Longford, Home of the Olde Schoolhouse Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Ireland

Welcome to LONGFORD

Co. Longford is set in the heart of the Midlands and one of the smallest of our inland counties. It is one of Ireland's loveliest with much to attract and entertain the visitor. The extensive waterways in the county are a wonderful attraction and provide outstanding angling and water sport locations. Longford is rich in heritage from the Corlea Bog Interpretative Centre to Carrigglass Manor.

Longford is a thriving town of colour and commercial activity. Its bright shops and stores are brim full of all types of goods, and many surprises, if you take the time to look. But it is the cheery good humour of the people which makes Longford especially attractive. Ready to assist and entertain at the slightest provocation, visitors to Longford will find that sensitive combination of rural inquisitiveness and local pride with sets you at ease and invites you to enjoy your time in the town.

Longford Town sprung up along the banks of the river Camlin. It's strategic midland location saw it develop as a gateway to the north-west and the northern half of Connaught. Furthermore, this important location was recognised as early as the 1700's when the British authorities sited both a cavalry and artillery barracks in the town. The present Great Water Street was the main centre of commerce and industry for much of the last century. In more recent times, there has been the development of Earl Street while the arrival of the shopping centre has re-kindled the central part of the town. Since the 1960's Longford has developed rapidly as a centre of excellence both in manufacturing and retailing. The rapid urbanization of Irish society is reflected in the growing town population, which is well served by some of the finest leisure and recreational facilities in the county.

Historic Buildings

Although Longford's history is documented back 500 years, its oldest buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Buildings of importance surviving from this era would include St John's Church of Ireland 1760, Longford Court House (commenced 1793 - completed 1796) and the Longford Arms Hotel 1807, arrival of the Royal Canal in 1830 and the Railway in 1855, the eastern side of town slowly assumed this mantle. The National Bank was set up in 1834, St Mel's Cathedral in 1840 and the Garda Station circa 1842. There is a Diocesan Museum at the rear of St. Mel's

Angling

There is coarse fishing here to compare with the best. The Camlin river flows through Longford and at the town outskirts provides good access, hard bank and reed free swims. Fish stock includes large bream, rudd, tench and some roach. The Inny River with access points at 9 to 14 miles claims an unofficial record for a 6 hour competition taken at Metal Bridge (186 lbs. By Len Baldwin, Swindon - April 1982). The Shannon River at Tarmonbarry, Clondra, and at Lanesboro is noted for its hot water stretch below the power station. There is excellent Game Angling for brown trout on the Inny, some stretches of the Camlin and at Lough Gowna. Pike Angling is available at Lough Gowna, the Shannon River and on Lough Ree.