Working to strengthen Longford’s position as a must-visit destination

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County Longford’s tourism sector has entered a bold new era with the launch of the revitalised Longford Tourism Network.

Caption: Longford Community Safety Coordinator Janine Bartley, Just Transition Tourism Activator Colm Croffy, Tourism Officer Denise Canavan, Deputy Micheál Carrigy, Joan Mulvihill, Head of Local Enterprise Michael Nevin and Night Time Economy Advisor Karen Reilly Pictures by: Shelley Corcoran 

This collaborative initiative unites public bodies, private operators, community groups, and Just Transition projects to deliver a sustainable, community-led vision for tourism growth.

The official launch, held in the Crypt of St Mel’s Cathedral, welcomed over 80 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.

The event was moderated by consultant and artist Joan Mulvihill from Ballymahon who offered entertaining and valuable insights into how Longford is perceived at national and international level. 

Contributions were also made by the Chair of Longford Tourism, Longford Tourism Officer, Longford Just Transition Tourism Activator, Longford’s Night-Time Economy Advisor and the Enterprise Engagement Coordinator of Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board.

Tourism Officer Denise Canavan reminded the audience that at the heart of the new strategy is a commitment to sustainability — economic, environmental and social — supporting rural communities to thrive through realistic, long-term tourism development. Longford’s rich and often untold story forms the backbone of this vision, from ancient archaeological sites older than the Egyptian pyramids, to revolutionary history, Celtic mythology, literary heritage and iconic love stories, all set within an unspoilt and undiscovered landscape.

Just Transition Tourism Activator Colm Croffy highlighted how the network can develop and grow to bring more revenue for trade and hospitality operators as well as visibility to the county. 

Night Time Economy Advisor Karen Reilly detailed some of the pioneering pilot work being undertaken to animate after dark offerings in Longford Town. 

LWETB Enterprise Engagement Coordinator Alison Hogan outlined the benefits to employees and management of undertaking the highly acclaimed Skills to Advance - Elevated Customer Experience Training. Longford Tourism is partnering with LWETB to provide free access to hospitality and visitor businesses.

The Network has also confirmed that over €14 million is to be invested in new tourism related projects across the county over the next 30 months, combining public funding and privately matched investment. This includes allocations through the Town and Village Regeneration Scheme, private and community project supports, and major developments such as Connolly Barracks and the former Post Office site in Longford Town. These investments will significantly enhance visitor facilities and experiences across the county.

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.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, “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.”

Strategic partnerships are already delivering results. Longford’s collaboration with Visit Westmeath has secured its position as one of just seven Home of Halloween Hubs nationally for the next three years, while a strong calendar of cultural events — including Culture Night, Longford Lights Festival, Christmas Markets and St Patrick’s celebrations in 2025 helped animate the destination over the course of the year to date.

A key milestone announced was the establishment of a Community-Led Visitor Facilities Group, bringing together five flagship community attractions to pilot a three-year collaborative model focused on joint marketing, group tours, training, volunteer support and funding bids. Several team members are already undertaking QQI-certified guide training, and more sites are expected to join the initiative over time.

Looking ahead, the Network has approved the rollout of a new Visit Longford brand and website, supported by Fáilte Ireland’s Just Transition Digital Programme, due to launch in Q2 2026. This 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 venue to be confirmed. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme