County Longford, located in the heart of Ireland’s Midlands, is one of the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland and part of the province of Leinster. Known for its rich history, serene landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, Longford is a county that blends rural charm with historical significance.
Location and Size: County Longford is centrally located in Ireland,
bordered by counties Leitrim and Cavan to the north, Westmeath to the
east, Roscommon to the west, and Meath to the southeast. It spans
approximately 1,091 square kilometers (421 square miles), making it one
of Ireland’s smaller counties.
Topography: Longford is characterized
by flat, fertile plains, with much of its land used for agriculture. The
county is part of Ireland’s Central Lowlands, with gentle rolling hills
and boglands. Its highest point, Cairn Hill (also known as Carn
Clonhugh), stands at 278 meters (912 feet).
Waterways: The River
Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, forms part of Longford’s western
boundary and is a significant feature for both ecology and recreation.
The Royal Canal stretches through the county, historically used for
transportation and now popular for walking and boating. Lough Ree, a
large lake on the Shannon, lies partly in Longford and is a hub for
angling and water-based activities. Other lakes include Lough Gowna and
Lough Forbes.
Climate: Longford experiences a temperate oceanic
climate, typical of Ireland, with mild winters, cool summers, and
frequent rainfall. Average temperatures range from 5°C (41°F) in winter
to 15–20°C (59–68°F) in summer.
County Longford’s history spans thousands of years, from prehistoric
settlements to medieval strongholds and modern developments.
Prehistoric and Early History:
Archaeological evidence, such as
megalithic tombs and ring forts, indicates human activity in Longford
dating back to the Neolithic period (circa 4000–2500 BCE).
The
county’s name derives from the Irish Longphort, meaning “fortress” or
“encampment,” possibly referring to Viking settlements along the Shannon
in the 9th century.
Longford was part of the ancient kingdom of
Annagh (or Teffia), ruled by the O’Farrell clan, a prominent Gaelic
family.
Medieval Period:
The O’Farrells dominated Longford for
centuries, with their stronghold at Longford Castle (now largely in
ruins). They resisted Norman invasions in the 12th century but
eventually coexisted with Anglo-Norman settlers.
The county saw the
construction of monasteries, such as the Dominican Abbey in Ardagh
(founded in the 13th century) and the Franciscan Abbey in Saints Island
on Lough Ree.
Plantation and Rebellion:
In the 16th and 17th
centuries, Longford was subject to English plantations, with land
confiscated from Gaelic lords and granted to English settlers, notably
during the Plantation of Ulster and subsequent schemes. This led to
tensions and displacement of the native Irish.
The county played a
role in the 1641 Rebellion and the Williamite War (1689–1691), with
local skirmishes reflecting broader national conflicts.
Modern
History:
The Great Famine (1845–1852) devastated Longford, causing
significant population decline due to starvation, disease, and
emigration. The county’s population dropped from around 115,000 in 1841
to under 50,000 by 1900.
Longford was active during the Irish War of
Independence (1919–1921) and the Civil War (1922–1923). Local figure
Seán Mac Eoin, known as the “Blacksmith of Ballinalee,” was a prominent
IRA leader and later a key political figure.
In the 20th century,
Longford transitioned from a predominantly agrarian society to one with
growing urban centers, particularly the county town of Longford Town.
Population: As of the 2022 Census, County Longford had a population
of approximately 46,634, making it one of Ireland’s less populous
counties. The population has been gradually increasing due to inward
migration and economic development.
Urban and Rural Divide: The
county is predominantly rural, with Longford Town (population ~10,000)
serving as the main urban center and administrative hub. Other notable
towns include Granard, Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown (Mostrim), and
Lanesborough.
Diversity: Longford has become more diverse in recent
decades, with significant communities from Eastern Europe (particularly
Poland and Lithuania), Africa, and Asia, especially in Longford Town.
The county has also welcomed refugees and asylum seekers, contributing
to its multicultural fabric.
Language: English is the primary
language, but Irish (Gaelic) is taught in schools and used in cultural
contexts. Some place names, such as Ardagh (Ardach, meaning “high
field”) and Ballinalee (Béal Átha na Laoigh, meaning “mouth of the ford
of the calves”), reflect the Irish language’s influence.
Longford’s economy is historically rooted in agriculture but has
diversified in recent decades.
Agriculture: The county’s fertile
land supports dairy farming, beef production, and tillage (crops like
barley and wheat). Boglands are also harvested for peat, though this
practice is declining due to environmental concerns.
Industry and
Commerce: Longford Town is a commercial hub with retail, manufacturing,
and services. Key industries include food processing (e.g., Kepak meat
processing) and pharmaceuticals. The Center Parcs Longford Forest, a
major tourism and leisure resort opened in 2019, has boosted the local
economy by creating jobs and attracting visitors.
Employment:
Unemployment rates in Longford have historically been higher than the
national average, but recent investments, such as Center Parcs and
infrastructure improvements, have improved job prospects. Many residents
commute to nearby counties, such as Westmeath or Dublin, for work.
