Granard: Greenway, Motte and Festivals

Granard combines a 2.1-kilometre Greenway with a medieval monument and cultural events. Trails, the history of the Motte and two festivals each offer a different perspective. If you’re looking for a hotel in Granard, plan your trip around the themes and dates that interest you.

Granard Greenway and town trails

The Granard Greenway is a 2.1-kilometre trail for walking and cycling between Granard and Higginstown. It forms a loop around the town and provides access to woodland and countryside. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Granard Motte and a nearby church; the trail also follows a peaceful stream. The route combines time outdoors with views of this historic landmark.

The Greenway connects residential areas with the Higginstown Sports Complex, the Granard GAA grounds, and local primary and secondary schools. As well as being used for recreation, it serves as a local connection. To discover the history of Granard Town, a town walking map invites you to explore the area’s past.

Motte and Bailey: history and views

Granard Motte and Bailey was built around 1199 by Richard de Tuite, a Norman knight and Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. It was constructed within an existing ringfort to extend Norman rule. The site thus brings together two periods of fortification: the older ringfort and the Anglo-Norman motte. It is considered one of the finest examples of an Anglo-Norman fortification in Ireland and is a National Monument in state care.

Situated on a hilltop, the Motte offers views of Granard Town and the River Rhine. A statue of St Patrick stands on the Motte; it was erected in 1932. Visits are unguided, and care should be taken throughout your visit. The experience also includes the opportunity to climb the 12th-century Motte and look out across three provinces. Check access before you travel.

Music and literature as reasons to visit

Granard hosts Ireland’s oldest harp festival, founded in 1781. After a break, the Granard Harp Festival was revived in 2018. Its programme includes concerts, workshops, talks and walks, as well as a street music competition for young people. The festival offers different ways to experience music and the harp, from attending concerts to taking part in workshops and talks.

The Granard Booktown Festival has a different focus: it brings book lovers to the town every April. Speakers, writers and artists come together there for a weekend of stories and creativity. If you’re planning your trip around a festival, check the dates for the year you intend to visit.

Interactive history experiences

At the Knights and Conquests Exhibition Centre in Granard, Irish history is presented in an interactive and partly guided format. The Norman Adventure Tour includes a weapons demonstration. The Norman-CSI room shows how archaeology reconstructs history; visitors can also learn about medieval Norman armour and weapons. These different approaches sit side by side: a journey through Irish history, a hands-on activity, and an exploration of how archaeological work uncovers knowledge about the past.

The attractions offer different highlights to help you choose: the Greenway combines walking or cycling with countryside and views of the Motte, while the Motte itself brings together medieval fortification history and panoramic views. Festivals, in turn, add a cultural highlight tied to specific dates. These differences can help you plan your trip around your interests and find a hotel for your stay in Granard.

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

For the wider travel overview: County Longford.