New brochure launched as Farrell Clan Rally returns to Longford in 2022

A new tourist brochure, specifically designed to showcase the rich heritage and ancestry of Longford’s Farrell Clan, has been launched. 

It comes as preparations continue for the return of the Farrell Clan Rally to the county from July 18 - 22.

The rally, which has taken place every year since 1993, is a five-day gathering of Farrells from every corner of the globe who come together in celebration of their shared ancestral roots.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan said it’s wonderful to see events like the rally coming back again. “Time after time, the Farrell Clan has boosted Longford in so many different ways and particularly after the last four years that we have had, we are simply thrilled to have the rally taking place again this summer.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon agreed, “we look forward to welcoming clan members from all around the world when they come to visit in July and hope that they get to enjoy some of Longford’s new and improved tourism infrastructure.”

Chairperson of Longford Farrell Clan committee John Farrell explained, “The Farrell Clan Rally is a very important event for County Longford bringing a large gathering of people together from all around the world. We will have a readymade itinerary and we plan to visit local attractions and places of interest in County Longford. We really want to put our best foot forward and showcase Longford’s hidden gems.”

Photo caption: Farrell Clan Chieftain Connie O’Farrell and his wife Rose are pictured here (centre) with (L-R) Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon; Tara Cunningham of Longford Tourism; Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan and Longford Tourism Officer Dympna Reilly

The Brochure
To celebrate the upcoming Farrell Clan Rally in July of this year, Longford Tourism, in conjunction with the Farrell Clan has compiled and designed a brochure. It is one element of a larger promotional plan of action for the Farrell Clan, which includes a newly launched website www.farrellclan.ie , a social media strategy and an International Clan Ambassador program. Anyone who is interested in the new brochure can pick one up from Longford Tourism Office or can request one to be sent via post by contacting Longford Tourism.

Clan member, Anna D Atkinson, who worked closely with local designer Mary Fleming in creating the brochure said, “This brochure is designed to accompany our new clan website and is one of the key pieces of literature we will use for promoting Longford abroad. It will help raise the profile of both our clan and county at international level. It’s a project that has been close to my heart for quite some time, so I’m grateful that Longford Tourism agreed to work with us on it and delighted to have it come to fruition.” She also praised the support of County Archivist Martin Morris, and Australian photographer John Riddle who provided the beautiful photography.

Longford Tourism Officer Dympna Reilly has also welcomed the move. “I am delighted with the finished brochure which has benefitted greatly from all of the contributors involved. It is excellent to have this available for members of the Farrell Clan when they arrive in County Longford as a welcoming gesture.”

The Farrell Clan history

The Farrells have been associated with this midland region for more than 1,000 years, in that time having built many castles and fine tower houses of note including their main fortress at Longford Town. The Farrell Clan lost its control of the area by the mid-1600s when leading military members were forced to take flight and joined the armies of France and Spain. The majority remained settled in County Longford and the surrounding counties of Roscommon and Westmeath. Others moved to the cities in search of a livelihood with Dublin being the most popular destination.

Farrells are very plentiful in the county of Longford but there are also thousands elsewhere in Ireland and across the world with the majority of these able to trace their ancestry right back here to the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland and the county of Longford. Internationally most people with Farrell origins are in the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. There are also Farrell Clan members from South Africa, Zimbabwe, France, Germany, Spain and Belgium.

The Longford-based clan have a dedicated core committee, comprised of Farrell family members, relatives, and friends who meet regularly throughout the year to discuss how best to promote the Farrell Clan activities, celebrate important dates for members, organise mini-gatherings, dinners, and daytrips, and also just to catch up on local news, events, and projects of interest. To read more about the history of the Farrell Clan, visit the Diaspora and Genealogy page on Longford.ie here or see www.farrellclan.ie.

For information on things to do in County Longford, visit www.longford.ie  and find out all you need to know about accommodation, food and drink, activities, events and more. You’ll also find ready-made itineraries listed to help visitors plan ahead. Follow Longford Tourism on social media for further great ideas and activities.

The local monthly events guide is also available on www.longford.ie