Press Release

Longford County Council is pleased to announce that Samantha Healy has been confirmed as the new Chief Executive of Longford County Council.  Ms Healy was formally recommended for the position by the elected members of Longford County Council at a special meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. 

Samantha Healy brings more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience across local and central government in Ireland and the United Kingdom. She has served as Director of Services with Longford County Council since 2022, where she has led major service areas and delivered strategic initiatives across housing, infrastructure, community development, climate action, and corporate services. Prior to joining Longford County Council, Samantha held senior leadership roles with Leitrim County Council and the UK Government, working across local government, science, innovation, and public policy. 
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, collaborative leadership, and delivering meaningful outcomes that improve the lives of citizens and strengthen communities.

Congratulating the newly appointed CE, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “On behalf of the elected members of Longford County Council, I would like to congratulate Samantha Healy on her appointment as Chief Executive. As the county continues to build on its social, economic and community development ambitions, I am confident that Samantha’s leadership, vision and experience will be of great benefit. The elected members look forward to working closely with Samantha, her management team and the staff of Longford County Council to further enhance Longford as a place to live, work, invest and visit. We wish her every success in this important role.”Speaking about her appointment as Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Samantha Healy said:
 “I am deeply honoured and delighted to be appointed Chief Executive of Longford County Council. I believe strong local government should be ambitious, responsive, and rooted in the needs of the people it serves. I want Longford to be a county where people can access quality homes, build rewarding careers, grow successful businesses, raise families, and thrive in vibrant, connected communities. I look forward to working with our elected members, staff, communities, and partners to build on Longford’s strengths and create lasting opportunities for current and future generations.”

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 Press ReleaseLongford County Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Tower Civil Engineering Ltd., Tullamore, as the main works contractor for the R392 Ballymahon Pedestrian and Cycle Scheme. The contract for the construction phase of the project has now been signed, with works expected to commence from Tuesday 18 August.
The €1.4 million project is being funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) through its Active Travel Programme and has been designed by CST Group Consulting Engineers in partnership with Longford County Council’s Active Travel Team.
The scheme will deliver approximately 350 metres of new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure along the R392 Ballymahon to Lanesborough Road, extending from the Moigh Road Junction to St. Matthew’s National School. Construction is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete.
The project represents a significant investment in sustainable transport infrastructure and road safety in Ballymahon. The provision of a new two-way cycle track will create a safer and more attractive route for cyclists and pedestrian, improving accessibility and comfort for all users including local residents, school children and visitors to the town
Additional measures include two new raised zebra crossings on the R392 to provide safer crossing points for pedestrians and other traffic calming measures  including narrowed carriageway, gateway signage and raised crossing points, helping to reduce vehicle speeds and improve road safety.

• School zones will be established at St. Matthew’s National School and Ballymahon Vocational School to create safer environments for students, staff and parents.
• The existing ESB overhead network will be placed underground, with the removal of utility poles helping to improve the visual appearance of the area. 
• New public lighting will be installed along the route to enhance visibility and safety for all road users.
• The project will also include the installation of new surface water drainage infrastructure to improve drainage and reduce the risk of flooding.

