County Longford: Greenway, Forests and Heritage

Explore County Longford through its trails, landscapes and historic sites. The Royal Canal Greenway is a key highlight for walking and cycling; forests, bogs and Corn Hill add further dimensions to the picture. The county’s history also unfolds at various sites, from the Battle of Ballinamuck to a reconstructed classroom in Edgeworthstown.

Walking and Cycling on the Royal Canal

The Royal Canal Greenway is a 130 km walking and cycling route from Maynooth in County Kildare to Clondra in County Longford. The route includes 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts. These figures give an impression of the infrastructure along the route and provide specific reference points when planning a walk or cycle ride. The National Famine Way passes through County Longford as the Royal Canal Greenway. This waymarked walking and cycling trail follows the last known journey on Irish soil of 1,490 people who were forced to leave Strokestown in County Roscommon in 1847. The route and a specific historical memory are thus central to different travel interests.

Forest Trails and Landscapes

Newcastle Woodland is a 325-hectare mixed forest managed by Coillte. It is located in Newcastle near Ballymahon and extends on both sides of the River Inny, an important tributary of the River Shannon. The trail network includes 14 km of paths with routes of varying lengths. There are also two specifically designated options to choose from: a 400 m Access for All trail and a 1 km wheelchair-accessible trail. As trail details can change, check the latest information before your visit.

In Ballinamuck, the Edenmore Bog Walk is a 4.5 km national loop trail; trail conditions and access can change, so it is worth checking shortly before setting out. Another prominent landscape feature is Corn Hill, also called Cairn Hill or Carn Clonhugh. At 278 m, it is the highest summit in County Longford. Two ancient passage tomb cairns stand at its summit. Alongside its significance in the landscape, the hill’s elevation and archaeological features give it a distinct historical connection.

Experience History at Its Sites

The Ballinamuck Visitor Centre presents interactive information and explanations from local guides about the 1798 Battle of Ballinamuck. Contact the centre before your visit, as visiting arrangements may change. The Ballinamuck Battle Trail offers a different perspective: its waymarked route passes through the battlefield landscape where the events took place. Here too, signage and access may change, so check before setting out.

In Granard, the Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre is an interactive heritage site. The Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown includes a reconstruction of a traditional 19th-century classroom. A self-guided tour is offered there in English, Irish, Spanish, German, Italian, French and Chinese. If you are planning your visit specifically around this tour, check its current availability in advance. The sites offer different points of interest: historical events in Ballinamuck, interactive heritage in Granard and a 19th-century classroom in Edgeworthstown.

Plan Boat Trips and Your Journey

Lough Ree Boat Trips offers accessible boat trips and water-based experiences for all visitors, including wheelchair users, from Lanesborough Marina in Lanesborough. Sightseeing trips visit Quaker Island and Barley Harbour. As current departure times should not be assumed here, check the timetable when planning.

County Longford is served by the Dublin–Sligo railway line; the county’s railway stations include Longford Town and Edgeworthstown. Timetables and services can change, so it is advisable to check the information from Irish Rail before travelling. When choosing a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: train travel, the Greenway and forest trails, historic sites or boat trips from Lanesborough. Then tailor your search to your specific travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Moyne, Killashee, Edgeworthstown, Longford, Lanesborough, Mosstown, Granard, Ballymahon, Cloondara.

For the main travel overview: Leinster.