Knights and Conquests Exhibition Centre
The Knights and Conquests Exhibition Centre in Granard, County Longford, offers a unique, interactive, part-guided tour that will engage and enthral visitors with Ireland's historic past. The Norman Adventure Tour allows you to rediscover your inner warrior with some weapons training. Hear the stories of Henry II, King Rory O’Connor, and Pope Adrian IV. Explore the skills and crafts of Norman times. Experience how Archaeology pieces history back together in the Norman CSI room. Journey through time and come right up to speed with our more recent past as our exhibition concludes with one of Ireland's most poignant love stories - that of Kitty Kiernan and Michael Collins. The attraction is indoors, suitable for all ages and wheelchair accessible. Photography is allowed. Climb the 12th century Motte afterwards and experience the commanding views across three provinces. Follow the town trail map to explore the rich history of Granard Town. Take to the road less travelled and uncover so much more.
Donnelly's Coaches
Donnelly's Coaches has a friendly and knowledgeable staff who endeavour to fulfil your promises to your clients. With reliable and friendly high-class service, they cater for all types of incoming tours, and with a central location, they are within easy reach of all airport and ferry terminals. They operate a modern fleet of luxury, high line and midi coaches to cater for your needs and the needs of your clients. They also offer such facilities as air conditioning and toilets. Donnelly's Coaches is a member of the CTTC - The Coach, Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland.
Farrelly's Coaches
Farrelly's is a family-run company since their foundation in 1987/88 by Liam and Mary Farrelly. It is now the largest private coach company in the midlands. They operate from a newly opened, ultra-modern headquarters that contains a state-of-the-art workshop and administration block. Their coach fleet is one of the most modern in the midlands and they are fully licensed for national and international travel. They have a long-standing professional team of experienced drivers who are very friendly with customers. All drivers are Garda vetted, and many are now fully qualified, Fáilte Ireland-approved tour guides, meaning they are ready to add a wealth of knowledge and information to your trip. They specialise in touring all around Ireland, catering for both US and European clients.
The Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre
The Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre in Edgeworthstown, County Longford, is in one of Ireland’s oldest national school buildings that opened in 1841. The Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre pays homage to the celebrated 18th century novelist Maria Edgeworth, a notable pioneer of literature, a feminist and social commentator of her time. She was considered a lioness by literary giants including, Wordsworth, Scott and Jane Austen. Using a combination of audio, visual and interactive displays in seven languages, you will learn about a progressive thinking family and how they played a major role in the establishment of the Irish national school system. Visitors can enhance their experience by taking the Edgeworthstown Heritage & Literary Walk which is a guided walking tour through the town's past. Explore the area's connections with historical figures such as Oliver Goldsmith and Oscar Wilde.
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
The increasing depth of mossy, waterlogged ground made movement from place to place difficult for people living in bog areas in days gone by. At Corlea, wooden causeways were laid across the growing bog in 148 BC. The bog has undergone conservation work to keep it wet so that you get the true experience of what life and work were really like in boglands of ancient Ireland. An 18m-long section of the original trackway, the largest of its kind ever excavated in Europe, is on display in the visitor centre. Murals depicting people from the past decorate the centre, so you can get a true feeling for how they lived through displays of tools and objects from the Iron Age.
Ballymahon Greenway Cycles
Ballymahon Greenway Cycles have a range of bikes for hire including adult bikes and trikes, electric bikes, kids' bike trailers, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, children's tag along and bike seats. John at Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is a keen cyclist so knows the trail to suit each rider and has a range of free maps available at the shop to guide you along the way. The enchanting Royal Canal Greenway is 130km of level towpath, ideal for cyclists of all ages and stages. Ballymahon, in County Longford, is a great location to start or continue a cycle, offering a variety of scenic routes from the Royal Canal to Longford Forest.