Infrastructure: The N4 and N5 roads connect Longford to Dublin (120 km
away) and other regions, while the Dublin–Sligo railway serves Longford
Town and Edgeworthstown. The Royal Canal and Shannon River also support
tourism-related businesses.
Longford’s cultural identity is shaped by its Gaelic roots, literary
connections, and community spirit.
Literature and Arts:
Longford is the birthplace of Maria Edgeworth (1768–1849), a pioneering
novelist and educationalist whose works, such as Castle Rackrent,
influenced writers like Sir Walter Scott. Her family estate in
Edgeworthstown is a historical landmark.
The county hosts literary
festivals, such as the Maria Edgeworth Festival, celebrating its
literary heritage.
Local arts groups, theaters, and music venues,
like the Backstage Theatre in Longford Town, promote drama, music, and
visual arts.
Music and Festivals:
Traditional Irish music
thrives in Longford’s pubs and community halls. Instruments like the
fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán are commonly played.
Festivals
include the Longford Summer Festival, Granard Harp Festival (celebrating
Ireland’s ancient harp tradition), and agricultural shows like the
Longford Show.
Sport:
Gaelic games, particularly Gaelic
football and hurling, are hugely popular, with the Longford GAA team
competing in national competitions. The county’s Gaelic football team,
nicknamed “The Slashers,” has a passionate following.
Soccer, rugby,
and athletics are also played, with facilities like Pearse Park in
Longford Town hosting major matches.
Angling is a significant
recreational activity, given the county’s lakes and rivers.
Religion:
Longford is predominantly Roman Catholic, with historic churches like
St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford Town, a striking neoclassical building
restored after a 2009 fire. The county also has small Protestant,
Muslim, and other religious communities.
Longford offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and modern
amenities for visitors.
Historical Sites:
Corlea Trackway
Visitor Centre: Showcases a preserved Iron Age bog road (dated to 148
BCE), offering insights into prehistoric engineering.
Ardagh Heritage
Village: A picturesque village with a heritage center, known for the
discovery of the Ardagh Chalice, an 8th-century masterpiece of Celtic
art (now in the National Museum of Ireland).
Carrigglas Manor: A
Gothic-style estate near Longford Town, once home to the Lefroy family,
offering guided tours (seasonal).
Saints Island: A monastic site on
Lough Ree with ruins of a 6th-century monastery founded by St. Ciarán.
Natural Attractions:
Lough Ree: Ideal for boating, fishing, and
birdwatching, with scenic islands and walking trails.
Newcastle
Woods: A forested area near Ballymahon, perfect for hiking and nature
walks.
Royal Canal Greenway: A 130-km trail (partly in Longford) for
cycling and walking, following the historic canal.
Modern
Attractions:
Center Parcs Longford Forest: A 400-acre resort with
lodges, a subtropical swimming paradise, spa, and outdoor activities
like archery and kayaking.
Longford Town: Offers shopping, dining,
and cultural venues like St. Mel’s Cathedral and the Backstage Theatre.
Education: Longford has numerous primary and secondary schools, with
Longford College of Further Education providing vocational training. The
county’s proximity to larger cities like Dublin and Athlone allows
residents to access universities such as Maynooth University or
Technological University of the Shannon.
Community: Longford is known
for its strong sense of community, with active volunteer groups, sports
clubs, and cultural organizations. The Longford Tidy Towns initiative
has earned accolades for environmental efforts, and local markets and
fairs foster community engagement.
Challenges:
Longford faces economic challenges, including rural
depopulation and limited industrial diversity. Some areas experience
higher-than-average deprivation rates.
Infrastructure, such as
broadband connectivity in rural areas, remains a concern, though
improvements are underway.
Environmental issues, like bog
conservation and sustainable farming, are pressing given Longford’s
peatlands and agricultural focus.
Future Prospects:
Tourism,
bolstered by Center Parcs and the Royal Canal Greenway, is a growth
area, with potential for eco-tourism and heritage projects.
Investments in renewable energy (e.g., wind and solar) could diversify
the economy.
Longford’s proximity to Dublin and improving transport
links make it attractive for commuters and businesses seeking affordable
locations.
Maria Edgeworth: Novelist and educational reformer.
Seán Mac Eoin:
Revolutionary leader and politician.
Pádraic Colum (1881–1972): Poet
and playwright, born in Longford, known for his contributions to the
Irish Literary Revival.
Mel Farrell: Contemporary historian and
author specializing in Irish history.
Longford is nicknamed the “Forgotten County” due to its low profile
compared to Ireland’s coastal or larger counties, but locals take pride
in its understated charm.
The Ardagh Chalice, one of Ireland’s most
famous artifacts, was found in a Longford potato field in 1868.
Longford is one of the few Irish counties without a coastline, but its
lakes and rivers make it a haven for water enthusiasts.