Self-Drive Tours in Longford

Longford is self-drive territory for the curious traveller — a county most tourists skip, which means its heritage sites are genuinely uncrowded. The landscape is flat, the roads are quiet, and the two headline attractions — Corlea Trackway and St Mel's Cathedral — reward a half-day that most visitors never take.

The Corlea Trackway near Kenagh village is the essential stop. An Iron Age bog road built in 148 BC, it is the largest prehistoric bog road in Europe — an 18-metre stretch of preserved oak displayed in a dedicated OPW visitor building. Free admission. The trackway may have connected the Hill of Uisneach to Rathcroghan, linking two of Ireland's most important ancient royal sites. Allow 45 minutes to an hour.

St Mel's Cathedral in Longford town is a neoclassical landmark restored after a devastating fire on Christmas morning 2009. Free to visit year-round, the cathedral's restoration story adds depth to the architecture. Allow 30 to 45 minutes.

The Royal Canal Greenway runs 130 kilometres from Dublin to Longford — the Longford section through Clondra to Abbeyshrule is flat, well-surfaced, and ideal for cycling. Bike hire is available in Longford town for a section ride.

Ardagh Heritage Village, 14 kilometres from Longford town, is a picturesque estate village — a brief stop on any loop. Center Parcs Longford Forest near Ballymahon offers family accommodation if you want a resort base.

Your Celtic Vacations self-drive package includes car hire, accommodation, a detailed day-by-day itinerary, 24/7 concierge support, unlimited mileage, and all tolls covered.