Longford Outdoors Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/longford-outdoors/ Explore scenic lakes, heritage sites, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable Irish escapes. Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:48:32 +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 Longford Outdoors Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/longford-outdoors/ 32 32 Ballybrannigan Canal Stores https://visitlongford.ie/activity/ballybrannigan-canal-stores/ Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:36:27 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=16899 Ballybrannigan Canal Stores Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, revitalised as a unique canal‑side hub at Ballybrannigan Harbour Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, revitalised […]

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A green sign reads "Cuain an Baile Uí Bhranagáin" and "Ballybrannigan Harbour" with "Greenway" and a wave icon, placed in a grassy rural area under blue sky.
A calm canal runs between grassy banks with a small road and boat on the left. Flowerbeds and green shrubs line the water, and a few houses and trees are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.
A grassy path runs beside a narrow canal with clear water. Stone buildings and trees are visible in the background to the left and right under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A canal boat moves past an old stone building heavily covered in green ivy, with cloudy skies above and a few cars parked along the narrow road beside the water.

Ballybrannigan Canal Stores

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, revitalised as a unique canal‑side hub at Ballybrannigan Harbour

Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, revitalised as a unique canal‑side hub at Ballybrannigan Harbour, providing secure storage and operational support for outdoor recreation and tourism providers while supporting heritage, sustainable enterprise, and new visitor experiences.

What You Can Do

  • Explore a key location on the National Famine Way
  • Experience Ireland’s canal heritage
  • Enjoy the tranquillity of the Royal Canal Greenway

Good To Know

  • Canal storehouse dating from c.1815, originally built to support trade along the Royal Canal.
  • The location of this building, which is sited at the closest point at which the Royal Canal passes the town of Ballymahon and Center Parks

 

Contact Details

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Step off the beaten track and discover one of the Royal Canal’s hidden gems. Ballybrannigan Harbour combines stunning canal scenery, rich history, and outdoor recreation in a peaceful rural setting at the heart of County Longford. Visitors can: Explore a key location on the National Famine Way, following the journey of those who travelled the canal in search of a better future. Experience Ireland’s canal heritage through the historic Ballybrannigan Canal Stores, dating from c.1815. Enjoy the tranquillity of the Royal Canal Greenway, ideal for walking, cycling, boating, angling, and nature watching. Visit nearby attractions including Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Abbeyshrule, its historic aqueduct, and Center Parcs Longford Forest. Discover a unique rural landscape largely unchanged over generations, offering an authentic and unspoilt Irish experience. Ballybrannigan Harbour is where history, nature, and adventure meet—an ideal place to pause, explore, and connect with the story of Ireland’s waterways.

Frequently asked questions

 1. What is Ballybrannigan Harbour?

Ballybrannigan Harbour is a historic harbour on the Royal Canal and an important location along the National Famine Way. It is home to the Ballybrannigan Canal Stores, a former canal warehouse dating from c.1815, and offers visitors a unique combination of heritage, nature, and outdoor recreation.

2. What outdoor activities can I enjoy at Ballybrannigan Harbour?

Ballybrannigan Harbour is an ideal base for walking, cycling, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, angling, wildlife watching, and photography. The harbour sits directly on the Royal Canal Greenway, providing easy access to one of Ireland’s most scenic recreational corridors.

3. Why is Ballybrannigan Harbour historically significant?

The harbour played an important role in the operation of the Royal Canal. The nearby Ticket House was where passengers purchased canal passage, while the Canal Stores were used to store grain and supplies transported by water. The harbour is also a key location on the National Famine Way, representing an important chapter in Ireland’s history.

4. What attractions are located near Ballybrannigan Harbour?

The harbour is conveniently located close to several major attractions, including the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Abbeyshrule and its historic aqueduct, Center Parcs Longford Forest, and the National Famine Way. This makes it an excellent stop for visitors exploring the wider region.

5. Why should I visit Ballybrannigan Harbour?

Ballybrannigan Harbour offers a peaceful canal-side setting where visitors can experience Ireland’s rich waterways heritage, explore the Royal Canal Greenway, enjoy outdoor activities, and discover an authentic rural landscape largely unchanged for generations.

6. What makes Ballybrannigan Harbour unique?

Ballybrannigan Harbour sits on one of the most beautiful and unspoilt stretches of the Royal Canal, offering a unique destination for boaters, walkers, and cyclists. Home to Ireland’s only operational canal storehouse, it combines rich heritage, outdoor recreation, and authentic canal‑side experiences in a truly distinctive setting.