The completed scheme will provide substantial benefits for the community, including improved road safety, reduced vehicle speeds, enhanced accessibility, greater priority for pedestrians and cyclists, and a more attractive approach to Ballymahon town. The project will particularly benefit students attending St. Matthew’s National School, the Convent of Mercy and Ballymahon Vocational School.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Councillor Gerry Hagan, is delighted to see the project get underway, “I warmly welcome this project and the many improvements it will bring to the local community. The delivery of safer footpaths, a dedicated cycle track, new pedestrian crossings and enhanced school zones will make a real difference for families, schoolchildren and residents. This is a positive investment in the future of Ballymahon, and I am pleased to see these long-awaited improvements progressing.”
The successful delivery of the project has been made possible through the cooperation and support of local stakeholders, landowners and educational partners. Longford County Council wishes to sincerely acknowledge the assistance of Fr. Liam Murray and St. Mel’s Diocesan Trust, St. Matthew’s National School, Ballymahon Vocational School, John Nally and Enda Connerton, who facilitated the project through the provision of lands required for the scheme.
Chief Executive of Longford County Council,  Samantha Healy, believes the project will be a major boost to Ballymahon, “Longford County Council is delighted to advance this important road improvement scheme, which will deliver significant benefits for residents, students and all road users in Ballymahon. The project represents a substantial investment in active travel, road safety and public infrastructure, providing enhanced facilities for pedestrians and cyclists while creating a safer environment around our schools. This scheme will help support sustainable travel choices and improve the overall quality of life for those living, working and studying in the area and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the community for many years to come.”
Longford County Council advises that temporary traffic management measures, including periodic lane closures, will be necessary during the construction phase. Every effort will be made by the Council and Tower Civil Engineering Ltd. to minimise disruption and complete the works as efficiently as possible.
The contract signing was attended by members of the Ballymahon Municipal District, including Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerry Hagan, councillors and council officials, representatives of the Active Travel Team, CST Group Consulting Engineers and Tower Civil Engineering Ltd.

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 Press Release

Longford and Westmeath County Councils in partnership with The Hill of Uisneach in Westmeath hosted the all-island launch of the 2026 Ireland, Home of Halloween programme. Officiated at by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD, the collaborative initiative is led by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland. Now in its second year, it celebrates the island’s role as the birthplace of Halloween through festivals and visitor experiences inspired by ancient Samhain traditions, inviting visitors to connect with authentic Irish culture in the shoulder season.
Building on the success of 2025, when more than 22,000 people attended events across the Longford and Westmeath Hub, this year’s local programme, titled Samhain in the Heartlands, will feature around 50 events across both counties.
The Longford and Westmeath Hub is one of seven designated Ireland Home of Halloween destinations for 2026 including Fingal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Meath and Louth operating alongside the flagship Púca and Derry Halloween festivals.
New programme highlights for the Longford and Westmeath Hub include a high end collaborative Spirit of Samhain Tasting Dinner with Lough Ree Distillery, Skellys Bar and Droimeann Beef; the Spooktacular Summoning at Dún na Sí, a new immersive masquerade food, culture and heritage event called “The Last Wake at Doory Hall”; the launch of a new Samhain Map of the region and a new Samhain Procession in Athlone.
The programme is being delivered by Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council in partnership with artists, cultural organisations, tourism operators, community groups, volunteers and local businesses.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Gerry Hagan, thanked all project partners for their continued support: “This is the second year of the Ireland Home of Halloween campaign and the response from tourism stakeholders across Longford and Westmeath has once again been phenomenal. Following the success of last year’s programme, we look forward to an even stronger season in 2026.”
Food tourism will also form a key part of this year’s programme, with several Longford food producers and vendors participating in a showcase at the launch to mark their participation in Ireland Home of Halloween 2026 activities on foot of Departmental Food Festival Funding.
Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council John Brannigan said: “We are extremely grateful to Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland for the opportunity provided through this funding programme to create a strong shoulder-season tourism offering within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The guidance and support from the Fáilte Ireland Festivals and Events team throughout the process has been extensive and greatly appreciated.”
Launching the programme, Minister Peter Burke TD said: “Ireland Home of Halloween demonstrates how our unique culture and heritage can support the ambitions of Government tourism policy by driving sustainable growth across our regions and extending the tourism season.
“The success of the programme to date shows the significant potential of this initiative to attract visitors during the shoulder season. In 2025, the initiative generated more than €43 million in economic impact, delivering tangible benefits for local communities and tourism businesses across the island. By supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities and encouraging visitors to explore destinations across the island, the programme continues to deliver lasting benefits while showcasing Ireland as the authentic home of Halloween.”
The Ireland Home of Halloween initiative supported more than 830 events across Ireland in 2025, attracting over 322,000 domestic and international visitors and generating more than €43 million in economic impact.
The Hub also highlighted the wider tourism momentum now being seen across County Longford, including new tourism businesses supported through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Programme under the EU Just Transition Fund, and the launch of the new Visit Longford brand and website.
Longford County Council would also like to thank David and Angela Clarke, their family, and the team at Uisneach for graciously hosting the launch on behalf of the Hub.
***Further details of the Samhain in the Heartlands programme and individual event listings will be announced in the coming weeks through Longford County Council, Westmeath County Council and participating event organisers.***

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 Press Release

The Minister of State for Nature, Biodiversity and Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan has announced funding of €96,700 for biodiversity projects across County Longford.

