Experience Culture and History in County Longford

County Longford offer unique cultural experiences, with a deep and authentic heritage to explore. 

Stay at Shawbrook Residential 

Explore your creativity by staying at Shawbrook Residential, a dance centre of excellence that has been nurturing creativity through performance art for the last 30 years. Here you will be able to make full use of their studios, see exceptional performances and meet others also interested in dance and the arts.

Heritage Stays

As well as Shawbrook Residential, County Longford has plenty of period properties where you will be surrounded by history.

These include the beautiful Abbeyview House in Abbeyshrule and the Georgian house with Oscar Wilde connections, Glebe House B&B. 

Another beautiful Georgian property is the Augherea Guest House, where you'll relax in history and peaceful countryside. 

You'll be surrounded by mature parkland at Newcastle House and can experience 300 years of history at Castlecor House, both in Ballymahon.

For something cosy and quirky, consider Nanny Murphy's Cottage in Moyne. 

Backstage Theatre

Backstage Theatre in Longford town is a cultural institution in the Midlands. Here, you will find international and nationally-renowned performers, as well as local cultural figures taking to the stage. Expect a full programme of events, making you spoiled for choice! 

Maria Edgeworth Centre

At the Maria Edgeworth Centre, you will learn about the life and times of pioneering novelist Maria Edgeworth (1767-1849). Best known for her novels on Irish life, her work gives plentiful insight into rural and domestic life in Ireland during the time period. The centre is located in the historic old schoolhouse in Edgeworthstown.

Bog Oak Sculptures 

Bog Oak Sculptures by Kevin and Michael Casey have been producing sculptures out of Irish bog oak for the last 60 years. On a visit to their studio, you will experience their exceptional craftsmanship.

National Famine Way

The National Famine Way is a historic 165km trail that traces the footsteps of Strokestown tenants who were marched from County Roscommon to Dublin in 1847 after they failed to pay their rent, where they would begin their journey to North America. In County Longford, the trail stretches from the county border beside Tarmonbarry through to the start of the Greenway in Clondra. 

Where to eat

For the arty, there is nowhere better than Athena Gallery Café in Longford town. Here, you can explore local artists' work while enjoying delicious food and coffee. 

Wilder & Gold in Ballymahon is also the perfect spot for a coffee and discovering unique local produce on sale in the shop and deli.