Towns
County Town
Longford (Irish:an Longfort) is the county town of Co. Longford. It is built on the banks of the River Camlin (cam líne – crooked line) a tributary of the River Shannon. According to the 2011 census, Longford town has a population of 9,601. It is the largest town with about one third of the county’s population. The local authority of the town is Longford Town Council while Longford County Council administers the county’s affairs.
The present Great Water Street was once the main centre of commerce and industry. From the early 1800’s it was a bustling market place with a Fowl Market; Butter Market; Gas Works; a Bonded Warehouse; a Pottery and Lime kiln; Corn Mill; Timber Mill; Distillery; Flax Mill; Tannery; Abattoir and a Coach Builder. There was also a brickyard in Abbeycartron to supply the town with building materials. In 1627, the Aungiers later Earl’s of Longford, were granted land in Longford. The first Earl built a castle along the Camlin River. It was demolished in the late 20th century.
Today, there are many modern shopping malls, as well as the traditional family stores of Main Street in the town. On the outskirts are manufacturing industries including Abbott Diagnostics, Kiernan Steel, Cameron Willis and Glennon Timber.
Tidy Towns
Longford has had many winners in the Tidy Towns competition. Newtowncashel was first town to win the overall competition in 1980. Ardagh won the overall tidiest town in 1989, 1996 and 1998 and a prize in the Entante Floral.
Lovely Abbeyshrule, where the Inny crosses the Royal Canal, were the overall Tidy Town winners in 2012. They also took the gold medal in the European Entante Floral in 2012. In 2013, they won ‘Communities in Bloom- International Challenge’ in their category.
Other Towns
Lanesborough is situated on the banks of the Shannon and beside Lough Ree. On approach to the town, the modern ESB power station overlooks the surrounding boglands. Picturesque Lough Ree with its islands and monastic relics from a bygone era is frequented by visitors and locals on pleasure cruisers while the more remote sections attract anglers and wildlife enthusiasts all year round.
Edgeworthstown ia another main town in Co. Longford. The C and D pet food factory and Paul and Vincent mills are major employers in the area.
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Content
History & Heritage
- History of Ireland
- 1798 An Overview of the Rebellion
- 1798 Glossary of Terms
- 1798 in Carlow
- 1798 Rebellion in Co. Kildare
- History of Ireland Feature
- Bianconi Festa 2011
- Bianconi Festa 2011
- County Histories
- Development of Public Library Service in Waterford
- First Local Authority Public Library in Ireland
- Galway Society in the Past
- Genealogical Resources available in Waterford
- Historic Film Clips Collection
- John Wesley in Dublin
- Pass of the Plumes
- The Flight of the Earls 1607
- The Ulster Plantation
- Waterford Businesses of the Past
- Wexford Connections: The Redmond Family & National Politics
- Architecture
- Big Houses of Ireland
- Built Heritage 1700 - Today
- Folklore of Ireland
- Heritage Towns
- Irish Genealogy
- Monuments & Built Heritage
- Pages in History
- Poor Law Union
- Special Collections
- Traditional Crafts