The funding has been awarded under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) 2026 as part of a nationwide allocation of €3 million from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The LBAF is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service to assist local authorities in carrying out projects that support the objectives of Ireland’s 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023–2030.

Announcing the funding, Minister O’Sullivan said:
“The impressive range of projects being funded highlights the passion, expertise and ambition within our local authorities to act for nature. Proposals include surveying species of birds in decline, such as the swift, managing meadows to enhance wildflowers, and restoring dunes and wetlands.”

Projects funded under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund (LBAF) 2026 in County Longford:
•    ReFarm Longford – working with farmers to create more space for nature on Irish farmlands: €21,250
•    Longford Grassland Survey: €21,250
•    Longford Biodiversity Summer School: €20,000
•    Biodiversity awareness, outreach and capacity building: €13,500
•    Longford Biodiversity workbooks: €12,750
•    Specialised breeding bird survey of raised bogs in County Longford: €4,675
•    Longford woodland Bat Monitoring Survey: €2,740.91
•    Survey and Public Awareness on Aquatic Invasive Species in the Shannon River System: €560.77

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said:
“I warmly welcome this funding under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund 2026. It is a strong endorsement of the work taking place across County Longford to protect and restore nature. These projects will help safeguard Longford’s natural heritage for future generations.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said:
“The Local Biodiversity Action Fund provides important support for the delivery of key actions set out in our Longford Climate Action Plan and Longford Biodiversity Plan, including the protection of habitats, better biodiversity data and stronger community engagement. Longford County Council is pleased to continue to support the work of our Biodiversity Officer, and this funding will help to preserve and enhance the unique biodiversity enjoyed by communities across the county.”

The Local Biodiversity Action Fund was established in 2018 to assist local authorities in implementing biodiversity actions.

Longford County Council will now begin implementing these projects.

For updates, follow Longford County Council on social media and visit Longfordcoco.ie.

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Ambassador of Latvia to open major Abbé Edgeworth exhibition in Edgeworthstown Library

Exhibition brings together rare archives, artefacts and historical objects

The Ambassador of Latvia will open a major new exhibition in Edgeworthstown Library on Monday, 13 July, celebrating the remarkable life of Abbé Henry Essex Edgeworth – a Longford-born priest whose story connects Ireland, France and Latvia. The exhibition, ‘The Extraordinary Life of Abbé Edgeworth’, is organised by Longford County Library and Archives Service in association with the Maria Edgeworth Centre. The official opening will be performed by His Excellency, Mr Juris Štālmeistars, Ambassador of Latvia. 
Born in Edgeworthstown in 1745, Abbé Henry Essex Edgeworth was a relative of the renowned author Maria Edgeworth. After his family moved to France, he was ordained a priest in 1769 and later became confessor to King Louis XVI and the King’s sister, Madame Elizabeth, during the French Revolution. Following the King’s execution in 1793, Edgeworth fled France and eventually became chaplain and almoner to the exiled King Louis XVIII. He died in 1807 in present-day Jelgava, Latvia. 
The exhibition brings together rare archives, artefacts and historical objects from collections across Ireland, many of which have never previously been displayed publicly. Loans have been secured from a number of institutions, including the National Library of Ireland, the Archives of the Irish Capuchin Province, Glenstal Abbey and the Maria Edgeworth Centre, whose collection contains many important items connected with the Edgeworth family. 
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan, said, “This exhibition shines a light on one of the most extraordinary figures associated with County Longford. Abbé Edgeworth’s life spanned some of the most dramatic events in European history, yet his story remains largely unknown. We are delighted to help bring that story to a wider audience and honoured to welcome His Excellency, Ambassador Juris Štālmeistars, to Edgeworthstown for this special occasion. The exhibition highlights a remarkable connection between Longford and Latvia and reminds us of the international reach of our local history.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council, John Brannigan, said, “This exhibition has been made possible through the generosity and collaboration of a number of institutions and custodians of important historical collections. We are deeply grateful for their support in allowing these rare items to be displayed in Longford. Together, they help tell a fascinating story of faith, exile, loyalty and international connections that stretches from Edgeworthstown to France and Latvia.”
The exhibition opens in Edgeworthstown Library on Monday, 13 July at 7.30pm and will continue until 14 August during normal library opening hours. After its run in Edgeworthstown, the exhibition panels will travel to libraries throughout County Longford before being made available for loan to other interested institutions.

