cathedral represents one of Ireland's greatest architectural restoration stories, with more authentic local craft than the renovations at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.

3. Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

Just outside town lies one of Europe's most significant archaeological discoveries: an Iron Age oak road dating to 148 BC. The preserved 18-meter section of track offers a remarkable window into prehistoric engineering. Visit in the morning to catch the excellent guided tour (around 60 minutes), which explains how this ancient trackway across the boglands predates many of Ireland's famous monastic sites by centuries. The surrounding boardwalks through the bog offer a sensory experience unique to Ireland's midlands.

4. The Royal Canal Greenway

Royal Canal east of D'Arcy's bridge, Co. Westmeath

Longford marks the northwestern terminus of Ireland's longest greenway, stretching 130km back to Dublin. Rent bikes in town (€25/day at Longford Bike Hire) and cycle the serene canal path. Allow 2-3 hours for a leisurely return journey to Clondra, where you'll find the canal's junction with the River Shannon. While the Grand Canal gets more attention in other Leinster counties, Longford's section of the Royal offers more wildlife spotting opportunities and fewer cyclists.

5. Ardagh Heritage Village

This picturesque village just 20 minutes from Longford town is where the famous Ardagh Chalice was discovered in 1868. The heritage center explains the significance of this 8th-century masterpiece (the original is in the National Museum). Time your visit for Wednesday afternoons when local historians offer walking tours (about 90 minutes) that reveal how this small settlement influenced Irish ecclesiastical art more significantly than many of Meath's better-known historical sites.

6. Newcastle House & Woodlands

This Georgian mansion and its surrounding forest walks offer a perfect afternoon escape. The house operates as a hotel but welcomes visitors to explore its grounds and forest trails. Visit in autumn when the woodland colors are at their peak, and allow 2 hours to fully explore. The walled garden restoration project here employs traditional methods that gardening enthusiasts will appreciate more than the more commercial offerings at Powerscourt or Kilkenny Castle.

Join Leinster Insider+

Longford's Hidden Treasures

Barley Harbour

This tiny harbor on Lough Ree is possibly County Longford's best-kept secret. Locals gather here on summer evenings for impromptu swimming and picnics. Few tourists ever find this spot, but it offers some of the most tranquil lake views in the midlands. The small sandy beach is perfect for children to paddle safely, and the surrounding landscape feels more like Connemara than Leinster.

Ballinamuck Battlefield

The site of the 1798 rebellion's final major battle holds deep significance for locals. While Wexford's Vinegar Hill gets all the attention, this north Longford battlefield tells the story of the French troops who came to Ireland's aid. The small museum is maintained by passionate community volunteers who can tell you how General Humbert's forces met their end here after marching across the country. Ask about the "Year of the French" connections that most history books overlook.

Derrycassin Woods

While visitors flock to Wicklow's forests, locals know that Derrycassin offers three marked trails through ancient woodland with spectacular lakeside views. The White Trail (approximately 45 minutes) takes you past the ruins of the Kane family estate and through magnificent oak and beech stands. The woods contain carved wooden sculptures depicting local folklore characters that children love discovering. Visit in late April when the forest floor becomes a carpet of bluebells.

Leebeen Park

This community-developed park in Aughnacliffe features a series of looped walks around a lake, unusual geological formations, and surprisingly comprehensive workout stations. Local folklore says the unusual rock formations were created by a giant's footprints, a story not promoted in tourist literature but passed down through generations of Longford families.

Event Calendar

Spring Events

Longford Literary Festival (April) - This growing literary event attracts Irish authors and poets for readings, workshops and discussions across various venues in town. The festival has gained recognition for showcasing midlands writers often overlooked by larger Dublin-centric events.

Hare Coursing Finals (March) - A traditional rural sport with deep roots in county culture, held at Longford Coursing Club. While controversial among animal rights activists, this event provides insight into traditional rural pastimes that continue despite modernization.

Summer Events

Cruthú Arts Festival (July/August) - Transforming Longford town's streets and buildings into galleries and performance spaces, this festival has revitalized Longford's arts scene. The highlight is often the building projections that turn ordinary facades into spectacular canvases after dark.

