Join the carnival spirit in this year’s Longford St Patrick’s Day festival
While parades of course take place across the country, Longford offers something special in the centre of Ireland with direct connections to St Patrick! St Mel’s Cathedral stands proud in Longford town – our apartments offering a spectacular view – however the original St Mel’s Cathedral was built in nearby Ardagh village and founded by St Patrick. St Mel came to Ireland with St Patrick, he was ordained a Bishop in Ardagh and the church dedicated to him.
The Cathedral View Apartments are directly opposite St Mel’s Cathedral, the perfect location to celebrate the long weekend. Check in early Friday morning, or even Thursday evening, to make the most of the full St Patrick’s Day. Enjoy breakfast at your leisure with many cafes only a two minute walk from the apartments. Afterwards enjoy an early St Patrick’s Day pint in one of the many great bars in the town.
The parade is always great fun with loads of entertainment for all the family. Of course if you don’t fancy braving the crowds, our apartments are on the parade route so you can watch from the comfort of the window or take it in from the front footpath. Kicking off at 1pm, the town will be full of cheer and colour, plenty to enjoy before celebrating the rest of your day. If it’s a pint your after along the parade route, “Milo’s” on Dublin Street is a two minute walk from the apartments and close to the main street.
There are many restaurants along Ballymahon and Main Street to get a nice lunch, while Viewmount House is only a short drive on the outskirts of Longford town for a delicious dinner. To keep the kids entertained after the parade, “The Mall” is a 1.9km scenic walk along the Camlin River with a dunk pond, two playgrounds, a football pitch and a basketball court. There is also an indoor swimming pool with a kiddies pool. The Longford Bowling Alley and Cinema offer hours of entertainment if the weather drives you indoors.
To shake off the cobwebs Saturday morning, join “parkrun” in The Mall at 9:30am. It’s free to take part but you must register online first on parkrun.ie. It’s a family friendly 5km walk or run. Moments Cafe on Main Street is ideal for a post parkrun breakfast and will fill you nicely for the day.
There’s loads to do on a weekend in Longford! We are offering a “leave at your leisure” bonus on your check-out day so you can make the most of every day without worrying about checking out early. A colourful weekend awaits, book in today!
Don’t forget! No St Patrick’s Day in Longford is complete without a green milkshake from Luigi’s…ask any of the locals and they’ll tell you!
