How to spend your Christmas in County Longford
Christmas in County Longford is a special one. There’s loads to see and do, with events happening across the county to celebrate. From markets, to charity races, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Longford town turned on the Christmas lights on Black Friday, November 25th, kick starting a fantastic shopping season. Shop local and support local craftspeople this Saturday, December 10th, in Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre during “An Enchanted Woodland Christmas“. Visit Santa while getting creative with the arts and crafts and plenty of time to browse the gift shop for some handmade goods.
The festivities will continue in Granard this Sunday, December 11th, as the town will host a Christmas market to coincide with the switching on of the lights. Back to Ardagh Heritage Centre on December 16th for the “Christmas Around the World” feast; a very special dinner with a few treats thrown in hosted by Chef Martin from “Cook ‘n’ Dine“.
Something uniquely different then on December 18th, Longford’s very own “ice hockey” tournament. Longford Hawks are hosting a Christmas inline hockey tournament at their rink in Mastertech business park on the outskirts of Longford town.
If hunting is your sport, take off with Longford Harriers at 12 noon on St Stephen’s Day from Carrickboy. No animals are used, it is just the scent! For extra sport, join the Longford parkrun on Christmas Eve in “The Mall” park, Longford town followed by tea and coffee afterwards. This is a free event but you must register on parkrun.ie and don’t forget to bring your barcode.
There’s lots of opportunity to shake off the turkey (and an excuse to sneak a few extra mince pies) during three charity races over Christmas. The annual Goal Mile run takes place Christmas morning at 12 noon from Connolly Barracks, perfect way to make room for the feed ahead. This year is the 10th year of The Shane Brennan 5km in Newtownforbes, kick starting at 1pm with proceeds going to Longford Women’s Link. If that wasn’t enough for you, Ardagh Moydow Glen Community games set a real challenge on December 27th. The 10 mile run goes over “Ardagh Mountain”, and is well attended every year. There’s also a 5km fun run through the village.
No Christmas in County Longford would be complete without a visit to St Mel’s Cathedral which burned down on Christmas Day 2009, only to be rebuilt and now stand in all its glory. Of course, if you need somewhere to stay during your visit, our apartments are facing it! Enjoy the festive season.