Creative Ardagh
This welcoming, quaint and curious centre is in an old schoolhouse built in 1898. Take in an exciting exhibition and discover the rich fabric of Ardagh life down through the ages, from the roots of the village in Irish mythology to its development as an important early church site. Over the years, Ardagh has hosted writers and musicians such as Oliver Goldsmith, Sir Walter Scott, Turlough O'Carolan, and Maria Edgeworth. The village has two beautiful churches that are worth viewing, along with a clock tower and the ruins of the original St. Mel's Cathedral. Creative Ardagh transformed the Creativity Centre into a place in which people of all ages are encouraged to explore their creativity, be inspired by the beautiful setting, and create their own individual artwork. They host family events, creativity mornings, group classes, and drop-in art days.
Skelly's Bar and Restaurant
Situated on Main Street, Ballymahon, Skelly's Bar and Restaurant is a 4th generation family run business established by John Skelly in 1850. You can relax in the outdoor beer garden or find yourself a cosy alcove to sit back and enjoy your food and drink. They take pride in sourcing local produce and their menus offer a variety of choices to suit everyone. Take time out for lunch and enjoy freshly made salads, gourmet sandwiches and an array of sweet and savoury snacks. Take a seat at the window or outside and relax while watching the world go by. For dinner, try the tasty Steakhouse menu. Skelly's Bar and Restaurant is your place to pause, relax, indulge and share.
Casey's Bogwood Sculptures
Bogwood is found in Irish bogs, where it has been preserved for 5,000 years. This wood once formed part of the great forest that covered the central plains of Ireland in ancient times. The father and son team at Casey's Bogwood Sculptures has spent 60 years producing sculptures in Bog Oak that have seen them become masters of their art. Known widely the world over, smaller pieces are displayed at their studio gift shop in Newtowncashel, County Longford. To avoid disappointment, please ring the studio before visiting.
Shawbrook Ballet Theatre
Recognised internationally as a centre of excellence for dance and performance, Shawbrook has fostered a nurturing environment of dance creativity for over 30 years. From humble beginnings, Shawbrook Dance is now home to dance studios, a theatre, an outdoor studio, forest walks, and a range of onsite accommodation, including forest cabins in the woods. Their annual programme includes the Shawbrook Residential Summer School, running since 1984, and year-round artist-in-residence programmes, workshops, performances, and seasonal festivals. The fine dance studio has been cleverly designed to fit within the handsome stone-built shell of an old hay barn. The studio doubles as a small theatre complete with light rigging and sound system. There is seating for 50 constructed on a cantilever seating platform that can be hoisted to the ceiling when not in use.
County Longford Golf Club
County Longford Golf Club is located just outside Longford town, on the main N4 route from Dublin. Originally founded in 1894, it is a pretty parkland course with mature trees. A stream comes into play at a number of holes, including the last, so you won’t be able to let your guard down until you are safely back in the clubhouse. Additional water features have also been introduced, especially at the signature hole at number 12. County Longford Golf Club measures over 6,700yd and has a par of 72. Trolley and buggy hire is available, while the clubhouse has a bar, restaurant, and pool facilities. New members and societies are welcome.
Longford Farmers Market
Longford Farmers Market is located in the Market Square in Longford town, County Longford and held every Friday from 9am-2pm. It is a well-established market with a wide variety of produce to choose from. The stallholders are friendly and welcoming and there are plenty of hot treats for you to try while shopping. Have a browse and find plenty to entice you, from free range eggs and home-baked treats to homemade jams and chutneys, homegrown fruit and vegetables, and local honey, hummus, and pesto. There's fresh fish from Killala in County Mayo, and a wonderful selection of flowers and plants in the spring and summer months especially. Longford Farmers Market was originally set up by Longford Community Resources in May 2004. It quickly became an established market in Longford town and the running of it was soon taken over by the stallholders themselves. The market is now run by a committee of active stallholders, so get down to Longford town to see it for yourself.
Edgeworth Literary Trail
Located in the heart of Ireland, just over an hour from Dublin, Edgeworthstown House is the place to discover the charm of 18th and 19th century literary Ireland and follow in the footsteps of famous literary figures Walter Scott, William Wordsworth, Oliver Goldsmith, and Oscar Wilde. Visit the grounds and restored walled gardens of the ancestral home of novelist Maria Edgeworth and her famous father Richard Lovell. A local guide will take you on your walk and relay the tales of this historic period in Irish literature and heritage. You'll visit St John's Rectory, where Goldsmith received his early education and where Isola Wilde, sister to Oscar, died. Edgeworthstown is also the birthplace of Abbé Edgeworth, confessor to Louis XVI of France. Take in St John's Church and graveyard with its Edgeworth family tomb and ancient gravestones, a place Oscar Wilde paid many visits to in order to spend time at the grave of his beloved sister Isola. You can also see 19th century schoolhouses and enjoy morning or afternoon tea in some of the local establishments. Pre booking is essential.
