Longford Tourism Brochure

Stay&Eat
Self-Catering
A tastefully converted 4 bedroomed farmhouse.
Faroromin, Ballinamuck, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3341445
Gallagher’s
Lough Scannel
Affordable luxury accommodation on the banks of the
River Shannon. Taste of the Waterways award-winner.
Tarmonbarry, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3326098
• 043 3326052 Web: www.keenanshotel.ie
4 star self catering traditional-style cottages.
Ennybegs, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3323320
Web: www.longfordcountryhouse.com
Longford Country House
A rambling Tudor-style home with secluded gardens.
Ennybegs, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3323320
Web: www.longfordcountryhouse.com
Melview Lodge
Catering especially for anglers, every facility and
comfort is at hand as well as expert angling advice.
Drumlish Road, Clonrollagh, Co. Longford.
Tel: 043 3345061 Web: www.melviewlodge.com
Knappogue House
Welcoming family home 1km from Clondra.
Clondra, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3326455 • 087 2478385
Web: www.knappoguehouse.com
Toberphelim House
Georgian family residence on 200 acre farm outside
Granard. Granard, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3386568
Web: www.toberphelimhouse.ie
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Riv
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Killashee
Corlea Trackway
Delicious quality food and wine at affordable prices.
1st Floor, The White House, 17 Ballymahon Street,
Longford Town. Tel: 043 3348633
1
Great bar food, ensuite accommodation also provided.
Ballymahon Street, Longford Town. Tel: 043 3342700
Web: www.pvslongford.ie
EDGEWORTHSTOWN
4
Ardagh
Heritage Village
Abbeyderg
Monastery
8
Keenagh
ISPCA
9
6
PV’s Bar, Steakhouse
Abbeylara
55
3
N6
R3
92
Aubergine Gallery Café
Lough
Kinale
N4
2
Lanesborough
Commons Walks
7
LONGFORD
an
LANESBOROUGH
11
Ballinalee
Carrickboy
Newtowncashel
Abbeyshrule
Inchcleraun
Island
Saint’s
Island
BALLYMAHON
Newcastle
Woods
LARNE
DERRY
The Black Olive
Winner of Leinster’s Best Restaurant Award in 2012.
32 Ballymahon Street, Longford Town. Tel: 043 3336248
Web: www.blackolive.ie
Lough Ree
BELFAST
SLIGO
KNOCK
The Purple Onion Restaurant & Art Gallery
Quality, fresh food in fine traditional pub surroundings.
Tarmonbarry, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3359919
Web: www.purpleonion.ie
Explore & Enjoy
DUBLIN
GALWAY
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Friendly atmosphere, convenient to town.
Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford.
Tel: 043 3371552
Web: www.railwaylodgeedgeworthstown.com
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GRANARD
12
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Railway Lodge
The Stables
The
Mall
N5
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Town house situated 1km from Longford Town and
200m from Longford Golf Club.
Dublin Road, Longford. Tel: 043 3346187
Tarmonbarry
5
Clondra
S
er
Riv
Sancian
4
R19
Newtownforbes
Detached two storey house, 5 min walk from Shannon.
Strokestown Road, Lanesborough, Co. Longford.
Tel: 043 3321306
Sean
MacEoin’s
Forge
The Rustic Inn
DUN
LAOGHAIRE
Comfortable family restaurant in picturesque setting.
Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford. Tel: 044 9357742
Skelly’s Bar & Restaurant (The Peppermill)
rd
Longfo m
Touris
WATERFORD
Traditional pub with restaurant and accommodation.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel: 090 6432105
Web: www.skellys.ie
Torc Café & Foodhall
A must for chocolate, coffee and cake lovers.
New Street, Longford Town. Tel: 043 3348277
Web: www.torccafe.com
The Courtyard Café
Extensive lunch menu, with generous cake servings.
U5, Hibernian Court, Longford Town. Tel: 043 3331650
Visit longfordtourism.ie for more...
CORK
Longford
Tourism
Contact: Anna Delaney
Market Square, Longford Town, Co. Longford.
Tel: +353 (0)43 3342577 • +353 (0)85 8888876
Email: info@longfordtourism.ie
Web: www.longfordtourism.ie
ROSSLARE
DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION RUSTYLEMON.COM
Luxury ensuite rooms with all modern facilities and
great views of surrounding countryside.
