heritage centres longford

A focal point of the northern midlands where the provinces of Leinster, Ulster and Connaught all converge, Longford, where history and literature, tragedy and triumph are all woven together, takes its name from the ancient stronghold of the O'Farrell family (Long Fort - Fort of the O'Farrells). Bordered to the West by the majestic River Shannon, Longford is a county of rolling plains and picturesque stretches of water. The highest pint of the county, Cairn Hill, is only 279 m high, but from a...

The building now houses the collected memorabilia of the Historical Society. Authentic folk kitchen of the pre-1920's complete with settle bed and loft. Also on display is an Elk's Antler believed to be 4,000 years old, found near the river Inny, the Aughafad Cross, dating from 10th century, a jacket worn by General Sean McEoin, and a gold watch given by Michael Collins to his Granard born girfriend Kitty Kiernan bearing the inscription from Michael to Kitty - Date 8/10/1921....

Established between the 18th and 19th century, formerly known as the cavalry Barracks, it was renamed The Sean Connolly Barracks in 1922. It occupies the site of the original Castle and the Market House. The Market House is one of the oldest buildings in Longford believed to have been erected in 1619. Extracts form 'A Topographical Dictionary' of Ireland by Samuel Lewis show that in 1837 the barracks was adapted for nine officers and 222 non-commissioned officers and privates with stabling fo...

An old schoolhouse built in 1898 is the location of the Ardagh Heritage Centre. It houses an exciting exhibition which outlines the history of this exquisite village. The story of Ardagh is one of history, literature and storytelling. This exhibition draws on the rich fabric of Ardagh life down through the ages, from the roots of the village in Irish mythology, to its development as an important early church and its emergence as a model estate village. Over the years, Ardagh has played host t...

This site is referred in legend and history. Queen Maeve on her legendary quest (Tain Bo Cuailgne) for the Brown Bull of Cooley spent a night here. The old town of Granard is where St. Patrick appointed Guasacht, son of Milchuo his former slave master, as Bishop to the church here. This medieval town was destroyed in a battle that ensued when the local chieftain Con O' Farrell refused to submit to the Scot, Edward Bruce. This battle lasted two days and resulted in the burning of this old...

Cashel Heritage Centre is located in a cottage on the main street of Newtowncashel which has been refurbished to display artifacts to show the rural life in the area at the beginning of the century. There is a good display of early farm machinery in the farmyard at the back of the building. (Open to the public - seasonal)....

A focal point of the northern midlands where the provinces of Leinster, Ulster and Connaught all converge, Longford, where history and literature, tragedy and triumph are all woven together, takes its name from the ancient stronghold of the O'Farrell family (Long Fort - Fort of the O'Farrells). Bordered to the West by the majestic River Shannon, Longford is a county of rolling plains and picturesque stretches of water. The highest point of the county, Cairn Hill, is only 279 m high, but from...