Longford Summer Festival (June) - A week of free outdoor concerts in the town center featuring both national acts and local performers. The festival has grown to include food stalls showcasing local producers and craft workshops.

Autumn Events

Longford Marathon (August/September) - Known as "the friendly marathon," this race attracts runners from across Ireland and beyond. The relatively flat course makes it popular with first-time marathoners.

Albert Reynolds Memorial Autumn School (October) - This political think-tank event commemorates Longford's former Taoiseach with debates and lectures on current affairs and history. Unlike similar events in larger cities, the intimate setting allows attendees to engage directly with speakers.

Winter Events

Longford Christmas Market (December) - The town's Market Square transforms into a festive village with local crafters, food producers, and mulled wine stands. The market emphasizes handmade Midlands products rather than imported goods.

St. Mel's Cathedral Christmas Concert (December) - The cathedral's perfect acoustics showcase local choirs performing both traditional carols and contemporary pieces. The setting in the restored cathedral makes this more intimate than similar events in larger Leinster towns.

Family Activities

1. Longford Slashers GAA Club Activities

During school holidays, the club runs open training sessions where visiting children can learn hurling and Gaelic football basics alongside local kids. Unlike formal sports camps in larger towns, these sessions offer authentic cultural immersion with real community interaction. Suitable for ages 6-16, with equipment provided.

2. Mall Complex Swimming Pool

This modern leisure center offers family swim sessions with inflatable obstacle courses during school holidays. The center includes a dedicated toddler pool with interactive water features for the youngest visitors. The viewing gallery lets tired parents take breaks while keeping an eye on older children.

3. Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre

Just outside Longford in Granard, this interactive center brings Norman history to life with hands-on exhibits and armor demonstrations. Their "Little Knights" program for ages 7-12 includes shield painting and mock sword training. The center connects local Norman heritage to the broader story of medieval Ireland in ways children find accessible and exciting.

4. Cairn Hill Adventures

For families with teenagers, this outdoor adventure center offers mountain biking, archery, and orienteering on the slopes of north Longford's highest point. The mixed-ability trails make it suitable for beginners while still offering challenges for more experienced riders. Their covered pavilion area means activities continue regardless of typical Irish weather.

Local Business Highlights

The Rustic Inn

This Abbeyshrule canal-side pub dates to the 1800s and maintains its original character with open fires and stone floors. They're known for their "Boxer Stout" (named after the local boxing tradition) paired with their legendary seafood chowder that inexplicably thrives in this inland location. Time your visit for Thursday evenings when local musicians gather for informal sessions that aren't advertised to tourists.

The Tally Ho

This authentic country pub in Longford's rural hinterland serves the county's best Irish coffee, made with locally-distilled whiskey and fresh cream from neighboring farms. The recipe remains unchanged since the 1950s and differs subtly from the more famous Foynes version. The walls are decorated with genuine hunting memorabilia from local families rather than the manufactured "Irish pub" aesthetic found in more touristy establishments.

Fabiani

This boutique clothing store has developed from a small family business into a nationally recognized fashion destination. Their exclusive Irish designer collections draw visitors from across the midlands, offering styles rarely found outside Dublin. They've pioneered the concept of "slow fashion" in the region, emphasizing quality and sustainability over fast-fashion trends.

Visit Longford

Longford rewards those willing to venture beyond Ireland's established tourist trail. What the county lacks in international name recognition, it makes up for with authentic experiences, breathing room at attractions, and genuine local interactions that have become increasingly rare in Ireland's tourism hotspots.

The town serves as an ideal base for exploring Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, with the added advantage of accommodations typically priced 30-40% lower than comparable options in better-known Leinster destinations. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or simply a place where your children can experience the Ireland of storytelling rather than gift shops, Longford delivers with understated charm.

Now, check out our guide about things to do in Laois.

🎯 For Locals

Want more hidden gems, ready-made weekend plans & insider picks? Order one of these quick upgrades (coming soon):

📍 Weekend Itinerary Packs – Themed trips with maps, food stops & hidden gems. (e.g. Romantic Wicklow, Rainy Day in Dublin)
📍 Hidden Gems by County – Bonus picks not in this guide, organized by region.