Kilnashee, Drumlish, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3329696
Web: www.kilnasheehouse.ie
N4
nal
Kilnashee House
Lough Gowna
Derrycassan
Woods
Salmon’s Lodge
Restaurants
10
Aughnacliffe
Dolmen
Drumlish
Lough
Forbes
Tastefully renovated stable block apartments in
Newcastle Estate Demesne, 3km from Ballymahon.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel: 086 242 8053
Web: www.stablesselfcatering.com
3
Kilglass
Lough
l Ca
Roya
B&Bs
Lough
Bofin
R397
Friendly guesthouse converted from a flax mill built
in 1821. Clondra, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3326126
Web: www.richmondinnireland.com
Edenmore
Bog Walk
93
R3
Richmond Inn Pub & Guesthouse
Ballinamuck
Heritage Centre
Modern bungalow 1km from Abbeyshrule. Abbeyshrule,
Co. Longford. Tel: 01 8463375 • 087 6333769
Longford Country House Cottages
Elegant town hotel, offering bistro/carvery food and
spa and leisure facilities, including a 22m salt pool.
Main Street, Longford Town. Tel: 043 3346296
Web: www.longfordarms.ie
Tourism
Cois Samh
Keenan’s Hotel, Bar & Restaurant
Longford Arms Hotel & Leisure Club
Longford
N
A family-run comfortable and stylish hotel in Ballymahon,
convenient to local amenities and attractions.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel: 090 6438180
Web: www.cooneyshotel.com
Rail: Longford station is on the Dublin-Sligo line.
Check www.irishrail.ie for timetables.
Inn
y
Cooney’s Hotel & Courtyard Restaurant
Road: Longford is 90mins from Dublin taking the M4/N4
and 90mins from Galway taking the M6 and the N55.
Riv
er
Georgian house regularly featured in the Bridgestone
Guide as one of the top 100 places to stay in Ireland.
Luxury accommodation and excellent restaurant.
Dublin Road, Longford. Tel: 043 3341919
Web: www.viewmounthouse.com
Pretty cottage B&B in a tranquil country setting.
Clonmee, Lanesborough, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3325050
Web: www.woodcutterslodge.ie
N5
5
Viewmount House & VM Restaurant
Woodcutters Fishing Lodge
R1
98
Hotels
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Location
LONGFORD is a tranquil and mainly low-lying county, situated in the basin of the River
Shannon and the upper catchment area of the River Erne. In the heart of the lakelands, it
affords the ideal destination for fishing and watersports. Large stretches of bogland, some
in relatively pristine condition and distinct to the midlands of Ireland, are a valuable
environmental habitat for rare flora and fauna and provide a unique setting for walking.
Steeped in ancient Irish mythology, it also has impressive archeological sites and a wealth
of literary and musical tradition.
County Longford is host to unique towns and villages, a number of which are regular
National Tidy Towns winners. The true beauty of this county in the heart of Ireland, lies in
its rural charm, offering the visitor a unique experience of authentic Ireland that is hard
to find elsewhere. Its accessibility to many of the country’s main towns and cities make
it a prime location as a holiday base in Ireland.
Activities
Attractions
Tubing with Outdoor Discovery, Ballymahon, Co. Longford
UNIQUE and unspoilt countryside, large stretches of bogland, and glorious lakes, rivers and canals
provide the backdrop for energetic and exhilarating outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, gokarting and paintballing. Alternatively, take a leisurely canal cruise or go coarse and game angling.
Longford Town claims its own 18-hole championship course and is also within easy driving distance of
many top Irish golf courses. The county has many wonderful walking routes offering a variety of
terrains — hill, woodland and bogland. There are lots of indoor interests such as bowling, greyhound
racing and arts and crafts, so even if it is raining there’s plenty to do. Visit longfordtourism.ie for more...
Fishing
Go Karting & Paintballing
Co. Longford offers a variety of locations for game or
coarse angling and is particularily good for pike.
Lough Ree, Lough Gowna, River Shannon, River Inny
and the Royal Canal. See longfordtourism.ie for details.
Enjoy fast-paced fun in a specially designed 20-acre shooting
area or the thrill of karting around 1000m of asphalt.
Midland Karting & Midland Paintballing,
Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 6671308
• 087 2748266 Web: www.midlandkarting.net and
www. midlandpaintballing.com
Walking
Co. Longford offers a variety different environments for
walking, from bogland to hill and woodland walks.
Newcastle Woods, Derrycassin Woods, Royal Canal Way,
Edenmore Bog, The Longford Mall,
Lanesborough Commons Woodland Walk.
See longfordtourism.ie for details.
Ardagh Heritage Village, Co. Longford
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
The Centre interprets an Iron Age bog road dated to the
year 148BC. An 18-metre stretch of preserved road is on
display, along with archaeology and bog culture exhibits.
Kenagh, Co. Longford. Open from 5th April to 25th
September, 10am—6pm, last tour 5pm.
