Irish Counties - Longford

County Longford (Contae Longfort) is a county situated in the Irish Midlands, in northwest Leinster. It is one of Ireland's smallest counties. Agricultural activities include cattle and sheep rearing, and the production of oats and potatoes.

Most of Longford lies in the basin of the River Shannon, which forms its western boundary, although the northernmost parts of the county drain towards the River Erne. Lakeland, bogland, pastureland, and wetland typify Longford's generally low-lying landscapes: the highest point is Carn Clonhugh at 279 m (916 feet).

Monastic remains at Ardagh (Longford), Abbeylara, Abbeyderg, and Inchcleraun Island in the River Shannon are reminders of the county's long Christian history.

Longford town is the capital of County Longford. The town's original full name was Longphort Uí Fhearghail (stronghold of O'Farrell), reflecting the fact that it grew up around the ancient castle of the O'Farrells (chieftains of the territory of Anghaile or Annaly) and the Dominican priory they founded there in 1400. Longford's main industries are food production, steelworking and the production of medical equipment. The town is also a local commercial centre, with many retail outlets. It is the cathedral town of the Roman Catholic diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise.

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• Longford People
• Longford History
• Longford Travel

Writers associated with Co. Longford include:

• Colum, Padraic poet, playwright, short story writer, novelist, & children's writer
• Edgeworth, Maria novelist
• Goldsmith, Oliver playwright, novelist, poet, essayist, dramatist
• Groarke, Vona poet

Towns and Villages:
Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, Granard