History

A County steeped in history and tradition

County Longford got its name from a chieftain called Farrell who travelled westward after the battle of Clontarf in 1014. He built a fortification at rampart in the vicinty of the present town of longford. Having established his army headquarters here, the place known as as Longford Ui Ferraill. For about 600 years Longford formed part of the ancient kingdom of Annaly, and the princes of Annaly assumed the surname of OFarrell. This is one of the most numerous surnames in Longford to the present day.
Longfords past reaches into pre-history. There are connections with the great mythological saga such as the route of the tain through the county, and standing stones, site of ancient sun-worship and Black Pigs Dyke near Granard. History is in the boglands of County Longford. Among themast significent finds in recent years, of national and indeed international importance was the Lough Kinale Shrine, found at Lough Kinale near Granard, now restored and preserved in the National Museum of Ireland.

Longford Clans

The Farrell Clan

The Sheridan Clan 

The Rhatigan Clan

History of County Longford

Longford is a focal point of the northern midlands where the provinces of Leinster, Ulster and Connaught all converge. Longford, where history and literature, tragedy and triumph are all woven together, takes its name from the ancient stronghold of the O’Farrell family (Long Fort – Fort of the O’Farrells) who ruled from the 11th Century. Bordered to the west by the majestic River Shannon, Longford is a county of rolling plains and picturesque stretches of water. The highest point of the county, Cairn Hill, is only 270m high, but from the summit glorious views are afforded in all directions.
Longford’s past reaches into pre-history marked by connections to the great mythological Tuatha Dé Danann sagas such as The Wooing of Étáin and the Route of the Táin and by the remains of many ancient sites. Early Irish Christianity left its mark on Longford with monastic remains such as St Mel’s Cathedral ruin at Ardagh, the Cistercian ruin at Abbeylara and placenames such as Tubberpatrick. The last battle of the 1798 rebellion took place in Longford when the ‘Year of the French’ came to a bloody end at Ballinamuck. Longford’s motto emblazoned across its county creed declares it to be ‘Daingean agus Dilis’- ‘Strong and Loyal’; without doubt it has lived up to its self-set standards and has proudly influenced the Ireland of today.
Co. Longford is the birthplace of illustrious writers such as Oliver Goldsmith, Maria Edgeworth and Padraic Colum. The county has much to offer with magnificent angling, equestrian, golfing, boating and swimming on the many lakes, white water canoeing on the river Inny, lovely walks, historic sites and peatland areas to visit. Longford also boasts a vibrant nightlife, many modern theatres and a variety of festivals throughout the county