County Longford is one of the gems of Ireland’s midlands and offers lots of opportunities to get outdoors with the kids. So here are some of the best outdoor places in Longford to get active with your kids and enjoy the fine scenery in the county.

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From Loughs to Canals to Forests, you’ll find lots of great places outdoors in Longford that the whole family can enjoy. Here are some of our favourites:

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Best Outdoor Places in Longford for Families

The Mall in Longford

One of our favourite picnic spots. We’ll head to The Mall for a snack and a play at the playground in the town park as well as finding the adventure and exercise equipment dotted around the park.

This landscaped park runs alongside the banks of the River Camlin and can be found right in the centre of Longford Town.

Lough Gowna

Image: © Fáilte Ireland

Pack up the kids, the picnic basket, the dog, the kitchen sink and head to Dring Shore on Lough Gowna for a lovely picnic. There’s also a nice shore at Dernaferst.

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The Royal Canal

For a fun family walk, try a section of the Royal Canal Way. You will see boats heading between Clondra and Dublin.

The Canal passes through many towns and villages, including Ballymahon and Abbeyshrule.

Derrycassin Woods

Derrycassan Wood is located on the shores of Lough Gowna in Dring. There are 3 different walks, the Nature Trail (1.2km), the Walled Garden Walk loop (2.3km) and the Main Avenue Walk (3.2km). You can also enjoy picnics by the lake edge.

Edenmore Bog Walk

The Edenmore Bog Walk near Ballinamuck is a family favourite to head out for some fresh air.

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Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

Head to Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, where you can see the 2,000 year old trackway and enjoy the unique plant life in the bog habitat. It’s free to visit, open daily April – October, 10am – 6pm.

Newtowncashel and Lanesborough

If you are looking for somewhere to take the kids cycling in Longford, you won’t find any marked cycle routes in Longford, though there are many pleasant back roads to choose from for a spin on the bike.

It’s quite a flat county, especially to the west and the Lough Ree floodplain. Try Newtowncashel or Lanesborough as a convenient starting point.

Lough Ree and the Shannon

There is plenty to see and do around Lough Ree and the Shannon. The Newtowncashel area is a great day out, with an award winning village, leisurely walks, and unique protected ecosystem on the shores of Lough Ree.

Drumlish Playground

On the Ballinamuck Road, Drumlish Playground behind the old mill has swings and a nice slide for little ones and a zip line for the more adventurous.

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Article written by Isla, mum of 2

Have your say! Do you have any favourite outdoor places in Longford to go with the kids?  Tell us in the comments below.