Tours & Trails Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/tours-trails/ 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 Tours & Trails Archives - Visit Longford https://visitlongford.ie/activity-category/tours-trails/ 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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Ballybrannigan Canal Stores

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

More Info

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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The Táin Trail https://visitlongford.ie/activity/the-tain-trail/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:42:58 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=16320 The Táin Trail The Táin Trail retraces the journey taken by Queen Meave and her armies during the Irish epic legend of Táin Bó Cuailgne. It travels from Queen Meave’s […]

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The Táin Trail

The Táin Trail retraces the journey taken by Queen Meave and her armies during the Irish epic legend of Táin Bó Cuailgne.

It travels from Queen Meave’s palace in Rathcroghan, County Roscommon, across to Cooley Peninsula in County Louth. In addition to Roscommon and Louth, it goes through counties Meath, Westmeath and Longford.

In County Longford, the Táin Trail travels from Tarmonbarry to Granard. 

See the Táin Trail map for its full 504km route and details of the legendary places you will visit. You can expect to see both famous historical sights, medieval castles, early churches and monasteries, as well as little-known sites and peaceful, rural views over mountains and by rivers and lakes.  

You can choose to walk, cycle or drive part or all of the route!

Táin Bó Cuailgne 

The Táin Bó Cuailgne (or the Cattle Raid of Cooley) is the most famous of Irish sagas. At 2,000 years old, it is one of the most ancient in northern Europe.

In this ancient saga, Queen Maeve of Connacht and her husband Ailill decide one night to compare their possessions. After much discussion, it becomes evident that Ailill owns a great white bull, Finnbennach, which Maeve has no equal for. There is only one bull in Ireland equal to Finnbennach, the great Brown Bull of Cooley. Maeve decides she must have the Brown Bull, and so begins the story of the Táin Bó Cuailgne.

Queen Maeve’s armies set off from the Royal Palace at Rathcroghan in County Roscommon. They crossed into County Longford at the Shannon fords at Tarmonbarry. Between here and Longford town was Trego, the plain of the spears, where the armies were attacked by the Celtic war-spirit, Nemain. After an overnight halt at Granard, they advanced towards Crossakeel in County Meath, the scene of Cúchulainn’s first threat to the armies.

At Kilskeer, the armies cut down a great forest before the chariots, and then stopped for the night in Kells. It is here that Cúchulainn read the tracks of the armies to gauge their numbers, which he estimated to be 18 troops and 3,000 each.

From Kells, the route passes through Navan and Slane and close to the river Mattock, scene of the first bloody encounter between their armies and Cúchulainn and where they hear of his ‘Boyhood Deeds’. The armies passed on through the ‘Pig Keepers Plain’ north of Drogheda and close to Monasteboice (a monastic site) to reach the ‘Broad Ford’ (or Dundalk Bay), where many chariots were shattered in fierce fighting.

The armies then advanced on Cooley. Here, they laid waste to the countryside in their search for the Brown Bull, who was hidden in the ‘Black Cauldron’ in the valley of Glenn Gat in the Cooley Mountains. They tore up the ‘Cattle’ or ‘Windy Gap’ as a mark of dishonour to Ulster. They eventually captured the bull and met at Faughart, where Cúchulainn was attacked by the war-goddess Morrigan. This is the most challenging and spectacular part of the route, as it runs along mountain roads down to Omeath, with the Mourne Mountains rising above Carlingford Lough in the distance. The lie of the land is very much the same as it was when Queen Maeve came through the Windy Gap in her pursuit of the Brown Bull.

The armies passed back along the road to Dundalk, the site of Cúchulainn’s fort, Dún Dealgan, and on to Ardee through Knockbridge. This is where badly wounded Cúchulainn slept for three days and three nights before his ferocious attack on Maeve’s forces. In the later tale of his death, the Cloghafarmore (Big Man’s Stone) just outside Knockbridge is said to be the pillar-stone Cúchulainn strapped himself to, as he was dying.

Ardee (Ferdia’s Ford) is the scene of the last and greatest single-combat of the Táin, when Cúchulainn fights and kills his foster brother Ferdia. Two modern sculptures on the banks of the River Dee now commemorate their fight.

As Maeve’s armies began to retreat westward again, the Ulster warriors were finally woken from their sleeping spell and hastened to assist Cúchulainn. Teltown (Tailtui), near Navan, was the scene of the terrible battle of the charioteers and was one of the three great gathering places of ancient Ireland.

At ‘Warriors Ford’, on the Brosna River near Mullingar, King Conchobar of Ulster made a raid on the retreating armies and brought back eight score heads. The Ulster armies assembled outside Mullingar for the final great battle. Fergus vented his fury on the ‘three bald topped hills’ which he levelled with three strokes. The bloody battle finally ends here, and Cúchulainn watches Maeve’s armies cross back over the Shannon at Athlone, into their province.

The two bulls eventually meet and begin their battle at the Hill of Emmoo, north-east of Roscommon Town. They fight, circling the whole of Ireland, with the Brown Bull emerging victorious, but mortally wounded. He makes his final journey back across Ireland to his home in Cooley, with the remains of the white bull hanging from his horns, and so ends this epic tale.

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Edgeworthstown Literary Trail https://visitlongford.ie/activity/edgeworthstown-literary-trail/ Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:38:55 +0000 https://visitlongford.ie/?post_type=activity&p=16314 Edgeworthstown Literary Trail Edgeworthstown Heritage and Literary Trail is organised by the Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown, County Longford. On the tour, you will discover Edgeworthstown’s rich heritage, and its […]

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Edgeworthstown Literary Trail

Edgeworthstown Heritage and Literary Trail is organised by the Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown, County Longford.

On the tour, you will discover Edgeworthstown’s rich heritage, and its connections to the famous Edgeworth family and many more historical figures.

This guided walk offers you an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Maria Edgeworth and her family, Oliver Goldsmith, Sir Walter Scott, William Wordsworth and Oscar Wilde.

The trail takes in the gothic St Mary’s Church with its wonderful Clarke stained glass windows, the ancestral home of Maria Edgeworth with its restored walled garden, St John’s Church and graveyard where Maria Edgeworth and Isola Wilde are buried.

The trail concludes at the wonderful immersive Maria Edgeworth Centre with its extensive collection of Edgeworth memorabilia. 

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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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Mid Shannon Trail Driving Route

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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Longford Literary Trail Driving Route

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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Longford Rebel Trail Driving Route

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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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.

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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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Setanta Chauffeur Tours

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

More Info

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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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Midlands Cycle Hub

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

More Info

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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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Ballymahon Greenway Cycles

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.
More Info

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