Discover the hidden gems and local favorites of Longford, Ireland, as shared by a lifelong resident. From award-winning restaurants and cozy pubs to picturesque woodland walks and breathtaking views, this guide unveils the true charm of this often-overlooked county.
Having lived in Longford for most of her life, Deputy Digital Editor Sarah Finnan shares her insider guide for all the best places to eat, drink, shop and see on your next visit. Let’s be honest, Longford doesn’t get much love. Even I’ve turned my nose up at it on occasion, choosing trips to more cosmopolitan corners of the country over a weekend at home. But, I’m here to repent for my ignorance.
Having moved back in with my family just over a year ago, I’ve become reacquainted with the locality and it turns out I was wrong; Longford has lots going for it. I think as a teen, it’s difficult to appreciate your hometown. Living in the middle of nowhere often means you’re reliant on other people to ferry you around and so you begin to feel stuck. You resent not being able to hop on a bus or walk to the shops for a bag of Tayto and if you’re anything like me, you spend much of your youth wishing you were somewhere else. Over the years, my feelings for Longford have changed – moving away will do that to you. What once you took for granted, you now cherish because you realise how fleeting it all is. Summers at home are my favourite. I live near a small village called Ardagh, surrounded by countryside. The stars are always brighter here, the sunsets better and the birdsong at its most cheerful. I inherited a profound appreciation for the grand stretch from my father and there’s nothing I love more than a late evening stroll with him to take it all in. It all sounds quite blissful, doesn’t it? That’s how I like to remember my hometown these days. Granted, nothing is perfect and we definitely have our problems—the abundance of derelict properties just one—but, there’s plenty to shout about too. From an award-winning spa to picturesque woodland walks and the best hot chocolate this side of Dublin, read on for Sarah Finnan’s insider guide to Longford… I spent most of my first year of college working weekends at Torc Café and loved being on a long shift as it meant I got lunch! For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with pancakes (I also love their veggie fry) and don’t leave without a hot chocolate – they make theirs using scoops of melted chocolate from an actual chocolate fountain. Heavenly. Run by an old school friend of mine, Vocella’s is an award-winning restaurant with a menu influenced by good Italian food and an array of other fusion cuisines. The portions are massive and I love that you can see the chefs working away in the kitchen while you wait. They’ve also fed everyone from Deirdre O’Kane to Will Ferrell so you don’t just have to take my word for it. An Asian street food restaurant on Main Street, this is a firm favourite amongst my friend group – my pal Elaine, who now lives in Australia, claims it’s the one thing she misses most about home. Not quite sure how to feel about that…If you want a hearty Sunday dinner, The Rustic Inn will never steer you wrong. Popular for all manner of celebrations, from weddings to christenings, it’s laid-back and cosy inside and is almost always busy – the sign of a true local gem. A family-run, country house steeped in history, Castlecor House was originally built as an octagonal hunting lodge in the 1700s. Sitting on 12 acres of land, the property includes a Victorian walled garden and pond, beautiful woodland, and a tennis court. Inside, the accommodation is as grand as you’d imagine with 12ft high ceilings, roaring fires and striking artwork.. For a coffee on the go, VDA serves some of the best. They have limited seating but it’s a great first stop if you have other jobs to do in town.in Ardagh. I’m biased, but as my local, I have to say that Lyons is the best. I mean, there’s a framed photo of my granddad inside and another of my uncle! Delightfully quaint, it’s your stereotypical ‘old man pub’ (i.e. wet-led with dark wood and carpets and a compartmentalised layout). There are two pubs side by side, one red, one green and both are owned by brothers who alternate their opening hours; one opens during the week, the other on weekends. There’s also an adjoining shop and post office attached should you need to run any errands before your pint of plain.. For a bit of live music, Valentine’s is the place to go. The back part of the pub is styled similar to a traditional Irish cottage with antiques and old memorabilia lining the walls and armchairs positioned around an open fire. Upstairs, is the legendary Spiral Tree nightclub where I spent many a late night with friends. The light-up dancefloor is a definite highlight of the decor there. Located on the shores of Lough Gowna, the views at Derrycassin Woods are second to none. The forest covers approximately 179 acres of land and consists of three different trails – the Nature Trail, the Walled Garden Walk and the Main Avenue Walk. Signposts guide the way, though I think the best way to enjoy it is to just wander around in any whichway you pleas
Longford Ireland Travel Guide Hidden Gems Local Favorites Restaurants Pubs Woodland Walks Lough Gowna Derrycassin Woods Ardagh Vocella's Torc Cafe Rustic Inn Castlecor House Lyons Pub Valentine's Spiral Tree Nightclub
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