Tel: 043 3322386 Web: www.heritageireland.ie
Bowling & Indoor Playground
2
10-lane bowling alley, children’s play area, snooker hall,
indoor soccer arena, video gaming and party facilities.
Longford Megabowl, Athlone Road, Longford.
Tel: 043 3347643
The Royal Canal Way is a 90 mile long publicly owned
right of way which links Dublin to Co. Longford. It is a
unique walkway that leads from Abbeyshrule, through
Ballymahon, Kenagh, Longford, Killashee and on to Clondra.
The Royal Canal Way
Ballinamuck Heritage Centre
Golf
Boating on the Royal Canal
3
Tackle the 18-hole parkland golf course, playable 12
months of the year, with clubhouse, bar and restaurant.
Longford Golf Club, Dublin Road, Longford.
Tel: 043 3346310 Web: www.countylongfordgolfclub.com
Cruise the canal from Clondra to Spencer Dock in Dublin.
Boats for hire for 1 week, 10 days or 2 weeks.
Locaboat Holidays, Waterways Ireland Office, Clondra,
Co. Longford. Tel: 07196 45923 Web: www.locaboat.com
Outdoor Adventure
Flying
Located in the historic former R.I.C. barracks in the
picturesque village of Ballinamuck, the centre houses a
fascinating exhibition which gives details of the Year of
the French and the Battle of Ballinamuck in 1798.
Ballinamuck, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3342577 • 085 8888876
Have a go at canoeing, kayaking, rafting and river
tubing, archery, orienteering, zorbing or aqua spheres.
Outdoor Discovery, Ballymahon, Co. Longford.
Tel: 090 6400111 • 087 2721245
Web: www.outdoordiscovery.ie
Learn to fly in microlight aircraft, with the support of
qualified instructors and enjoy the great clubhouse.
Ultraflight, Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford.
Tel: 087 2346232 • 087 9441400 Web: www.ultraflight.ie
Greyhound Racing
Explore your creative side in a range of media — visual art,
craft, photography, creative writing, drama and storytelling.
Ardagh Heritage & Creativity Centre, Ardagh, Co.
Longford. Tel: 086 3027602 Web: www.creativeardagh.com
Celebrate a win at race night, Friday and Monday, 8pm.
Bar facilities, betting and food available.
Longford Greyhound Stadium, Park Road, Longford.
Tel: 043 3342018 • 087 6682690
Web: www.longfordgreyhoundstadium.com
Pitch & Putt
Enjoy a relaxing game in beautiful rural surroundings.
Acres Pitch & Putt Club, Ballinalee, Co. Longford.
Tel: 086 3353703 • 086 0590352
Getting Creative
Bootcamp & Assault Course
GFD bootcamp and assault course is operated by trained
military personnel and is conducted all year round.
GFD Bootcamp, Kilnatruhan, Killoe, Longford.
Tel: 086 1638094 • 086 4069504
Web: www.gfdbootcamp.ie
Backstage Theatre, Farneyhoogan, Co. Longford
THIS region is graced with some of Ireland’s most remote and unspoilt scenery, dotted with a mass of
lakes and low hills. The county offers tranquil low-lying countryside for the walker and nature lover while
there are also large stretches of bogland, some in relatively pristine condition, distinct to the midlands
of Ireland. South County Longford from Lanesborough along the Shannon to Elfeet, Barley Harbour, and
the Islands of Lough Ree is a must on any visitors itinerary. Unique and picturesque villages, fascinating
heritage sites, the rich literary culture, the beautiful waterways and the friendly welcome attract those
wishing to relax and enjoy Longford. Visit longfordtourism.ie for more...
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Ardagh Village
The Ardagh Heritage & Creativity Centre outlines
Ardagh’s rich history, from its roots in Irish mythology,
to its development as an important early church site and
its emergence as a model estate village.
Ardagh Heritage & Creativity Centre, Ardagh, Co.
Longford. Tel: 086 3027602 Web: www.creativeardagh.com
5
Clondra Village
Clondra forms the Royal Canal's terminal with the Shannon
and features a cut-stone harbour and an old stone mill with
a weir and millpond. There is also a 12th century abbey and
old carved gravestones reputed to be 5th century.
6
Newtowncashel & Lake Islands
A picturesque village close to two important sites, the
island of Inchcleraun where St. Diarmuid founded an
Entertainment
abbey in 540AD and Saints’ Island where St. Kevin founded
a monastery in 544AD. Barley Harbour is a tranquil spot
from which to view Lough Ree and beside it is the studio of
the internationally renowned bog sculptor Michael Casey.
