Longford’s rich bog heritage and walking trails

Longford has a wonderful and unique history of involvement in insurrections and rebellions from the Normans up to the War of independence. The Rebel Longford Trail identifies all the important locations and presents their history in an easy way and enjoyable trail to follow. You can join the trail at any of the important locations such as Edgewothstown, Granard, Ballinalee, Longford Town and Ballinmuck.

Granard has the extraordinary Gaelic and Norman Motte as well as being an important location in the 1798 rebellion. It was burnt by the Black and Tans during the war of Independence 1919-21.

Michael Collins was a frequent visitor to Granard as it was Kitty Kiernan’s home in the Greville Arms Hotel.

Ballinalee was the centre of the very effective North Longford Flying column (1920-21) and you can see Mac Eoin’s Forge and Rose Cottage which was the centre of operations. Clonfin is the site of the famous battle where General Mac Eoin’s Flying Column defeated the forces of the British Crown and Empire.

The Clonfin Ambush was an ambush carried out by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on 2 February 1921, during the Irish War of Independence.

Connolly Barracks Longford Town was the centre of operations for the British Forces since its construction in the 1700s. Ballinmuck was the site of the defeat of the joint Irish and French forces by the British in 1798.

It is an amazing battle field where you can still get a clear sense of history in the landscape.

Visit any of the local visitor centres for information and maps of the Rebel Trail, follow the trail of the rebels and enjoy this unique Longford experience.