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Lough Ree and Lanesborough showcase tourism potential at regional event

Building links between businesses and communities across the region

The Lough Ree region was brought into focus at a recent successful tourism showcase event which welcomed over 50 tourism businesses, community groups and local leaders.

The event was led by the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) Tourism Activators across Longford, Roscommon, Westmeath and East Galway under Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme.
It highlighted the strong tourism offer across Lough Ree and helped to build links between businesses and communities across the region.

Twelve Longford-based tourism enterprises took part. This was the third showcase event delivered by the Lough Ree tourism cluster since activity began in May 2025.

The programme gave attendees a direct experience of the area. It included:

• an accessible Lough Ree “Access for All” boat tour with a virtual reality element
• a visit to Lough Ree Distillery
• a guided walking tour of Ballyleague and Lanesboro
• a visit to Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

A networking lunch at St Faithleach’s GAA Clubhouse allowed participants to share ideas and build contacts.
In the afternoon, Edel McWeeney Moran spoke about the National Famine Way and its future tourism potential. This prompted discussion on how the route can support wider regional tourism.
The day concluded with an interactive networking and mapping session, where participants worked together to deepen connections and contribute to the development of a comprehensive Lough Ree tourism directory, paving the way for future collaboration and growth.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Gerry Hagan said, “The Lough Ree area is a key asset for County Longford. Events like this help local businesses to work together and present a strong, joined-up visitor experience. I welcome the support through the Just Transition Fund and encourage visitors to explore all that this region has to offer.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon said, “This initiative shows how targeted investment and local leadership can support tourism growth in a practical way. By strengthening links between businesses and developing shared experiences, we are improving the visitor offer while supporting rural communities and jobs across the county.”
Michael Nevin, Head of Tourism and Economic Development, said, “It was encouraging to see such a strong turnout and a clear shared focus on the future of tourism in the Lough Ree region. The level of co-operation between businesses and communities shows what can be achieved when we work together. I want to acknowledge the work of the Tourism Activators in building this network.”

This showcase marks another significant milestone in harnessing the opportunities presented by the EU Just Transition Fund—driving sustainable tourism development, fostering regional collaboration, delivering sustainable regenerative networks and elevating the visitor experience across the Lough Ree area.

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VisitLongford.ie launched by Minister for Tourism to promote County Longford

New platform helps visitors plan their trip and supports local tourism businesses

he new Visit Longford tourism website has been officially launched by the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, at Backstage Theatre, Longford.

The visitlongford.ie website and digital transformation have been developed through Fáilte Ireland’s Digital Transformation Programme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.

The website provides a clear and easy way for visitors to plan a trip to County Longford. It brings together information on attractions, food, festivals and events, outdoor activities, heritage sites, and accommodation in one place.
The platform also gives space to the often-overlooked details that make a place special. It highlights lesser-known hidden gems and local stories, offering visitors a more personal view of County Longford. From quiet heritage spots to community-led events, the website reflects the character of the county in a way that is true to place.

