County Longford is one of the quiet gems of Ireland’s midlands, and it’s packed with easy, free ways to get the kids outdoors. From lakeshore picnics to woodland trails, canal-side walks and playgrounds with a bit of adventure built in, there’s plenty to fill a family day out here.
Here are some of the best outdoor places in Longford for families to enjoy together.
Jump to:
- [The Mall in Longford](#the-mall)
- [Lough Gowna](#lough-gowna)
- [The Royal Canal](#royal-canal)
- [Derrycassin Woods](#derrycassin-woods)
- [Edenmore Bog Walk](#edenmore-bog-walk)
- [Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre](#corlea-trackway)
- [Newtowncashel and Lanesborough](#newtowncashel)
- [Lough Ree and the Shannon](#lough-ree)
- [Drumlish Playground](#drumlish)
<a name=”the-mall”></a>The Mall in Longford
The Mall is one of our favourite picnic spots in the county. Head here for a snack, a play at the playground, and a go on the adventure and exercise equipment dotted around the park. This landscaped park runs alongside the banks of the River Camlin, right in the centre of Longford Town, so it’s an easy stop if you’re already in town for the day.
<a name=”lough-gowna”></a>Lough Gowna
Pack up the kids, the picnic basket and the dog, and head to Dring Shore on Lough Gowna for a lovely lakeside picnic. There’s also a nice shore at Dernaferst if you fancy exploring a little further.
<a name=”royal-canal”></a>The Royal Canal
For a gentle family walk with plenty to look at, try a stretch of the Royal Canal Way. Keep an eye out for boats travelling between Clondra and Dublin. The canal passes through several towns and villages along the way, including Ballymahon and Abbeyshrule, so you can turn it into a longer outing or just a short stroll.
<a name=”derrycassin-woods”></a>Derrycassin Woods
Derrycassan Wood sits on the shores of Lough Gowna in Dring and offers three different walking trails to suit different energy levels:
- Nature Trail – 1.2km
- Walled Garden Walk loop – 2.3km
- Main Avenue Walk – 3.2km
There’s also a lovely spot for a picnic by the lake edge once you’re done exploring.
<a name=”edenmore-bog-walk”></a>Edenmore Bog Walk
The Edenmore Bog Walk near Ballinamuck is a family favourite for a burst of fresh air and a look at a different kind of landscape. It’s an easy, flat route that works well for younger legs too.
<a name=”corlea-trackway”></a>Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
The Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre is a fascinating stop for curious kids, with a 2,000-year-old timber trackway on display and a chance to learn about the unique plant life found in a bog habitat. It’s a great way to combine outdoor time with a bit of local history.
<a name=”newtowncashel”></a>Newtowncashel and Lanesborough
Looking for somewhere to cycle with the kids in Longford? There aren’t any officially marked cycle routes in the county, but there are plenty of quiet back roads to choose from, especially to the west where the land is flatter around the Lough Ree floodplain. Newtowncashel or Lanesborough make convenient, low-traffic starting points for a family spin on the bikes.
<a name=”lough-ree”></a>Lough Ree and the Shannon
There’s plenty to see and do around Lough Ree and the Shannon. The Newtowncashel area in particular makes for a great day out, with an award-winning village, leisurely walks, and a unique protected ecosystem along the shores of the lake.
<a name=”drumlish”></a>Drumlish Playground
On the Ballinamuck Road, Drumlish Playground sits behind the old mill and has swings and a slide for little ones, plus a zip line for the more adventurous kids in the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free outdoor spot in Longford for a family day out?
The Mall in Longford Town is hard to beat for a free, easy day out — it has a playground, exercise equipment and picnic-friendly space right in the centre of town, alongside the River Camlin.
Is Longford a good county for family walks?
Yes. Longford has a good mix of short, family-friendly walks, from the woodland trails at Derrycassin Woods to the flat, easy-going Edenmore Bog Walk and stretches of the Royal Canal Way.
Are there marked cycling routes in Longford?
There are no officially marked cycle routes in Longford, but the county is largely flat, especially around the Lough Ree floodplain, making the quiet back roads near Newtowncashel and Lanesborough popular for family cycling.
Where can I take younger children in Longford?
Drumlish Playground and The Mall in Longford Town both suit younger children well, with playground equipment suited to little ones as well as space to run around.
Is Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a good option for families with curious children, combining an outdoor bog habitat with an accessible look at local history through the ancient trackway on display.
You Might Also Like
- Top Ten Things to Do in Longford with Kids
- The Best Picnic Places for Families in Longford
- 8 Places for Great Family Walks in Longford
- Things to Do With Preschoolers in Longford
Got a favourite outdoor spot in Longford we haven’t mentioned? We’d love to hear about it — let us know in the comments below.
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