Audio Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/audio/ Explore scenic lakes, heritage sites, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable Irish escapes. Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:19:00 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 https://visitlongford.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/cropped-Favicon-Nvy-Wht@3x-32x32.webp Audio Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/audio/ 32 32 Mid Shannon Trail Driving Route https://visitlongford.ie/activity/mid-shannon-trail-driving-route/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:07:57 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=16132 Mid Shannon Trail Driving Route Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Experience the beauty of south Longford on the Mid Shannon Trail, a scenic 98 km driving route showcasing […]

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Aerial view of a river with a small bridge, grassy banks, scattered trees, and a nearby village under a partly cloudy sky. In the background, boats are moored near the river’s mouth.
Aerial view of a small town with boats moored along a winding river, surrounded by green fields, trees, houses, and a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of an old stone castle ruin surrounded by green fields and trees, with a lake and rolling hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of an old stone church ruin and graveyard surrounded by green fields, near a lake under a partly cloudy sky, with trees and hedges bordering the cemetery.
Old stone church ruins with ivy-covered walls stand in a graveyard filled with weathered headstones and green grass under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Aerial view of a white, modern building with a central glass dome, surrounded by green trees, walking paths, and open grassy land. The area looks peaceful and well-maintained.

Mid Shannon Trail Driving Route

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Experience the beauty of south Longford on the Mid Shannon Trail, a scenic 98 km driving route showcasing the county's waterways, heritage and welcoming villages.

Take in the tranquil Royal Canal, the majestic River Shannon, and stunning views across Lough Ree from Saints Island and Barley Harbour. Along the way, explore the ancient Corlea Trackway, enjoy waterside dining in the picturesque village of Clondra, and visit Bog Oak Sculptures in Newtowncashel, where renowned sculptors Michael and Kevin Casey create unique works inspired by Ireland’s natural heritage.

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]]> Longford Literary Trail Driving Route https://visitlongford.ie/activity/longford-literary-trail-driving-route/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:05:17 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=16124 Longford Literary Trail Driving Route Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Explore County Longford’s rich literary heritage on the Longford Literary Trail, a 73 km self-guided driving route celebrating […]

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A grey stone building with arched doorways and windows sits on a paved square. In front stands a bronze statue of a seated person on a plinth. Nearby are a stone bench and round concrete bollards.
An aerial view of ancient stone ruins and grave markers surrounded by a stone wall, set against a grassy landscape at sunset with a colourful sky in the background.
A bronze bust sculpture of a woman with a solemn expression, wearing a collared garment, set against a plain, softly lit background.
A stone church with a tall clock tower and a bright red door stands surrounded by old gravestones and overgrown grass, under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Trees are visible in the background.
Aerial view of an old stone church with a slate roof, surrounded by a graveyard with headstones and trees, set in a green landscape with paths and nearby buildings.

Longford Literary Trail Driving Route

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Explore County Longford's rich literary heritage on the Longford Literary Trail, a 73 km self-guided driving route celebrating the writers, poets and stories that shaped the county.

Discover the legacy of Maria Edgeworth in Edgeworthstown, visit the birthplace and former home of Oliver Goldsmith, explore places connected to rebel poet Leo Casey, and visit Columcille, the birthplace of Padraic Colum.

The trail also includes Carriglass Manor, home of Thomas Langlois Lefroy, whose romance with Jane Austen is widely believed to have inspired elements of Pride and Prejudice.

Follow the trail at your own pace and enhance your journey with the accompanying Audio Tour, available by scanning the QR codes at each stop.

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]]> Longford Rebel Trail Driving Route https://visitlongford.ie/activity/longford-rebel-trail-driving-route/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 10:57:54 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=16116 Longford Rebel Trail Driving Route Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Discover County Longford’s revolutionary past on the Longford Rebel Trail, a 71 km self-guided driving route exploring the […]

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A bronze statue of a man embracing a child stands in front of a grey stone church with a tall spire, under a blue sky with scattered clouds. Grass and trees surround the church.
A large ancient stone structure stands in a grassy field at sunrise, with sunlight shining through a small gap between the stones. There is a plaque on a post nearby. Trees and a dramatic cloudy sky are in the background.
A weathered stone statue stands on a grassy hill among old gravestones, illuminated by the golden rays of a setting sun with a colourful sky and scattered clouds in the background.
A bronze statue of a man in a military uniform and cap stands tall, looking upward with a determined expression, set against a dramatic sky with pink and blue clouds at sunset.
A stone memorial obelisk with a wreath of flowers and engraved text stands in an open area, surrounded by trees and shrubbery on a sunny day.
A stone railway station with yellow-trimmed doors and windows sits beneath an old, green metal footbridge. The sky is cloudy with a hint of sunset, and the platform is empty.

Longford Rebel Trail Driving Route

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Discover County Longford's revolutionary past on the Longford Rebel Trail, a 71 km self-guided driving route exploring the county's role in rebellions from the Norman era to the Irish War of Independence. Join the trail at any point and explore at your own pace.

