Ballylongford village, Beal Atha Longphuirt, takes its name from the ford (ath) which led to the ancient Longphuirt or ship – the main seat of the Ui Conchuir, The O’Connor Kerry family, at Carrigafoyle Castle in the 15th century. The castle is beautifully situated on an inlet of the sea. It was besieged and taken in 1580 by Sir William Pelham who levelled the western portion with cannon.

At the other side to the village, on the north, lie the gothic ruins of Lislaughtin Franciscan Friary built in 1478 by John O’Connor Kerry. The walls of the friary are still in good condition and well preserved sedilia make viewing very worthwhile. Set below Tarbert on the Shannon Estuary, it is the native area of internationally acclaimed contemporary poet, Brendan Kennelly.