€14 million investment in Longford tourism

Longford tourism is set to benefit from over €14 million of public funding and privately matched investment over the next two and a half years. 

Longford County Council said the investment will “significantly enhance visitor facilities and experiences” across the county and is expected to have a “hugely positive impact on existing tourism as well as new tourism related projects.”  

The funding will be allocated to private and community projects as well as those that fall under the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme.

Major developments such as Connolly Barracks and the former Post Office site in Longford Town also stand to benefit. 

To spearhead the growth of the tourism sector within the county, the Tourism Committee along with Longford County Council developed the The Longford Tourism Network. 

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The network will unite tourism businesses, community attractions, training providers and development partners to strengthen tourism from the ground up as well as support local jobs and rural communities. 

The launch of the network was held in the Crypt of St Mel’s Cathedral last month and welcomed over 70 tourism and hospitality operators, community attraction teams, and industry stakeholders. 

The event marked the culmination of months of research, consultation, and planning by the Tourism Office team, Longford County Council, and the County Tourism Committee, chaired by Deputy Micheál Carrigy.

Supported by Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Longford County Council, the network aims to position Longford as “a distinctive destination rooted in heritage, culture, and natural beauty.”

It is intended that the network “can develop and grow to bring more revenue for trade and hospitality operators as well as visibility to the county.” 

Speaking about the network, Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “This is a proud moment for Longford. The Tourism Network reflects our shared ambition to create a vibrant, sustainable tourism sector that benefits every community. By working together, we can showcase Longford’s unique heritage and natural beauty to visitors from near and far.”

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Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon added, “Tourism is a cornerstone of economic and social development in Longford. The €14 million investment, combined with strong partnerships and community-led initiatives, will transform our visitor experience and strengthen the county’s position as a must-visit destination.”

A new Visit Longford brand and website will now be launched during the second quarter of this year and will showcase Longford’s “off-grid” tourism offering through refreshed content, photography and digital storytelling.

Additional developments include enhanced promotion of the National Famine Way, Royal Canal Greenway, Shannon Discovery Points, a major presence at the RDS Holiday World Show in January, and new free customer experience and leadership training for tourism and hospitality businesses.

With new working groups led by the trade, expanded partnerships and a growing team, Longford Tourism Network aims to issue updates every 90 days and meet quarterly as it continues to build a resilient, collaborative and compelling tourism destination for the future.

The next Longford Tourism Network meeting will be an evening event on Tuesday, March 3, with the venue yet to be confirmed.

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