Places near here
Photo credits
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- 2ManyCats4Me, Wikimedia Commons · CC0
- Granard Motte.png : Smcq Derivative work: Hogweard, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Gillaween, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Charles T. G. Clarke, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Wanfried-Dublin, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ulster BankBank/financial institution · 252 ydExplorer Tom Ulster Bank in Granard has Doric pilasters that make the local sheep feel underdressed by comparison. The opinion of the herd is unanimous: if it can’t graze through the door, it’s not really a bank. Bring a flask and pretend
FernmountHouse · 260 ydExplorer Tom Fernmount in Churchquarter was once ruled by a goat who ate all the render details and demanded respect. It’s got canted bays that look like they’re winking at you from the Longford Road. Practise your Irish on it, it won’t understand anyway.
1798 MonumentMonument · 448 ydExplorer Tom The 1798 Monument in Granard uses a Celtic high cross style to tell you about a battle that happened two hundred years ago. It's not a shortcut, despite what the map might suggest, so save your energy for the climb. Look up at the carvings and feel history-heavy.
Granard MotteMotte-and-bailey castle remains · 543 ydExplorer Tom Granard Motte would describe the 1800s to a teenager as 'basically a long queue for nothing'. It's just a big mound pretending it remembers something important from the castle days. Spot the oldest stone and give it a name.
Moat of GranardCastle, motte and bailey · 596 ydExplorer Tom The local sheep at Granard Moat rate it a solid four stars for grass quality. Richard de Tuit built it in 1199 to fight rebels, but now it’s mostly a nap zone. Stand back, squint, and it looks like a castle.
Sheela-na-gig in AbbeylaraSheela-na-gig · 2.4 miExplorer Tom Sheela-na-gig in Abbeylara has been staring into the void for centuries, and I swear she’s judging your outfit while hiding up there on the tower wall like she owns the place. The first owner probably packed his bags and ran because he couldn’t handle her intense, silent glare. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.
CartronfreeMountain / peak · 2.8 miExplorer Tom Cartronfree is basically the matchmaker who works up there, pairing every hilltop with a different legend. She’s loud, she’s opinionated, and she knows exactly which path to take. Leave nothing but footprints and a bad pun.
Derrycassan WoodsWood · 3.6 miExplorer Tom Derrycassan Woods has had so many names that it’s started calling itself 'The One' because it’s tired of being Derrycassan, Derri, or whatever the map says today. It’s ancient woodland with hazel trees that have seen more centuries than your grandparents. Have a nosey, politely.
Clonfin Ambush MemorialMemorial · 3.7 miExplorer Tom Clonfin Ambush Memorial in Longford is secretly proud of the one potato that survived the battle unscathed, hidden under the stone. It’s a weird little hero story nobody talks about because it’s too silly for the official records. Perfect detour when your satnav has a total meltdown and gives up on you.
Cloonfin WoodForest · 3.9 miExplorer Tom Cloonfin Wood is where locals say you have to walk backwards if you want the trees to tell you your future, which sounds like a great way to trip over a root. It’s just a forest on a map that probably has more secrets than your diary. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.
Coolamber CastleHouse, fortified house · 4.9 miExplorer Tom Coolamber Castle House is where Saint Patrick would have said, ‘You’ve got a bit of an ego for a pile of rocks.’ Cromwell besieged it, so it’s definitely seen some things. Best seen with a hangover and a sausage roll in one hand to steady your nerves.
Portal tomb in AghnacliffPortal tomb · 6.2 miExplorer Tom Portal tomb in Aghnacliff has survived storms that would make a modern tent weep with despair. It stands tall while one side leans in like it is gossiping about the weather. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.
More places in County Longford
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