The West
Accommodation
Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Co. Longford
COUNTY
LONGFORD
Longford, in the north west corner of Leinster, bridges Connaught and Ulster.
A
mid the prosperous agricultural land to the south lies Lough Ree, with the River Shannon running along the county’s western border. Longford remains virtually untouched by mass development and still retains a welcoming and rural charm. Cairn Hill, referred to affectionately by locals as Corn Hill, is the highest point of the county, standing at 916ft. Longford also has strong associations with the legendary Queen Maeve who, according to the epic Irish tale, An Táin Bó Cuailgne, stayed in Granard overnight with her armies while en route to steal the coveted ‘Brown Bull of Cooley’. It is also said that she later met her death while bathing on the island of Inis Clothran on Lough Ree. The county boasts several impressive archaeological sites including portal dolmens in Aughnacliff and Cleenrath. Near Granard you will find standing stones and the highest Norman motte and bailey in the country. Tourist trails that criss-cross the county provide memorable days of discovery for drivers, walkers, cyclists and those enjoying the inland waterways of Ireland. The Royal Canal, Lough Ree, Lough Gowna, the River Shannon, as well as the many smaller lakes and rivers of the county, offer endless opportunities to take part in water sporting activities. Water polo, canoeing and kayaking, white water rafting and water tubing are all enjoyed by visitors to the area. Longford offers horse riding, go-karting, grey hound racing and even flying lessons in the award-winning village of Abbeyshrule, home to Abbeyshrule Airfield, the only airfield in the midlands of Ireland and the base for Longford a number of flying schools. The airfield also hosts the longest-running air show in Ireland, attracting large crowds from home and abroad on an annual basis.
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Cooneys Hotel
Longford Country House
Richmond Inn
Ennybegs, Longford
Clondara
Ballymahon
Longford Country House is a Bed & Breakfast offering excellent accommodation in a tudor-style country home surrounded by stone walls and spacious landscaped gardens and beside four star selfcatering cottages. The area has many attractions for all the family such as golf, fishing, swimming, hill walking, music, theatre and much more.
The Richmond Inn is a family-run guesthouse and pub in the picturesque village of Clondara, located 5km from Longford Town. Once a flax mill built in 1821, it was converted into a pub in the 1930s. The river Shannon and numerous other small lakes and rivers are within easy reach. Nearby sites include Kenagh Interpretative Centre with its 2000 year old trackway and Ardagh, the tidiest village in Ireland.
Cooneys Hotel is located in the town of Ballymahon, in amongst the lakes of County Longford. The hotel contains 11 stylish and comfortable bedrooms while the Courtyard restaurant is charming and sophisticated. Nearby there are plenty of water-related activities, from fishing to angling and boating. Enjoy the scenic views of Lough Ree and the River Shannon.
Location: Killoe, Co. Longford Tel: +353 (0)43 332 3320
Location: Clondara, Co. Longford Tel: +353 (0) 43 26126
Location: Main Street, Ballymahon, Co. Longford Tel: +353 (0) 90 643 8180
Farmer’s Market
IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2017/2018
148 IAYL 2017 West.indd 170
10/07/2017 14:45