Accessibility
  • Fully accessible / universally accessible for a wide range of visitors, including people with mobility, sensory, cognitive and hidden disabilities.
  • Step-free access to main entrance and key visitor areas, Accessible parking spaces, Wheelchair-accessible routes throughout the premises, Seating/rest areas available, Assistance dogs welcome, Hearing assistance systems (e.g. induction loop)

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]]> 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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]]> Ethical Tours https://visitlongford.ie/activity/ethical-tours-bicycle/ Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:30:16 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=15835 Ethical Tours Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Discover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with Ethical Tours Cycle the scenic Royal Canal Greenway, explore the ancient Corlea Trackway, and immerse yourself […]

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Two people wearing helmets and casual clothing ride bicycles on a modern bridge, with a historic building and blue sky in the background. Both are smiling and enjoying the day.
Four children are at a railway platform on a sunny day. Two older boys stand beside bikes, while two younger children, a boy and a girl, sit in a bike trailer. There’s a stone wall and brick building in the background.
Two people wearing helmets ride electric bikes on a gravel path through a forested area. The person in front is smiling and wearing a pink jacket; the person behind is in a blue jacket. Trees and grass are in the background.
Two children wearing helmets ride bikes on a sunny, paved path with green trees and grass. One child wears red shorts and stretches their legs out; a stone bridge arches over the road in the background.

Ethical Tours

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Discover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with Ethical Tours

Cycle the scenic Royal Canal Greenway, explore the ancient Corlea Trackway, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Shannon Trails & Newcastle Forest.

Why Visitors Love It

  • Local Expertise: Proudly rooted in the place, we offer insider knowledge and authentic stories seldom found in mainstream tourism.
  • Sustainability Leadership: Our use of electric fleets, solar energy, and strict environmental policies make us pioneers of green tourism in Ireland.
  • Inclusivity: We welcome travellers of all abilities with tailored accessibility, friendly staff, and a commitment to dignity and respect.
  • Community Impact: Our collaborations support the economy of Longford and neighbouring counties, ensuring visitor spending benefits local people.

Good To Know

  • Electric & Manual Bike Hire: Ride high-quality, robust bikes suited to all fitness levels and terrains, riding through woodlands, along canals, or historic pathways.
  • Walking & Hiking Experiences: Explore scenic trails steeped in nature and local history, ideal for families and solo trekkers.

Contact Details

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]]> Setanta Chauffeur Tours https://visitlongford.ie/activity/setanta-chauffer-tours/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:37:51 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=15325 Setanta Chauffeur Tours Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Discover Ireland with Exclusive Chauffeur Tours, Luxury Private Transport Tailored to You Travel through Ireland in style and comfort with […]

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A black van is parked in front of The Westbury hotel entrance, with green hedges, potted plants, and large windows above the doorway. The Balfe’s restaurant sign is visible near the entrance.
Two women in winter clothes stand on a city street looking at a mobile phone together, with a colourful mural featuring a large figure and fruit painted on the building wall behind them.
A man in a jacket stands next to a black vehicle on a street, smiling, with a historic stone castle on a hill in the background under a cloudy sky.
A smiling man in a dark jacket stands on a cliffside path, pointing towards the Cliffs of Moher and a sea stack rising from the ocean below under a cloudy sky.
A black Mercedes-Benz van parked on a paved road, surrounded by green grass, trees, and bushes under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A tall, round stone tower stands in the centre of a historic cemetery with gravestones, surrounded by lush trees and rolling hills under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Setanta Chauffeur Tours

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Discover Ireland with Exclusive Chauffeur Tours, Luxury Private Transport Tailored to You

Travel through Ireland in style and comfort with Setanta Chauffeur Tours, offering a bespoke, luxury transport-only service. Whether you’re planning a multi-day adventure or a private day trip, enjoy the freedom to explore Ireland at your own pace. With an experienced chauffeur and business owner, Paul Smith, you gain access to hidden gems, local insights, and a seamless, stress-free experience.

Why Visit

  • Discover Ireland in Comfort and Style
    Travel through Longford and beyond in a luxury chauffeur-driven vehicle, enjoying a relaxed and personalised touring experience.
  • Tailor-Made Private Tours
    Every itinerary can be customised to suit your interests, whether you’re exploring heritage sites, scenic landscapes, golf courses or hidden local gems.
  • Benefit from Expert Local Knowledge
    Owner and chauffeur Paul Smith brings over 25 years of tourism experience, sharing fascinating insights and recommendations throughout your journey.