Cloughan Farm & Cookery School
Reconnect with land and food in the company of Longford Hero Food Champions Fiona Egan and her husband Michael Farrell at Cloughan Farm & Cookery School in Cloughan, County Longford. Fiona and Michael are renowned for their warm welcome and down to earth approach. The farm location is beautifully framed within spectacular rural countryside and is only 2km from the picturesque village of Abbeyshrule. Cloughan Farm & Cookery School is alive with activity from hens, dogs, chickens, cows, pigs and lambs. Enjoy a tractor and trailer farm tour around the farm. Deep insights are shared with you into Ireland’s proud agricultural and culinary heritage. Prepare to get hands-on in the kitchen, recreating tasty Irish dishes and delicious desserts with fresh farm ingredients, from kitchen garden vegetables to grass fed beef and lamb, free range reared poultry, bacon and pork. Breathe deep, and slow down to experience daily farm living at Cloughan Farm & Cookery School.
Lough Gowna
Lough Gowna provides very good pike fishing with excellent access and facilities. There are many stretches which provide good bank fishing, too. Most of the shore fishing is accessible from public access points and is generally on clean, fishable shores, but the main areas of the lake are best fished from a boat. Boats can be easily launched at Dernaferst, Lisanny, and Dring. It is also possible to launch boats at Cloone, Aghanoran, and Corfree. Gowna is quite a shallow lake, with depths averaging between 2-8m. Greater depths up to 15m are to be found at the southern part of the lake near Dring. Lough Gowna produces pike all year round, but the most productive periods tend to be early in the season from March to May, and toward the end of the year from September to November. However, fishing may be affected by water temperatures and weather conditions.
Abbeyderg Abbey and Graveyard
Located just 5km from Kenagh, County Longford, the village of Abbeyderg is home to a 13th century Augustinian monastery founded by Gormgall O’Quinn. It was the final resting place of Maiolin O'Mulgonry, who has been described as Chief Ollamh and poet of Ireland. The Abbey remained in existence until 1540 when it, along with four other monasteries in the Annaly region, was surrendered to Henry VIII. The monastery was destroyed in 1567, though some of the structure remains preserved. The priory is surrounded by a graveyard with the majority of the headstones dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Ethical Tours
Ethical Tours provides environmentally friendly bike tours for small groups and private parties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Tours feature the Royal Canal Greenway, Corlea Trackway, Shannon Trails, and Newcastle Forest. These sustainable and accessible experiences connect visitors with nature, history, and local culture. Ethical Tours offer bike hire, guided tours, and mobility friendly options, ensuring everyone can explore at their own pace. Additionally, they provide daily and multi day bike hire with delivery to Center Parcs Resort for guests who wish to explore beyond the resort or use the bikes during their stay. The business is powered by solar energy and committed to maintaining a low carbon footprint.
Abbeyshrule Monastery
In 1150, one of Ireland’s first Cistercian abbeys was established in the picturesque valley of the River Inny in Abbeyshrule village. The site, located in County Longford and just 30km northwest of Mullingar, was founded by the O’Ferralls and colonised by monks from Mellifont. Abbeyshrule was one of the largest abbeys in Leinster. Rectangular in structure, it had a large number of cells, a chapel, sacristy, pantry, kitchens, and refectory. Its situation on the banks of the Inny allowed for easy access to the islands of Lough Ree, Clonmacnoise, and the important town of Kilbixy. Among the ruins, you can find the east end of the church and a lovely pointed doorway.
