Great outdoor activities
Leebeen Park
Bring everyone to the village of Aughnacliffe north of Longford Town and enjoy a stroll in pretty Leebeen Park. Discover the waterside boardwalk and see ducks and swans swimming on the water, spot elegant Grey Herons, hop on the zip-line in the playground and explore the fairy trail, perfect for inquisitive kids.
After your walk, drive towards the church and follow the sign for the Aughnacliffe Dolmen. Put your welly boots on to wander across fields and see the 5,000-year-old portal dolmen that’s one of the biggest in the country.
Go-karting and paintball
Only a short 15 minute drive from Longford Town is Midland Karting, near Edgeworthstown, with a hub of incredible activities to delight both big and little kids. Suit up in protective gear for an adrenaline fuelled game of paintball where you take on your opponents in the 17-acre forest.
Hear go-kart engines roar as you zip around the bends and hairpins on the flood-lit racetrack, a minimum height requirement of 4'8” applies here. Older kids love racing their parents and experiencing the thrill of driving for the first time. Get competitive so you can compare times afterwards and see who’s the fastest in the family.
The Mall Wall in Longford
The Longford Mall Walk is a beautiful walk along the banks of the River Camlin where the whole family can enjoy a scenic stroll. The flat, gravel path is ideal for navigating strollers and prams while younger children love seeing birds flying overhead and diving into the water. Let toddlers explore the park, picking up fallen leaves and spotting squirrels in the distance. Finish your walk at the playground where there’s fun for all ages on the swings and slides.
Outdoors at Center Parcs
No family holiday to Longford is complete without a stay at Center Parcs, the holiday park outside Ballymahon is one of the best places in Ireland for a child-friendly getaway.
Join one of the park rangers on a nature walk and learn about the flora and fauna of the forest. Discover giant trees and colourful flowers as the ranger points out woodpeckers drilling into branches high above your head. Nature walks take place at dawn, during the day and even after the sun has set.
Booking a carriage ride is a novelty for young children while adults might relish the chance to sit back for a few minutes while admiring the Longford landscape. Led by a strong and friendly horse, your carriage moves gently through the forest and around the Center Parcs village. A fun way to see the 400-acre park, the carriage journey is a huge hit with children aged one and up.
Let older kids get in touch with nature as they learn how to build a den in the forest at Center Parcs. Under the watchful eyes of expert guides, your teens and tweens scour the forest for branches, leaves, twigs, and cones, building their very own base in the undergrowth.
Fun indoor adventures
Don’t let a downpour ruin your day out in Longford. There are lots of fun, family-friendly places to continue the excitement indoors.
Knights & Conquests
Step back in time and live like a Norman with a visit to Knights & Conquests in Granard. Dress in traditional historical clothing and take shelter by Ireland's highest motte and bailey castle when the weather turns. Captivate young minds and let their imagination run wild in this unique and inspiring setting.
Go at your own pace on the self-guided tour, perfect for families with little ones who love to explore. Wander through a Norman home, see battle weapons up close and even dig for artefacts in the Norman CSI room.
Swimming in Center Parcs
When the cold weather comes, Centre Parcs residents can head to the swimming pool for a subtropical experience. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise is heated to a toasty 29.5C and is an welcoming oasis of warmth during the winter months. Bring the toddlers for a splash in the kids pool, watch as your teenagers take on the thrilling Wild Water Rapids, or simply relax in the gentle whirlpools.
Longford Megabowl
Lace up your bowling shoes, pick up a brightly-coloured ball and go bowling at the Longford Megabowl. The ten pin bowling lanes are fun for kids and adults alike, and you can use bumpers for younger children so that everyone can play. After, bring the little ones to the play centre, while older children join in on a game of quasar.
Creative Ardagh
Take a drive 15 minutes outside Longford Town and visit Creative Ardagh in the historic village of Ardagh. Well known for its writing heritage, your clan can get creative at one of the family events and drop-in art days. Pick up new skills, paint works of art and bring home a souvenir from the gift shop.
Family fun in Longford
Come rain or shine, Longford has plenty of amazing activities to delight the whole family. Head over to our Longford destination page for more fun things to do with the kids.