7
Abbeylara Village
Abbeylara is a historical rural village with meandering
streets leading to the surrounding fields and forest walks
and is home the imposing ruin of a cistercian abbey and
the remains of Bronze Age stone circles.
8
Abbeyderg Monastery
The Augustinian monastery of Abbeyderg is located in
the cemetery of Abbeyderg about 5 km from Kenagh. It
was founded in the 13th century by Gormgall O'Quinn,
Lord of Rathcline and was dedicated to St. Peter.
9
ISPCA National Animal Centre
The Centre is set in 88 acres is designed to provide
veterinary care and rehabilitation to neglected animals.
A visit to the centre is a pleasant family day out.
ISPCA Centre, Derryglogher Lodge, Keenagh,
Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3325035 Web: www.ispca.ie
10
Aughnacliff Dolmen
One of the oldest portal dolmens in Ireland, it stands in
the lee of a frontal moraine from the last glaciation. The
place is unique in Ireland in that three religions were
practised here down through the centuries.
11
Granard Motte & Bailey
An ancient structure erected circa 750AD. Standing 534ft
above sea, the summit affords a view of five lakes, nine
counties and a faint outline of the Sliabh Bloom Mountains.
12
Seán MacEoin’s Forge
The forge of military hero and statesman, General Seán
MacEoin, also known as the Blacksmith of Ballinalee.
See County Map on reverse for locations and contact Longford Tourism if you require more details on any of the sites above.
COUNTY Longford offers an excellent choice for entertainment, shopping and relaxation, with local
pubs and music venues hosting live traditional music and top Irish performers. Longford Town
hosts a vibrant nightclub scene for those that like to party into the early hours. Longford Cineplex’s
4-screen cinema offers movie buffs the latest releases, while the Backstage Theatre, Bog Lane
Theatre and Longford Musical Society present a yearly calendar of dynamic performances. County
Longford boasts many fine boutiques, shopping outlets and a variety of weekend markets and
dedicated arts & crafts studios. Visit longfordtourism.ie for more...
Backstage Theatre
Clondra Heritage Festival 3 Days in June.
Backstage is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art theatre
and arts centre with a dynamic programme of events.
Farneyhoogan, Longford. Tel: 043 3347888
Web: www.backstage.ie
Clondra, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3326126
Bog Lane Theatre
Local theatre and venue for Goldsmith Summer School.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel: 090 6432273
Longford Cineplex
4-screen cinema. Bridge Street, Longford.
Tel: 043 3345177 Web: www.entertainment.ie
Annual Events
Lanesborough Horse Fair 1 Day in March.
Lanesborough, Co. Longford. Tel: 086 3600419
Longford Ploughing Championships April.
Venue varies, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3322311
Longford Dance Fest 2 Days in April.
Helium Music Festival 1 Day in June.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel: 087 7927512
Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show 1 Day in June.
Ballinalee, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3323180
Windsong International Harp Festival July.
Lanesborough, Co. Longford. Tel: 087 3649005
Web: www.windsongmusicschool.ie
Longford Show & County Fair 1 Day in July.
Moydow, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 6675141 • 087 6334313
Web: www.longfordshow.ie
Lough Ree Summer Festival 4 Days in August.
Lanesborough, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3327070
Web: www.loughree.ie
Abbeyshrule Airshow 3 Days in August.
Abbeyshrule, Co. Longford. Tel: 044 9357742
Backstage Theatre & Shawbrook Ballet School, Co.
Longford. Tel: 044 9357570 Web: www.shawbrook.org
The Marquee in Drumlish 3 Days in August.
Drumlish, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3342577 • 043 3300353
Web: www.themarqueeindrumlish.ie
St. Mel’s Musical Society April.
Longford Marathon August.
Longford Town. Tel: 086 3530362
Lakelands Vintage Club Rally 1 Day in May.
Lower Main Street, Longford. Tel: 043 3349682
Web: www.longfordmarathon.com
Newcastle House, Ballymahon, Co. Longford.
Tel: 044 9357964 • 087 6649069
County Longford Harvest Festival 1 Day in Sept.
County Longford Fleadh Ceoil 3 Days in May.
Aisling Children’s Arts Festival 1 Week in Oct.
St. Michael’s School, Longford. Tel: 086 7355513
Web: www.aislingfestival.ie
Ballinalee & Longford Town. Tel: 086 8119444
Goldsmith Literary Festival 3 Days in June.
Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel: 087 6189506
Web: www.goldsmithfestival.ie
Lanesborough, Co. Longford. Tel: 043 3322227
Sean Óg Set Dancing Festival 3 Days in Nov.
Longford Arms Hotel, Longford. Tel: 086 1522614