County Longford is one of the hidden gems of Ireland’s midlands, with plenty of ways to get outdoors and active with the kids. Whether you’re after a lakeside picnic, a woodland walk, or a playground with a good zip line, this county has it covered. Here are some of the best outdoor places in Longford for families to explore together.
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From loughs to canals to forests, Longford has lots of great outdoor spots for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some of our favourites.
You may also enjoy: Top Ten Things to Do in Longford with Kids
The Mall in Longford
One of our favourite picnic spots. Head to The Mall for a snack and a play at the playground in the town park, plus some adventure and exercise equipment dotted around the grounds.
This landscaped park runs alongside the banks of the River Camlin, right in the centre of Longford Town, making it an easy stop whether you’re in town for the morning or the whole day.
Lough Gowna
Image: © Fáilte Ireland
Pack up the kids, the picnic basket, the dog and everything else, and head to Dring Shore on Lough Gowna for a lovely family picnic. There’s also a nice shore at Dernaferst if you fancy a change of scene.
You may also enjoy: The Best Picnic Places for Families in Longford
The Royal Canal
For a relaxed family walk, try a stretch of the Royal Canal Way. You might spot boats making their way between Clondra and Dublin along the water.
The canal passes through several towns and villages along the way, including Ballymahon and Abbeyshrule, so there are plenty of access points to choose from.
Derrycassin Woods
Derrycassan Wood is set on the shores of Lough Gowna in Dring, with three different walking trails to choose from: the Nature Trail (1.2km), the Walled Garden Walk loop (2.3km) and the Main Avenue Walk (3.2km). There are also lovely spots for a picnic by the lake edge.
Edenmore Bog Walk
The Edenmore Bog Walk near Ballinamuck is a family favourite for some fresh air and a change of scenery from the usual walking routes.
You may also enjoy: 8 Places for Great Family Walks in Longford
Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre
Head to Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, where you can see a 2,000-year-old timber trackway and learn about the unique plant life found in the surrounding bog habitat. Check the Heritage Ireland website before you travel for current opening times and admission details.
Newtowncashel and Lanesborough
Looking for somewhere to take the kids cycling in Longford? There are no marked cycle routes as such, but plenty of pleasant back roads to choose from for a family spin.
It’s a fairly flat county, especially to the west around the Lough Ree floodplain, which makes it easier going for younger cyclists. Newtowncashel or Lanesborough are both convenient starting points.
Lough Ree and the Shannon
There’s plenty to see and do around Lough Ree and the Shannon. The Newtowncashel area makes a great day out, with an award-winning village, leisurely walks, and a unique protected ecosystem along the shores of Lough Ree.
Drumlish Playground
On the Ballinamuck Road, Drumlish Playground behind the old mill has swings and a slide for little ones, plus a zip line for the more adventurous members of the family.
You may also enjoy: Things To Do With Preschoolers in Longford
Article written by Isla, mum of 2
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free outdoor places in Longford for families?
Many of Longford’s best outdoor spots cost nothing to visit, including The Mall in Longford, Lough Gowna’s shores, the Royal Canal Way, Derrycassin Woods, and the Edenmore Bog Walk. These are ideal for a low-cost family day out.
Where can we go for a family picnic in Longford?
Dring Shore and Dernaferst on Lough Gowna are lovely picnic spots, as is the lakeside at Derrycassin Woods. The Mall in Longford Town is a handy option if you want somewhere close to the town centre.
Is Corlea Trackway suitable for a family visit?
Yes, the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre is a great family-friendly stop, with a fascinating 2,000-year-old trackway and bog habitat to explore. It’s worth checking the Heritage Ireland website for current opening times before you go.
Are there marked cycling routes in Longford?
There aren’t official marked cycle routes, but the county is quite flat, particularly around Newtowncashel and Lanesborough near Lough Ree, making the back roads there a pleasant option for a family cycle.
More Things to Do in Longford
- 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
Have your say! Do you have a favourite outdoor spot in Longford to explore with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.
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