County Longford (Ireland)
County Longford is an inland county in the province of Leinster, Ireland. It is noted for its lakes, drumlin countryside, agricultural economy and historical sites such as the Corlea Trackway.
Overview
County Longford (Irish: Contae an Longfoirt) lies in the central part of Ireland and is a part of the province of Leinster. The county town is Longford, often called Longford town, which serves as the main administrative and commercial centre. Longford is a predominantly rural county with a mixture of small towns, villages and a landscape shaped by past glacial activity.
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Geography and landscape
The county features low drumlin hills, peat bogs and a number of freshwater lakes. Lough Gowna and sections of Lough Ree lie close to or on its borders, while canals and rivers thread through the area and support angling and boating. Longford borders several neighbouring counties and serves as a transition zone between the Midlands and the west of Ireland.
History and heritage
Longford has a long history, with archaeology ranging from prehistoric bog finds to medieval settlements. The ancient kingdom of Annaly was centred in the region and later Norman and Gaelic families shaped its development. Notable archaeological discoveries include the Corlea Trackway, a well-preserved Iron Age wooden road recovered from a bog. The county also contains historic houses, churches and literary associations such as the Edgeworth family at Edgeworthstown.
Economy, transport and land use
Agriculture remains important in Longford, including dairy, cattle rearing and tillage; peat extraction and light industry also contribute to the local economy. The county is linked by road and rail to Dublin and other regional centres, which supports commuting and trade. Transport corridors and the Royal Canal provide additional connections for leisure and freight.
Culture, tourism and notable facts
Visitors come for angling, boating, walking and heritage sites, including restored churches and local museums. St Mel's Cathedral in Longford town is a cultural landmark that was sympathetically repaired after a major fire. Longford is one of Ireland's smaller counties by area and has a close-knit community character with events and festivals celebrating rural life.
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AlegsaOnline.com County Longford (Ireland) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/23533