Canals, lakes and Ireland’s longest greenway
Longford is one of Ireland’s quietest counties, and that’s exactly its appeal. It’s a land of lakes, slow rivers and bog, with the Royal Canal Greenway running right across it, the shores of Lough Ree on its western edge and pretty villages that feel a long way from anywhere, even though they’re barely an hour and a half from Dublin.
It’s the perfect place for a cycling weekend, a family break or simply a couple of days of fresh air and no traffic. Bring the bikes, or hire them when you get here.
Cycling the Royal Canal Greenway
The Royal Canal Greenway runs for about 130 km along the canal towpath from Maynooth to Cloondara in Longford, where the canal meets the Shannon. It’s Ireland’s longest greenway, flat and traffic-free, and the Longford section is especially peaceful, with old stone bridges, locks and harbours along the way. Hire bikes locally and ride a section, such as Longford town to Cloondara, or from Abbeyshrule to Ballymahon on the Inny. Cloondara itself is a lovely little harbour village with a lock, a mill race and a pub.
Lough Ree and the Shannon
On the county’s western edge, Lough Ree is one of the great Shannon lakes, dotted with islands and fringed by reed beds. Lanesborough, at the top of the lake, is a hub for boating and angling, and the lakeshore villages of Newtowncashel and Barley Harbour are quiet and beautiful. Newtowncashel is known for its bog oak carving.
Corlea Trackway
In the bog near Keenagh lies one of the most extraordinary finds in Irish archaeology: an Iron Age road of oak planks, built in 148 BC and preserved in the peat for over 2,000 years. An 18-metre section is displayed in a purpose-built hall at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre. Please note: the centre is closed for the rest of 2026 and is due to reopen in 2027, so check with Heritage Ireland before you plan a visit.
The lake has a long history. Its islands hold the ruins of early monasteries, such as Inchcleraun, also known as Quaker Island, and Viking fleets once sailed up the Shannon to raid them. In summer, boat trips and lake tours run from Lanesborough and Athlone, and you can hire a cruiser to explore at your own pace. No licence is needed.
Villages and literary Longford
- Ardagh: a pretty estate village with stone cottages, a green and a heritage and creativity centre.
- St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford: badly damaged by fire on Christmas morning 2009 and beautifully restored, reopening in 2014.
- Goldsmith country: the writer Oliver Goldsmith was born near Ballymahon, and the area around Lissoy and Pallas is linked to his life.
- Edgeworthstown: home of the novelist Maria Edgeworth, one of the most popular writers of her day.
Center Parcs Longford Forest
If you’re travelling with children, Center Parcs Longford Forest, near Ballymahon, is one of the most popular family breaks in the country, with lodges in the forest, a huge indoor water park and bikes for getting around. It’s a world of its own, so book well ahead for school holidays and bank holiday weekends.
Good to know before you go
- Bike hire on the greenway is limited and seasonal, so book ahead, especially on bank holiday weekends.
- There are few shops or cafés along parts of the canal, so bring water and snacks.
- Center Parcs books up months ahead for school holidays. Midweek breaks are cheaper and quieter.
- Corlea Trackway is due to reopen in 2027. Check with Heritage Ireland before you build a day around it.
When it rains
St Mel’s Cathedral and its museum, the Ardagh centre and the Backstage Theatre in Longford town are all good wet-weather options. Athlone, 30 minutes from Lanesborough, has its castle and more.
Where to eat and drink
Longford town has the widest choice of restaurants and cafés, and the villages along the canal and Lough Ree have friendly pubs, perfect for a pint after a day on the bike or the water.
Which area to stay in
Longford town has the most choice and the train station. Ballymahon and Center Parcs suit families, and Lanesborough and the Lough Ree shore are ideal for anglers and boaters. Self-catering cottages along the canal are a good, quiet option.
A two-night plan
Friday: arrive in Longford town and have dinner.
Saturday: cycle the Royal Canal Greenway to Cloondara and back.
Sunday: Ardagh and the Lough Ree shore at Newtowncashel or Barley Harbour, then home.
Longford is great for the May and August bank holidays. Combine it with Athlone and Lough Ree or Carrick-on-Shannon.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Royal Canal Greenway?
About 130 km from Maynooth in Kildare to Cloondara in Longford, making it Ireland’s longest greenway. Most people cycle a section of it.
Is the Corlea Trackway open?
The visitor centre is closed for the rest of 2026 and is due to reopen in 2027. Check with Heritage Ireland before you travel.
How far is Longford from Dublin?
About an hour and a half by car via the M4 and N4, or about an hour and three-quarters by train from Dublin Connolly.
Is Longford good for families?
Yes. The greenway is flat and traffic-free, Center Parcs Longford Forest is one of the most popular family breaks in Ireland, and Lough Ree is great for days on the water.
Where we’d stay
Forest lodges with a huge indoor water park, ideal for families.
A long-established hotel on the main street of Longford town.
Search Longford's guesthouses and B&Bs for good-value rooms.
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Getting there
About an hour and a half from Dublin, with trains on the Sligo line.
- By car: about an hour and a half from Dublin via the M4 and N4.
- By train: Dublin Connolly to Longford, about an hour and three-quarters, on the Sligo line.
- Getting around: hire bikes for the greenway. You’ll want a car for Lough Ree and the villages.
Timetables change, especially on bank holidays, so check with the operator before you travel.
