As parents, we know how expensive it can be to keep the kids entertained, so we’ve put together a list of free things to do in Longford with children that are guaranteed to be lots of fun.
There are plenty of free things to do in Longford that make for a wonderful family day out, from ancient monuments to woodland walks and riverside parks. Take a look at some of the best picks below, and let us know your favourites!
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Free Things to Do in Longford for Families
Corlea Bog Visitor Centre
Take a trip to Corlea Bog Visitor Centre to see the 2,000-year-old trackway and explore the unique plant life of this bog habitat.
The oak road is the largest of its kind uncovered in Europe and was excavated by Professor Barry Raftery of University College Dublin.
Inside the interpretive centre, an eighteen-metre stretch of the preserved trackway is on permanent display in a hall specially designed to protect the ancient wooden structure.
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Ardagh Heritage Village
Ardagh Heritage Village is a picture-postcard-perfect place to visit, with its cluster of pretty stone cottages and green. It’s worth checking current opening times for the Heritage Centre before you set off, as these can change.
Newtowncashel Area
The Newtowncashel area makes a great day out, with its award-winning village, leisurely walks and a unique protected ecosystem on the shores of Lough Ree. In the village you can enjoy outdoor sculptures by local bog wood sculptor Michael Casey and his son Kevin. Barley Harbour is a lovely spot to view Lough Ree and its islands, and it has a picnic area too.
Festivals and Events
Keep an eye on our monthly round-up of what’s on around the country to find free family events worth visiting. From festivals to family fun days, you never know what will pop up near you.
Aughnacliffe Dolmen
“How did they get it up there?” is probably what everyone asks when they visit Aughnacliffe Dolmen, an impressive Stone Age portal tomb.
A pathway leads from the village of Aughnacliffe to this megalithic tomb, set in a shallow valley among the rolling hills of north Longford.
This monument is unusual in having two capstones or roofstones, whereas similar portal tombs typically have only one. Along with the nearby portal tomb at Cleenrath, it has a traditional connection to the legend of Diarmaid and Gráinne, believed to be one of their resting spots while fleeing Gráinne’s fiancé, the legendary hero Fionn MacCumhaill.
The monument sits on private farmland but is accessible on foot — please make sure to close gates behind you.
Longford Playgrounds
There are some great playgrounds in Longford that make free fun even easier to find. Bring along some snacks and drinks, or pack a picnic lunch, and make an afternoon of it.
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Derrycassin Woods
Derrycassin Woods is a lovely forested walk on a former estate in north Longford. Located on the shores of Lough Gowna, near Bunlahy, there are three recommended routes to suit all fitness levels:
- The Nature Trail (1.5km)
- The Walled Garden Walk (1.5km)
- The Main Avenue Walk (3.25km)
The entrance is to the right of Mullinalaghta football pitch.
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The Royal Canal Walk
The Royal Canal Walk offers a lovely walking route for families. Starting in Longford town, the entrance is a little hidden beside the town railway bridge. From there, follow the route for 2.8km to Churchland Bridge and return along the opposite bank to your starting point.
Mall Park
The Mall in Longford has picnic benches and pleasant riverside paths. This landscaped park runs alongside the River Camlin, right in the centre of Longford town.
There’s a playground here too, along with adventure and exercise equipment dotted around the park.
Longford Libraries
Make sure to check out your local library and see what classes and events they run throughout the year. Your local library branch is a wonderful — and free — resource for families.
Many branches run or host parent and toddler groups, storytelling sessions, arts and crafts classes, book clubs, chess clubs, and games and activity sessions.
There’s also free computer access and the option to borrow books and DVDs. For a change of scenery, why not visit a different library branch to your usual one?
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Lead image © Fáilte Ireland / Tourism Ireland
What are your favourite free things to do in Longford with the family? Leave a comment below — we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Corlea Bog Visitor Centre free to visit?
The outdoor bog trail and surrounding area can be enjoyed free of charge; if you’d like to go inside the interpretive centre, it’s worth checking current admission details directly with the centre before you travel.
Are the walks in Longford suitable for buggies?
Some routes, like the Mall Park riverside path and parts of the Royal Canal Walk, are buggy-friendly. Woodland trails such as Derrycassin Woods have varied terrain, so a sturdy buggy or baby carrier works best.
Do I need to book to visit Aughnacliffe Dolmen or Newtowncashel?
No booking is needed — both are open, accessible outdoor spots you can visit any time. Aughnacliffe Dolmen sits on private farmland, so please keep to the path and close any gates behind you.
What age groups do these free activities suit?
Most of these spots — playgrounds, parks, walks and library events — work well for a wide age range, from toddlers to teens, making them great for family days out with mixed ages.
Related Articles
- Top 10 Things to Do with Kids in Longford
- Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Longford
- 8 Places for Great Family Walks in Longford
- Best Playgrounds in Ireland Recommended by Parents & Children
- 100 Free Fun Things to Do with Kids in Ireland
Save These Ideas for Later
Longford has no shortage of free family days out once you know where to look. Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you’ve always got a few ideas handy for a spare afternoon or a rainy-day rethink.
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