Developed by award‑winning web agency Purple Sheep, the site is designed to be simple to use, accessible to all and optimised for search engine and AI visibility. It is a dedicated visitor-facing platform that elevates Longford as a sustainable visitor destination, offering memorable slow and gentle visitor experiences that are grounded in regenerative tourism. Visitors can search for features by location, activity or accessibility. 

The platform will support local tourism providers by amplifying their online presence and helping more people discover what County Longford has to offer. It also reflects a strong sense of local pride. The content is shaped by the people, history and traditions of Longford, ensuring that what is presented is not only useful but authentic. This approach helps visitors connect more closely with the county and discover experiences that go beyond the expected.

The new digital brand presented on visitlongford.ie will be rolled out across all touch points for Longford Tourism.
The website will function as a key part of Longford’s visitor facing ecosystem that local trade, volunteers, and arts, festival and events community and local people will hopefully all take pride in and support with information, updates and content. In doing so, it provides a shared platform where the richness of Longford’s heritage, culture and community life can be seen more clearly and appreciated more widely.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said, “As Minister for Tourism and as a Longford–Westmeath TD, I am delighted to see the launch of VisitLongford.ie. Tourism is a competitive sector, and counties like Longford must continue to present themselves clearly and confidently to visitors.
This new website brings together Longford’s attractions, experiences and accommodation in one accessible place, making it easier for people to plan a visit and discover what the county has to offer.

“I welcome that this work has been delivered through Fáilte Ireland’s Digital Transformation Programme, cofunded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund. From 2025 to 2026, the programme is helping Longford Tourism to strengthen its online presence, improve accessibility and reach new audiences. The wider digital programme, worth up to €4.8m, shows a strong commitment to regional tourism. This launch comes at a timely point, as new tourism businesses prepare to open across Longford under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme. I commend everyone involved and am confident this website will support local businesses and strengthen Longford as a visitor destination.”

Head of Industry Digitalisation with Fáilte Ireland, Orla O’Keeffe welcomed the launch of the new platform for County Longford: “Longford County Council has taken an important step forward in its ambition to welcome more domestic and international visitors to Longford. With visitlongford.ie, this destination is now easier to find and explore online, discoverable not just through search engines, but through the AI tools that travellers increasingly rely on to plan their trips. 
“This is what the EU Just Transition Fund is designed to deliver – lasting, tangible change that puts Midlands tourism firmly on the map. With a total investment of up to €4.8 million, the wider Digital Transformation Programme is supporting tourism organisations across eight counties in the EU Just Transition territory, helping to build a more resilient and competitive tourism sector in the Midlands. We look forward to seeing the delivery of further projects across Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme over the coming months.”

Longford County Council outgoing Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “This website is a strong step forward for tourism in County Longford. It shows clearly what we have to offer, from our landscapes and heritage to our culture and hospitality. It also allows us to present the county in a way that reflects our identity and pride as a place. It will help more visitors to choose Longford and, in doing so, support local businesses and communities across the county.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon, said, “VisitLongford.ie is an important investment in how we present County Longford to visitors. It provides clear and reliable information in one place, which is vital in a competitive tourism market. This has been a collaborative effort between the Council, Fáilte Ireland and local tourism providers, and it will help to grow visitor numbers and support the local economy. It also ensures that the story of Longford — its heritage, its people and its local experiences — is shared in a clear and consistent way.”

Visitors can explore the new platform at www.visitlongford.ie and follow Visit Longford and Longford County Council on social media for news and events.

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Family Friendly Longford: The Ultimate Stress Free Family Travel Guide

Center Parcs Longford Forest

Why families love it:

• Family lodges and self-catering accommodation
• Indoor water park and outdoor activities
• Safe cycling and walking trails
• Activities for all age groups

One of Ireland’s most popular family destinations, Center Parcs Longford Forest offers everything families need for a fun and convenient getaway. With family lodges, indoor swimming pools, forest activities, cycling trails, and entertainment all in one location, it’s ideal for both short breaks and longer holidays.

