Longford: Park Loop, Town Trail and Royal Canal Greenway

Get to know Longford through three different types of trail: a loop in a park, a circular route through the town and paths along the Royal Canal Greenway. The town also has striking architecture and reminders of its canal history.

Explore Longford on Foot

The Mall, also known as Albert Reynolds Peace Park, has a 2.6 km circular walking trail through landscaped parkland on the banks of the River Camlin. The Mall also hosts Longford Parkrun: this free 5 km Saturday morning event can be completed by walking, jogging or running. Check the event details again before travelling.

The Longford Town Trail is also a circular route, but it leads through the town centre, past notable sights and to the start of the Royal Canal Greenway at the Longford Branch. The Longford Town Walking Trail Audio Guide is also available free of charge for walks around Longford Town. It provides extra information about the sights along the way.

The Longford Branch is not navigable, but many people use it for walking, running and cycling. Longford Town is one of the larger settlements on the Royal Canal Greenway. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Architecture and Canal History

St. Mel’s Cathedral is a striking building in Longford. Limestone columns, elaborate stuccowork and a pipe organ define the structure, along with liturgical art by Irish and international contemporary artists.

The Royal Canal Greenway approaches the filled-in harbour of Longford Town. Visitors can see the original harbourmaster’s house and the former Royal Canal ticket office there. These buildings give this stretch of the canal its own historical character, alongside the paths through the park and town centre.

More Destinations in County Longford

In County Longford, the Royal Canal Greenway is part of a 130 km walking and cycling route from Maynooth in County Kildare to Clondra in County Longford. The entire route has 90 bridges, 33 locks, 17 harbours and four aqueducts.

On the section between Cloonbreany and Mosstown Harbour, the route passes Corlea Bog in County Longford. The bog is home to the Corlea Trackway, an ancient wooden trackway dating from 148 BC. A short detour from the Greenway leads to the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre in County Longford.

The 165 km National Famine Way also passes through County Longford. This signposted walking and cycling route follows the last known journey on Irish soil of 1,490 people who were forced to leave Strokestown in County Roscommon in 1847. Through County Longford, the route follows the Royal Canal Greenway.

Newcastle Woodland is near Newcastle, close to Ballymahon in County Longford. Managed by Coillte, this mixed woodland covers 325 hectares and extends along both banks of the River Inny, a major tributary of the River Shannon. The trail network includes 14 km of routes of varying lengths. There is also a 400 m Access for All trail and a 1 km wheelchair-accessible trail through the forest. Check trail conditions and accessibility before visiting.

County Longford is served by the Dublin–Sligo railway line, including the stations at Longford Town and Edgeworthstown. Timetables and services may change. Check the details with Irish Rail before travelling.

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

For the wider travel overview: County Longford.