In our Irish county guide series, we share our top tips, tricks and picks when visiting each Irish county. Let’s see what Longford has to offer.
Nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Longford blends a rich tapestry of history, culture and literature with stunning natural scenery and a thriving scene for food lovers.
The county is particularly famed for its forest getaways and woodland retreats that draw visitors from across the country, yet Longford offers far more beyond these escapes. If you’re planning a trip to Longford soon, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Where to stay
Center Parcs
Center Parcs stands as Ireland’s first resort of the brand on the island, tucked away within 400 acres of woodland, offering a wonderfully tranquil escape. Guests can choose from private lodges or self-contained apartments, with access to the Aqua Sana spa and a wide range of activities for adults and children alike.
Prices fluctuate with demand; to book, check the Center Parcs website.
Castlecor House
Initially built as a hunting lodge in the mid-1700s and subsequently expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries, a stay at Castlecor House feels like stepping back in time, as much of its original architecture remains intact. Among its most striking features is the octagonal Great Hall. Its location is convenient—about 25 minutes from Longford Town and 10 minutes from Glasson Village. Rates begin at €170 per night for both the Bond and Clerk suites.
Abbeyview House B&B
Nestled in the mid-1800s on the edge of the picturesque Abbeyshrule village, Abbeyview House B&B is a storied property. Erected by local mill owner George Eldon Coates and later used as a Garda barracks, the house carries a strong sense of history. Centrally placed, Abbeyview offers easy reach to neighbouring counties such as Westmeath, Cavan, Roscommon and Leitrim if you decide to extend your stay. Guests can choose between the two bedrooms in the main house, starting at €90 per night, or opt for the on-site glamping pods at €130 per night.
Other accommodation includes
Augherea Guest House
Airbnb in Longford Town
The Longford Arms
Airbnb in Termonbarry
PV’s Hotel and Restaurant
Where to eat
Restaurants
Eleven-Eleven Brunchery and Gastrobar, Longford Town
PV’s Bar and Restaurant, Longford Town
Vocella’s Italian, Longford Town
Take 2, Longford Town
Skelly’s Bar and Restaurant, Ballymahon
Paul Fay’s Pub, Granard
The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule
Coffee/Brunch
Wilder and Gold, Ballymahon
Athena Gallery Café, Longford Town
Elm Coffee Trailer, Granard
VDA Coffee, Longford Town
Courtyard Café and Bakery, Longford Town
Pubs
Edward J. Valentine’s, Longford Town
Jack’s Corner House, Edgeworthstown
Murphy’s Crossroads Inn, Granard
What to do:
Lough Ree Distillery tours and tastings
Tucked away on the edge of the River Shannon, Lough Ree Distillery crafts handcrafted, small-batch Irish spirits. Offering tastings and tours, visitors can discover the ingredients and processes that go into producing these premium spirits.
Lough Ree ‘Access for All’ boat trips
Lough Ree Access for All offers boat rental, guided angling tours and boat trips around the lough, showcasing its natural beauty. The “Access for All” principle means every boat is wheelchair-friendly with added supports for disabled passengers. The project aims to encourage both able-bodied and disabled people to enjoy sport and adventure together.
Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre
Often described as the “Irish Jane Austen,” Maria Edgeworth was a foundational figure in shaping the modern novel. Visitors can follow a time-travel–style trail or stop by the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre, housed in one of the country’s oldest national school buildings.
Knights and Conquests Visitor Centre
Cloughan Farm and Cookery School
Midland Carting and Paintballing
Center Parcs Aqua Sana Spa
Firecracker Sauna