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Abbeyview Glamping

Abbeyview House (Abbeyshrule) is a charming period guesthouse near the picturesque village of Abbeyshrule in County Longford, offering a peaceful countryside stay with easy access to local heritage and outdoor attractions.

Stay Experience

• Traditional period-style country house
• Warm, welcoming bed & breakfast accommodation
• Peaceful rural setting with landscaped gardens

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Play Parks & Outdoor Attractions in Longford

Families visiting Longford will find plenty of outdoor activities, scenic parks, and safe spaces for children to play and explore.

Newcastle Wood and Playground

Newcastle Wood is one of Longford’s most popular outdoor attractions for families. Featuring woodland walking trails, picnic areas, and a large children’s playground, it’s perfect for a relaxed family afternoon. It features beautiful 5km woodland walks through the forest to the Royal Canal or around the perimeter of Center Parcs (approx 5km)

Perfect for:

• Family walks
• Outdoor play
• Picnic days
• Nature exploration with children

 

Midland Karting

Midland Karting & Paintball Longford is a high-energy adventure centre in County Longford, offering go-kart racing, paintball battles, and group activity experiences.

What You Can Do

• High-speed go-kart racing
• Competitive paintball games
• Team-based outdoor challenges

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Royal Canal Greenway

The Royal Canal Greenway offers a family-friendly outdoor adventure with flat walking and cycling routes suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy peaceful waterside scenery while cycling, walking, or stopping for snacks along the route.

Why families enjoy it:

• Safe and accessible pathways
• Great for bikes and scooters
• Scenic canal views
• Relaxed outdoor activity option

Rainy-Day Activities in Longford

Irish weather can change quickly, but Longford still offers plenty of indoor attractions and activities for families.

 

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

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. 

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.

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Backstage Theatre and Arts Centre

Located in Longford Town, Backstage Theatre hosts family-friendly shows, workshops, seasonal events, and performances throughout the year. It’s a great rainy-day option for children and parents alike.

Great for:

• Family entertainment
• Children’s events
• Indoor cultural activities
• Seasonal performances

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Longford Library & Children’s Activities

Longford Library regularly hosts children’s storytelling sessions, creative workshops, and educational activities that provide a calm and enjoyable indoor experience.

Why families visit:

• Educational indoor activity
• Storytime and creative events
• Quiet space for younger children
• Community-focused family events

 

Omniplex

Omniplex Cinema Longford is a modern cinema experience in County Longford, showing the latest blockbuster films, family favourites, and special screenings.

What You’ll Find

• Latest film releases and blockbusters
• Family and children’s movies
• Concessions and cinema snacks

 

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Cloughan Farm

Cloughan Farm & Cookery School is a hands-on food, farm, and countryside experience in Abbeyshrule, run by Fiona and Michael in a peaceful rural setting. An immersive experience of life on a working farm. Sustainable agri tourism at its best.

What You’ll Experience

• Cookery school with seasonal, hands-on classes
• Learn to prepare dishes using local and home-grown ingredients
• Farm-based food experiences in a working rural setting

 

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Why Families Love Visiting Longford

Longford offers families a slower pace of travel with plenty of safe outdoor spaces, scenic countryside, and welcoming local hospitality. Unlike busier tourist destinations, families can enjoy stress-free days out, shorter travel times between attractions, and authentic Irish experiences.

Families visiting Longford can enjoy:

• Family-friendly accommodation
• Safe outdoor attractions and walking trails
• Scenic canal and riverside activities
• Indoor activities for rainy days
• Relaxed cafés and restaurants
• Easy access from Dublin and across the Midlands

Whether you’re planning a weekend family break, school holiday adventure, or countryside escape with children, Longford offers memorable experiences for all ages.

Plan Your Family Trip to Longford

From outdoor adventures and family accommodation to easy dining and indoor activities, Longford is an ideal destination for a relaxed family holiday in Ireland.

Discover play parks, scenic greenways, family cafés, and welcoming attractions while creating unforgettable memories together in the heart of Ireland.

Start planning your family-friendly Longford adventure today.

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