Discover County Longford

Exploring County Longford

County Longford, located in Ireland’s 'Hidden Heartlands', is a destination with its own rich history and quiet character. Although it's landlocked in the centre of the island, County Longford has plenty of beautiful water features, its borders marked by rivers and loughs. Much of the county border is made by what Shane MacGowan dubbed 'The Broad Majestic Shannon'.

Long associated with the powerful Ó Fearghail clan, a family of lords and princes for 700 years, the county played an important role in Ireland’s Gaelic past, with many place names and landmarks still reflecting this heritage. Scattered across the landscape are ringforts, crannógs, and early Christian sites that reveal how communities once lived, worshipped, and defended themselves. A crannóg is an artificial island built on a lake for dwelling and defensive purposes. A very impressive sight. 

One of Longford’s most remarkable historic attractions is the Corlea Trackway, an Iron Age togher (roadway) dating back to 148 BC and preserved beneath the bog. This extraordinary site offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric engineering and ritual life, and some of the original planks can be seen in the visitor centre on site. 

Medieval ruins such as Abbeyshrule Priory and Saints' Island on Lough Ree speak to the county’s religious significance, while elegant country houses and demesnes recall later centuries of Anglo-Irish influence.

Framed by lakes, rivers, and peatlands, the county's historic sites are closely tied to its natural landscape. For visitors seeking an authentic and reflective experience, County Longford provides a chance to explore Ireland’s past away from the crowds, where history is woven quietly into everyday life.