Visit historic sites including Connolly Barracks in Longford Town, Granard’s Norman Motte, Ballinamuck, Ballinalee, McKeon’s Forge, Rose Cottage, and Clonfin, each telling the story of key events and figures in Ireland’s struggle for independence.

Pick up a Rebel Trail map at any local visitor centre, or enhance your journey with the Longford Rebel Trail Audio Tour, available in English, Irish and French. Simply scan the QR codes at each stop to listen along.

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]]> Longford Town & Mall Walk https://visitlongford.ie/activity/lonford-town-mall-walk/ Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:46:29 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=15041 Walking trail Longford Town & Mall Walk Trail Class 2 Trail Grade Easy The Mall in Longford town, also known as the Albert Reynolds Peace Park, is a 2.6km looped walking trail in a beautifully […]

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Walking trail

Longford Town & Mall Walk

Trail Class 2

Trail Grade Easy

The Mall in Longford town, also known as the Albert Reynolds Peace Park, is a 2.6km looped walking trail in a beautifully landscaped park on the banks of the River Camlin.

Here, you will connect to nature, surrounded by trees, flower gardens and wildlife, including ducks at the pond and other birds. You’ll find many peaceful and scenic picnic spots.

There is an outdoor gym, a children’s playground, basketball courts, an outdoor bowls area and all-weather football pitches.

You can also take a look at the Timelessness sculpture by local artist Gary Robinson. This stone circle was created to celebrate the arrival of the new millennium. Three of the stones are marked, while a fourth has been left for someone to sculpt at the dawn of the next millennium! 

The Longford Town Trail loops around the town centre, past significant Longford landmarks, and leads to the start of the Royal Canal Greenway (Longford Branch).

Illustrated map of Longford Town & The Mall Walk, showing a looped walking trail with landmarks, parks, wildlife images (birds, bumblebee), toilets, parking, playgrounds, and route to Royal Canal Greenway.
Five large carved stone pillars stand in a circle on a grassy area under a tree, with houses and a church tower visible in the background on a cloudy day.
A wooden bench sits on grass beside a young tree, supported by stakes. Nearby, a metal sign reads "REMEMBER" vertically, with a plaque mounted on top. Trees and greenery fill the background.
Walking Trail

Overview

Home of Coral Leisure and Longford Parkrun

The Mall is home to Coral Leisure Longford, where you can go for a swim, work out in their gym or use their other sports facilities.

The Mall is also the home of Longford Parkrun, a free, fun and friendly 5k where you can walk, jog, or run the route every Saturday morning. 

Walking Map

This 4.6km town and park walk with heritage sites, a playground and an outdoor gym en-route.

If you are walking around Longford Town, why not consider listening in to a little bit of history along the way. The Longford Town Walking Trail Audio Guide is freely available and offers visitors more information on what they are seeing as they navigate their way around Longford Town. 

 

A person in sportswear jogs along a tree-lined path in a park, with large trees and green grass on either side of the walkway on a cloudy day.
Three ducks walk on green grass covered with fallen leaves, with a tree and vibrant autumn foliage in the background near a calm river.
Aerial view of a suburban area with green fields, trees, sports courts, a large car park, and residential houses, all under a partly cloudy sky with distant hills in the background.
A wooden bench sits on grass beside a young tree, supported by stakes. Nearby, a metal sign reads "REMEMBER" vertically, with a plaque mounted on top. Trees and greenery fill the background.
Five large carved stone pillars stand in a circle on a grassy area under a tree, with houses and a church tower visible in the background on a cloudy day.

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]]> National Famine Way https://visitlongford.ie/activity/national-famine-way/ Wed, 20 May 2026 10:15:18 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=8232 National Famine Way Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Historic trail tracing the footsteps of famine emigrants. The National Famine Way is a powerful 165km heritage trail passing through […]

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A pair of old, worn-out black shoes with frayed laces are wrapped together with a tattered white cloth, sitting on a dark surface.
A group of people walk along a gravel path beside a calm canal, surrounded by green grass, trees, and bushes under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
People walk along a canal towpath under a clear blue sky, passing a stone bridge. Some are accompanied by a dog, with grass and trees lining the water on both sides.
A stone memorial with plaques and small shoes sits in front of a stone bridge, with colourful flower baskets on railings and houses in the background. The sky is cloudy.
A black cycling shoe sculpture is mounted on a stone plinth in the foreground, with two cyclists riding on a path and a stone bridge visible in the blurred background.

National Famine Way

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Historic trail tracing the footsteps of famine emigrants.

The National Famine Way is a powerful 165km heritage trail passing through County Longford as The Royal Canal Greenway, and following one of the most significant journeys in Irish history.

It is a moving journey through Ireland’s past, connecting landscapes, stories, and communities along one of the country’s most important heritage routes.

Overview

The National Famine Way is a waymarked walking and cycling trail following the last known journey on Irish soil of 1,490 men, women and children who  were forced to leave Strokestown, Co Roscommon in 1847.

