For more than half a century the old Quinnsworth store on Longford’s Main Street was a Christmas institution for many local families. There isn’t a family home where you won’t find old photos with Santa from that store. Founded by Peter Quinn Snr, it was the store that made Christmas special. In New York, the famous Macy’s store has their parade and in Longford, Santa did a tour of the town, throwing out sweets and goodies to the children as he went along. It signalled the arrival of Christmas – long before the town ever got to turn on Christmas lights. This photo gallery features some wonderful memories from yesteryear and we hope you enjoy this nostalgic look at Christmas in Longford. Caption: Quinnsworth was founded by Peter Quinn Snr and this is a photo of three of his grandchildren, Damian, Kate and Mark with their parents, Claire and Patrick, when they visited Santa in 1982.

placeholder image — For more than half a century the old Quinnsworth store on Longford’s Main Street was a Christmas institution for many local families. There isn’t a family home where you won’t find old photos with Santa from that store. Founded by Peter Quinn Snr, it was the store that made Christmas special. In New York, the famous Macy’s store has their parade and in Longford, Santa did a tour of the town, throwing out sweets and goodies to the children as he went along. It signalled the arrival of Christmas – long before the town ever got to turn on Christmas lights. This photo gallery features some wonderful memories from yesteryear and we hope you enjoy this nostalgic look at Christmas in Longford. Caption: Quinnsworth was founded by Peter Quinn Snr and this is a photo of three of his grandchildren, Damian, Kate and Mark with their parents, Claire and Patrick, when they visited Santa in 1982.

PICTURES | A nostalgic look back at Christmas in Longford and meeting Santa at the old Quinnsworth store

Published 20th Dec 2025, 20:24 GMT

For more than half a century the old Quinnsworth store on Longford’s Main Street was a Christmas institution

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Caption: The Darling family from Longford town are pictured with Santa in Quinnsworth in 1980 and it includes Clive and Rosaleen with their children Lesley and Nigel.

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Caption: This is a notable photo as it includes Nobby Loughlin who was usually the photographer for Santa in Quinnsworth. His father also took the photos before him. It also featured a number of the Quinn family. Left to right, Ciaran Quinn, Frankie Higgins RIP, Noel Quinn, Nobby Loughlin and Patrick Quinn.

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Caption: Well known Longford town man, Justin Gray was more than pleased to meet Santa in Quinnsworth back in 1977.

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Caption: The old Quinnsworth store on Longford’s Main Street was a Christmas institution for many local families.

Longford

PICTURES | A nostalgic look back at Christmas in Longford and meeting Santa at the old Quinnsworth store

For more than half a century the old Quinnsworth store on Longford’s Main Street was a Christmas institution

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