Longford

Belvedere House and Gardens

Steeped in scandal and filled with intriguing history, Belvedere House opened in 2000 following a multi-million pound restoration project. The beautiful gardens are extensive and are filled with several follies, including the Jealous Wall, a Gothic arch and octagonal gazebo. Meanwhile, you can learn all about the ribald lives and loves of the Anglo-Irish gentry.

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, County Longford

Amazingly, an Iron Age bog road that was built in 148BC close to the River Shannon was uncovered at this spot. It’s one of the largest oak roads to have been discovered in Europe, and this center tells its story.

Strokestown Park House, Gardens and Famine Museum

This 18th century mansion has been beautifully restored to its former glory and includes a four-acre pleasure garden, which contains the longest herbaceous border in the Ireland, and a Famine Museum, which contains an extensive collection of original documents and images.

Angling

Longford is a great spot for fishing with game fishing also available in some areas. Expect pike, bream, roach and tench

Archery

There are two archery clubs in Longford, Littlewood Archers, a field archery club, plus Warriors of Queen Maeve in Glannagh, also a field archery club with traditional equipment and methods of shooting.

Canoeing

Test your stamina against the white water rapids at The River Inny in Ballymahon – they’re reputed to be among the best in the country.

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Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show, Ballinalee

This annual event takes place in June and features a Connemara pony show, a dog show and plenty of family entertainment.

Go Karting at Midland Karting, Edgeworthstown

Enjoy some fast-paced fun with this new karting track, which is a whopping 1,000 meters in length.

Ardagh Visitor Centre, Longford

Learn all about the history of Ardagh, a forested hill that was once a renowned centre of pre-Christian worship. The village and of Ardagh has a colourful history with lots of elegant Victorian buildings.

Carrigglas Manor, Ballinalee/Granard Road

A romantic, turreted, Gothic-Revival style manor built in 1837, Carrigglas enjoys impressive stables designed by the prominent architect James Gandon, as well as a museum and gardens, all of which are open to the public from May to September.

Granard Traditional Harp Festival, Granard

The first ever Granard Harp Festival incredibly dates back to 1781, and two hundred years later the tradition was revived. This festival now draws competitors from all over the world and includes traditional sessions and a harp workshop.

Augergine Gallery Café, Longford

A popular and refined restaurant overlooking Market Square, Aubergine Gallery Café serves up delicious Irish/Mediterranean food.

Viewmont House

Elegant, quiet, restful and comfortable, Viewmont is a wonderful Georgian house just outside Longford Town. There are five beautiful ensuite rooms with period furniture and plenty of charm.