Things to see or do
Amenities
- From Keenagh travel to Ballymahon town: Ballymahon is picturesquely situated on the River Inny near the heart of the Goldsmith country. In 960 Mahon, King of Thurmond, defeated Fergal, son of Roark, King of Breifne and Conacht, near Ballymahon. The town has a wide main street, and has many associations with Oliver Goldsmith. The Ballymahon area is said to have had a seminal influence on Goldsmith and formed the Inspiration for his future works. Ballymahon is also the centre of John Keegan 'Leo' Casey country, and the River Inny and surrounding localities feature prominently in the poet's work. Places of architectural interest include New Castle House, Castlecor House, with its octagonal roof and Ledwithstown House built by Cassels in 1728. From Ballymahon take the N55 to Ardagh: The village of Ardagh lies to the south east of Longford town and has given its name to the diocese in which the greater part of the county is situated. It is said that St. Patrick founded a church here in the 5th century and installed St. Mel as bishop. The ancient ruins of Saint Mel’s Cathedral are near the present Church of Ireland and St. Mel himself is said to be buried within the walls. Ardagh is a very attractive Estate Village and its distinctive architecture as a planned estate has led to its designation as a Heritage Village. It has featured regularly in the forefront of the National Tidy Towns Awards. From Ardagh take the N55 to Edgeworthstown: Edgeworthstown is a successful centre located on the N4. The town has a long association with the celebrated family of Edgeworth's, who first settled here in 1583. The Edgeworth family vault, in which Richard Lovell Edgeworth and his daughter Maria, the well known poet are interred, is in the churchyard of Saint John’s. From Edgeworthstown travel on the N55 to Granard: Granard in County Longford was the home of Kitty Kiernan. She was a girlfriend of Michael Collins. Granard is a thriving market town located on the busy North/South Route (N55). It is a typical Irish market town with a market house and butter markets. Its most distinguishing feature is its Motte, reputed to be the highest motte in Ireland. From Granard travel to Abbeylara: Continuing straight through Abbeylara you will come to Lismacaffrey village which is on the Westmeath/ Longford Border. At the village you can either go on to Mullingar or Castlepollard.
County Longford One Day Tour
Ballinamuck is a small picturesque village in Longford close to the Cavan and Leitrim borders. It boasts the unique way of country life that is so often sought. The landscape with its gently rolling hills and valleys was formed by the retreating ice of the last glaciations. Bog lands and forests mingle with pastures to carpet this region in hues of brown and green. With its multitude of lakes and situated only 13km from the River Shannon, Ballinamuck is a haven for fishermen. Ballinamuck Visitors Centre. Located in the historic former R.I.C. barracks there is a lively exhibition which gives details of the Year of the French and the Battle of Ballinamuck in 1798. After learning the details you may tread the ground where the battle took place. From Ballinamuck travel on the R198 to Drumlish: The village of Drumlish is west of a ridge of low hills running north-eastwards from Newtownforbes to Arva in County Cavan. A famous episode of the Land War took place in Drumlish which is documented in the book "The Land War in Drumlish". The village is the starting point for the climb of Cairn Hill, it is a pleasant climb and there are extensive views from the summit, which is crowned by a cairn. From Drumlish travel to Longford Town: The County town on the south bank of the River Camlin and on the main Dublin-Sligo road is a progressive town and the County Administrative centre. The town is spaciously laid out with wide streets and pleasant buildings, and recent impressive urban development. The dome of the 19th century Saint Mel's Cathedral, a renaissance style building of grey limestone with a lofty tower, may be seen from quite a long way outside the town. There is an ecclesiastical museum situated at the rear of this Cathedral. The Courthouse is the oldest building in the town and was erected in 1792. The town received its name from the ancient castle of the O' Farrell’s. The Prince of Annaly founded a Dominican priory here in 1400. From Longford Town travel on the N63 to Killashee & on to Lanesborough: Lanesboro is situated on the River Shannon at the northern end of Lough Ree. The town derives its name from the Lane family. George Lane took part in the Battle of Kinsale, 1601 and was rewarded with large amounts of land in the area. Lanesboro is linked by bridge to its sister village, Ballyleague in County Roscommon. The first bridge of wattles was replaced by a stone bridge in 1706, a new bridge was built in 1847 and was updated 1970. Activities in the area include fishing, boating and water sports, walking and pitch and putt. Places of interest include Saint Johns Church and Rathcline Castle. There are various environmental schools held here in the Summer & Winter. From Lanesborough Travel towards Ballymahon town, before Ballymahon take a turn off to the left for Keenagh Village: Whilst in Keenagh, visit the Corlea Visitors Trackway.
Contact
Telephone+353 (0)43 334 6566Email: Mullingar@failteireland.ie
Address: Further information from your local Tourist Office, Longford Town, County Longford, Republic Of Ireland