Good To Know

  • Private Tours for Individuals, Couples and Small Groups
    Setanta Chauffeur Tours specialises in bespoke experiences designed around your schedule and preferences.
  • Multi-Day Tours and Day Trips Available
    Choose from single-day excursions or extended tours, with flexible itineraries that allow you to explore Ireland at your own pace.

Contact Details

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]]> Midlands Cycle Hub, Cloondara https://visitlongford.ie/activity/midlands-cycle-hub/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 15:00:41 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=15304 Midlands Cycle Hub Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Explore the Royal Canal Greenway with expert local guidance and unforgettable cycling tours. Midlands Cycle Hub is a family-run bike hire […]

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Two people ride bicycles along a narrow tarmac path bordered by stone walls, with grassy fields, the sea, and distant hills in the background. Other cyclists are visible further along the path.
Three cyclists in matching red and black gear ride on a tarmacked road beside a scenic body of water, with green fields and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky in the background.
Two people with bicycles stand on a grassy hill, looking out over a large lake and a scenic landscape with green fields and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Three cyclists wearing bright green jackets ride on a tarmacked road with a scenic backdrop of mountains, a lake, and grassy terrain under a cloudy sky.
Three cyclists ride along a coastal road with green cliffs, rocky shoreline, and the sea on one side. An old castle stands atop the distant hill under a cloudy sky.
Three people walk their bicycles up a tarmacked road, bordered by stone walls, with a ruined stone castle and the sea in the background under a cloudy sky.

Midlands Cycle Hub

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Explore the Royal Canal Greenway with expert local guidance and unforgettable cycling tours.

Midlands Cycle Hub is a family-run bike hire centre with over 30 years of experience in helping people cycle around Longford. They are located in Clondra, County Longford, at the end of the Royal Canal, so that you can easily start your journey on this traffic-free route.

Open year-round, they have over 80 bikes to choose from, including hybrid, electric and children’s bicycles.  

They also offer cycle tours, including the Famine Way Cycle Tour and the Midlands Historical Bicycle Tour.

Why Visit

  • Start Your Greenway Adventure in Clondra
    Located at the end of the Royal Canal, Midlands Cycle Hub is perfectly positioned for easy access to the traffic-free Royal Canal Greenway.
  • Extensive Range of Bikes for Every Cyclist
    With more than 80 bikes available, including electric, hybrid and children’s bicycles, there is an option to suit all ages and abilities.
  • Discover Longford Through Guided Cycle Tours
    Explore the region’s rich heritage and landscapes on unique experiences such as the Famine Way Cycle Tour and the Midlands Historical Bicycle Tour.

Good To Know

  • Family-Run with Over 30 Years of Experience
    The knowledgeable team has decades of experience helping visitors enjoy the best cycling routes and attractions across Longford.
  • Open All Year Round
    Bike hire and cycling experiences are available throughout the year, making it easy to plan your visit in any season.

Contact Details

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]]> Ballymahon Greenway Cycles https://visitlongford.ie/activity/ballymahon-greenway-cycles/ Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:04:32 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=15286 Ballymahon Greenway Cycles Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Your local gateway to the Royal Canal Greenway, with bike hire, repairs and expert route recommendations. Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is […]

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A bike shop interior with several rows of bicycles lined up against a wall, a large fan, and a counter with a TV, water bottles, and a first aid kit on the wall. The floor and walls are clean and industrial in style.
An older person wearing a helmet sits on a bicycle, whilst another person stands beside them gesturing and talking. They are outside in front of a wall with a large bicycle graphic and the words "Greenway Cycles.
A woman and a child ride bicycles on a path beside a river, while several people kayak on the water under a blue sky with fluffy clouds. Trees and grass line both sides of the path and river.
A row of bicycles is parked along a grey brick wall outside a building with a large circular bike shop logo painted on the wall.
Two smiling people stand behind a counter in a bike shop. The woman wears an orange jumper and holds a leaflet; the man wears a blue waistcoat. Papers, a plant, and a notebook are on the counter. A bicycle logo is on the wall behind them.
Two people ride bicycles along a gravel path beside a white cottage and a canal on a sunny day, with trees and grass bordering the scene.
A circular logo on glass reads "Ballymahon Greenway Cycles" and features a simple bicycle graphic in the centre. Reflections and bicycles are visible through the glass.
An older man in a blue shirt repairs a yellow bicycle on a stand in a workshop with bikes and wheels hanging on the wall behind him.

Ballymahon Greenway Cycles

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Your local gateway to the Royal Canal Greenway, with bike hire, repairs and expert route recommendations.

Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is a family-run business located on Mostrim Road, Ballymahon, County Longford. They offer bike hire for your holiday, as well as having bicycles and anything you might need for purchase and repair services. Their location makes them a great place from which to start your journey on the Royal Canal Greenway. They have a wide variety of bikes for you to choose from, including electric, hybrid and kids’ bikes. John at Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is a keen cyclist and can help you with choosing your route. 

Why Visit

  • Perfect Starting Point for the Royal Canal Greenway
    Conveniently located in Ballymahon, Ballymahon Greenway Cycles is an ideal base for exploring the scenic Royal Canal Greenway.
  • Bike Hire for All Ages and Abilities
    Choose from a wide range of bicycles, including electric bikes, hybrids and children’s bikes, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a cycling adventure.
  • Friendly Local Expertise
    Benefit from the knowledge of experienced cyclist John, who can recommend routes, share local insights and provide free maps to help you make the most of your journey.

Good To Know

  • Family-Run Business
    Ballymahon Greenway Cycles offers a warm, personal service with a focus on helping visitors enjoy the best cycling experience possible.
  • Sales and Repairs Available
    In addition to bike hire, they stock cycling essentials and provide repair services, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth ride.

Contact Details

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]]> Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre https://visitlongford.ie/activity/corlea-trackway-visitor-centre/ Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:45:30 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=13756 Corlea Trackway Centre Family friendly Free to visit Rainy days Walk the Road of Ancient Kings Hidden away in the boglands of Longford, not far from Kenagh village, is an […]

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Aerial view of a modern white building with a glass dome roof, surrounded by trees and open fields with patches of water under a bright sky. A long path leads away from the building through the landscape.
A circular museum exhibition room with display cases, information panels, and a compass rose on the floor. The domed ceiling is decorated with a mural of figures and landscape scenes. Natural light enters through glass doors at the far end.
Large ancient wooden boat remains are displayed in a long, well-lit museum room with railings along both sides and a curved blue ceiling.
A close-up view of several weathered wooden planks laid side by side outdoors, forming a flat surface. The wood appears rough, aged, and uneven, with visible knots, cracks, and natural texture.
A modern beige building with a domed glass roof stands in a field with tall grass and vibrant yellow flowering shrubs under a partly cloudy sky.

Corlea Trackway Centre

  • Family friendly
  • Free to visit
  • Rainy days

Walk the Road of Ancient Kings

Hidden away in the boglands of Longford, not far from Kenagh village, is an inspiring relic of prehistory: a togher – an Iron Age road – built in 148 BC. Known locally as the Danes’ Road, it is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe. Historians agree that it was part of a routeway of great importance. 

Overview

It may have been a section of a ceremonial highway connecting the Hill of Uisneach, the ritual centre of Ireland, and the royal site of Rathcroghan. The trackway was built from heavy planks of oak, which sank into the peat after a short time. This made it unusable, of course, but also ensured it remained perfectly preserved in the bog for the next two millennia. Inside the interpretive centre, an 18-metre stretch of the ancient wooden structure is on permanent display in a hall specially designed to preserve it. Don’t miss this amazing remnant of our ancient past.

Why Visit

  • Step onto a 2,000-year-old Iron Age roadway at Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, home to the largest known prehistoric bog road in Europe. The remarkably preserved oak trackway offers a rare glimpse into how people travelled and engineered routes through Ireland’s ancient wetlands.
  • Experience Ireland’s hidden history through immersive exhibits that bring the story of the bog, its construction, and the lives of Iron Age communities to life with interactive displays, archaeological discoveries, and engaging interpretation.
  • Enjoy a unique stop in the heart of Ireland’s countryside, where visitors can combine fascinating heritage with peaceful bogland scenery, making it an ideal attraction for history lovers, families, and anyone looking to discover something beyond the usual tourist trail.

Contact Details

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Opening Times

14 March – 04 November 2026

Daily 10:00 – 18:00

Last admission and final tour is at 17:00

Getting Here

3km from Kenagh village and accessed on the Longford-Kenagh road, R357. 15km from Longford or from the Mullingar-Lanesboro road R392

Facilities

Audio Visual Show

Bicycle Parking

Picnic Area

Toilets

Wheelchair Accessible Toilet

Restrictions

Access by Guided Tour Only

Dogs on lead

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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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