Follow their route to Dublin, collect passport stamps and discover stories, landscapes and local heritage along the way.

These 1,490 people became known as the “Missing 1490”, a lasting symbol of famine-era emigration and hardship.

Why Visit

  • Experience a powerful true story of emigration, resilience and survival.
  • Follow Daniel Tighe’s journey through audio stories at Bronze Shoes locations.
  • Receive a ship ticket linking you to one of the families who left Strokestown in 1847, walk in their footsteps along the National Famine Way and discover their fate when you reach Dublin.

Good To Know

  • Suitable for walkers, cyclists and families, with options for both short and long route sections.
  • Passport Packs and trail information are available online.
  • Download the free National Famine Way app for maps, navigation and audio stories.

 

Contact Details

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Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How long is the National Famine Way? The full route is 165km, stretching from Strokestown Park in County Roscommon to Dublin City. The trail is bookended by two award-winning museums: the National Famine Museum and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. County Longford is home to approximately 33.7km of the route, including Cloondara, Mosstown Harbour, Ballybrannigan Harbour, and Abbeyshrule.
  2. Do I have to complete the entire route? No. The National Famine Way can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Visitors can complete the full 165km route or choose shorter walking or cycling sections that suit their time, interests and ability.
  3. Can I plan my visit online before I arrive? Yes. The National Famine Way website Nationalfamineway.ie provides route maps, trail information, accommodation listings, Passport Pack details, FAQs, suggested itineraries and links to download the free National Famine Way app. It is the best place to start planning your journey.
  4. What is included in an Official Passport Pack? Each Passport Pack includes an official National Famine Way passport, a ship ticket linking you to one of the families who left Strokestown during the Famine in 1847, a commemorative Bronze Shoes lapel pin and trail information to help guide your journey.
  5. What happens when I reach Dublin? Present your National Famine Way Passport and ship ticket at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, where you will receive your final passport stamp, discover the fate of the family linked to your ship ticket, receive your completion certificate and enjoy a reduced admission rate to the museum.
  6. Can I take part in the Annual Remembrance Walk? Each May, the National Famine Way hosts its Annual Remembrance Walk, retracing the journey made by 1,490 men, women and children from Strokestown to Dublin in 1847. Participants can join for a day, a weekend or the full route. Follow our social media channels for registration details and event updates.
Immersive Experience
The National Famine Way tells a unique and poignant story dating back nearly two centuries. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, it follows in the footsteps of 1,490 famine-stricken tenant farmers and their families who left Strokestown in 1847 as part of an assisted emigration scheme organised by their landlord. Their journey took them on foot to Dublin before they boarded ships bound for Canada via Liverpool. From the Glass Memorial Wall at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, the trail winds through the towns, villages and landscapes of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and Ireland's Ancient East. It ends, appropriately, at the Famine Statues in Dublin’s Docklands near the Jeanie Johnson Famine Ship and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, meaning the trail is topped and tailed by two iconic award winning museums. The National Famine Museum and the National Famine Way are currently cared for and managed by the Irish Heritage Trust. Today, visitors can follow this historic route through six counties, including Longford, using the free National Famine Way app. At each Bronze Shoes sculpture along the trail, audio stories bring the journey to life through the voice of Daniel Tighe, a twelve-year-old boy who made the journey with his family. Through Daniel's perspective, visitors experience the hopes, fears and realities faced by those leaving Ireland during the Famine.

 

More info

Further Information

You can visit NationalFamineWay.ie or follow the National Famine Way on Facebook to see their latest news.

The National Famine Way is an inter-county collaboration between Waterways Ireland and County Councils along the route: Roscommon, Longford, Westmeath, Meath, Kildare, Fingal and Dublin.

It has been developed by Strokestown Park House, the National Famine Museum, and the Irish Heritage Trust in partnership with Waterways Ireland, the ADAPT Centre for Digital Content.

The National Famine Way is a unique 165km waymarked walking and cycling trail with a poignant story dating back nearly two centuries. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, it follows in the footsteps of 1,490 famine-stricken tenant farmers and their families who left Strokestown in 1847 as part of an assisted emigration scheme organised by their landlord. Their journey took them on foot to Dublin before they boarded ships bound for Canada via Liverpool. From the Glass Memorial Wall at the National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, the trail winds through the towns, villages and landscapes of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and Ireland's Ancient East. It ends, appropriately, at the Famine Statues in Dublin’s Docklands near the Jeanie Johnson Famine Ship and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, meaning the trail is topped and tailed by two iconic award winning museums. The National Famine Museum and the National Famine Way are currently cared for and managed by the Irish Heritage Trust. Today, visitors can follow this historic route through six counties, including Longford, using the free National Famine Way app. At each Bronze Shoes sculpture along the trail, audio stories bring the journey to life through the voice of Daniel Tighe, a twelve-year-old boy who made the journey with his family. Through Daniel's perspective, visitors experience the hopes, fears and realities faced by those leaving Ireland during the Famine.

Technology, and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum.

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