Ballinamuck Visitor Centre
The Ballinamuck Visitor Centre in County Longford is located in the historic former Royal Irish Constabulary barracks in the picturesque village of Ballinamuck in north County Longford. The centre was officially opened by Mary McAleese, then President of Ireland, in July 1999 and houses a fascinating and lively exhibition. The fateful events of the Battle of Ballinamuck on the 8th of September 1798 are vividly presented with eyewitness accounts from local people and officers of the opposing armies. The exhibition explains the background to these events and the national and international significance of the collision of forces around this County Longford village. After learning about the impressive history of the area you may tread the ground where the battle took place, visiting the many historically significant sites. Opening times vary so please contact before travelling.
Midland Karting
Midland Karting is located in the heart of County Longford in Cranalagh More, Edgeworthstown. The facility consists of a 1,000m outdoor karting track, fully floodlit for racing all year round. A height requirement of 4ft 8in applies to all karting activities. However, there is two twin seater karts in stock for persons that do not meet the height requirement. There is a car park and clubhouse onsite with toilet facilities, tea and coffee, a sweet shop, seating area, and viewing balcony. Over in the clubhouse, why not try the simulation racing centre. Race any car on any track in the world, a great activity for budding Formula 1 stars, young and old. Located beside the track on 17 acres of natural woodland, Midland Paintball invites you to battle through four different game scenarios, from Heart Break Ridge and Forest Storm to The Blitz and Pearl Harbour. If you prefer to spectate at speed events, from March to October, feel free to come and watch the Rotax racing in action. Guaranteed to thrill and delight. Located on the N55, Midland Karting is perfect for parties, corporate outings or just a fun day out.
Kane Coaches
Kane Coaches is based in Longford, 90 min from both Dublin and Galway. They operate a small fleet of modern, high-spec, luxury vehicles. All of Kane's coaches have seating capacity ranging from 31-59, all with a 4 or 5 star rating. Their minibuses can seat up to 14-16, and they are fully licensed for both national and international coach operations. Kane Coaches is experienced in providing luxury transport for group holiday coach hire. You can provide your preferred itinerary or they can offer suggested itineraries that fulfill your special requirements. Kane provides customers with 24 hour support to ensure your experience runs as smoothly as possible. All drivers undergo regular training in driving practice, health and safety, and customer service.
St. Mel's Cathedral
St. Mel’s Cathedral was founded in 1840. On Christmas Day 2009, it suffered from a catastrophic accidental fire. A five-year restoration campaign was then set in motion, which saw the cathedral reopen in time for Christmas 2014. The cathedral has been tastefully restored to its original beauty while being remodelled as a living church for a new century. Some of the highlights include the wonderful limestone columns, intricate plasterwork, pipe organ, and liturgical art from a number of contemporary Irish and international artists.
Tubberpatrick
Located only 5km north of Ballinamuck in County Longford, the cemetery at Tubberpatrick contains interesting memorials to honour General Blake and Gunner Magee, both involved in the Battle of Ballinamuck against the English in 1798. The two men were executed and buried following the defeat of the Irish. This long-established graveyard contains an interesting collection of mainly 19th and 20th-century grave markers, some of which are of artistic merit, including a number of cut stone Celtic high cross-style and obelisk-type memorials. The earliest legible grave marker dates to 1670 and commemorates Jacobus Farrel. The graveyard site itself probably dates to well before 17AD and contains a number of archaeological sites, including a holy well, a holy hawthorn tree/bush tied with rags, and a number of mounds. The plan of the graveyard also suggests that this may have been the site of an early church. The graveyard contains the remains of General George Blake, commander of the United Irishman forces at the Battle of Ballinamuck in 1798. Blake was executed near the battlefield and later buried at this site. This graveyard site is an integral element of the social heritage of the Ballinamuck area, adding historic interest to its rural location. The simple boundary walls, the attractive ashlar gate piers, and the wrought iron gates complete the setting of this interesting composition. The burial ground and holy well are open to the public.
The Killian Homeplace Family History Centre
The Killian Homeplace Family History Centre provides a venue to explore Irish genealogy. The team has access to unpublished records and local sources of family history and takes a deep dive into the understanding of DNA. The centre is open Saturdays and the rest of the week by appointment. They welcome guests both online and in person to this beautiful spot in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, nestled just up from the shores of the River Shannon.