County Longford is one of the most beautiful of the midland Irish counties, lying in the basin of the Shannon River and the upper catchment area of the Erne. A low lying county forming part of Ireland’s great central plain, County Longford’s farmland, bogs, rivers and gentle rolling hills make for some of the most picturesque landscapes found anywhere in Ireland.

Water is one of the defining features of County Longford’s landscape. Although it is a landlocked county it is dissected by lakes and rivers. The rivers Shannon, Inny and Erne run through the county feeding the majestic Lough Ree and Lough Gowna, making it one of the finest places in Ireland for watersports, from angling to canoeing. The Royal Canal, linking the River Liffey at Dublin to the River Shannon in Cloondara bisects the county. Originally built for freight and passenger travel, the canal fell in to disrepair over time. However, a major restoration project has seen its full length re-opened for navigation since 2010.

Aside from its spectacular natural beauty, County Longford also has a long and tumultuous history. The territory comprising modern County Longford was formerly under the control of the Irish Farrell clan. However, after the Norman invasion much of the land was granted to Hugh de Lacy. English monastic sites were established at Abbeylara, Abbeyshrule, Abbeyderg and at Saints' Island on Lough Ree.

Despite recovering much of their land in the 14th century the Farrell clan were once again ousted by the English under Elizabeth I, James I and Cromwell. Much of the land held by the Irish was confiscated and handed to English and Scottish settlers. As a result, County Longford has a long history of rebellion and has throughout history been one of the key centres of opposition to foreign rule. Indeed, County Longford played a central role in the 1798 rebellion. The allied French and Irish forces were ultimately defeated by a British army under Cornwallis in one of the defining moments of the struggle for Irish independence.

County Longford continued to play a central role in Irish political life into the 20th century. During the Irish War of Independence the North Longford flying column, commanded by General Sean Mac Eoin, was one of the most active units in the entire country.This has given County Longford a prestigious place in Irish history which, when combined with its gorgeous scenery and host of leisure activities, make it one of the most memorable holiday destinations in the country.