County Longford

County Longford is small and often overlooked, but it holds one of Europe's most remarkable archaeological discoveries - a 2,000-year-old wooden road preserved in bog.

Why Visit Longford?

Ancient heritage and peaceful waterways:

• Corlea Trackway - Iron Age road preserved for millennia
• Royal Canal - Restored waterway with greenway trail
• Lough Ree - Great Shannon lake
• Center Parcs - Forest resort (Ireland's only one)
• Quiet countryside - Peaceful, uncrowded touring

Top Attractions

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

An 18-metre section of Iron Age road built in 148 BC, preserved in waterlogged bog. Free admission, fascinating story.

Royal Canal Greenway

Walk or cycle the restored towpath from Dublin to the Shannon. The Longford section passes through peaceful countryside.

Lough Ree

The second-largest Shannon lake touches Longford's western edge. Fishing, boating, and shoreline walks.

Carrigglas Manor

A Gothic Revival house with costume collection and gardens. Tours by arrangement.

Center Parcs

Ireland's only Center Parcs resort is in Longford Forest, near Ballymahon.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May): Greenway cycling, wildflowers Summer (June-August): Best for water activities Autumn (September-October): Quiet roads, harvest time Winter (November-February): Corlea fascinating year-round

Getting Around

Longford is compact - nowhere is far. The Royal Canal Greenway can be walked or cycled.

Local Tips

• Corlea is free but check opening times
• The trackway hall is climate-controlled - bring a layer
• Goldsmith Country (Oliver Goldsmith) overlaps into Longford
• Local lamb and beef from the drumlins is excellent