Ireland's 'least-visited' county is an overlooked gem full of hidden treasures

Ireland's beauty and charm often lie in its lesser-known spots, with one Leinster county being the least visited but potentially having the most intriguing history .

According to The National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland, Co Longford is statistically the least visited county in Ireland . This is attributed to a variety of factors including accommodation capacity issues, environmental pollution, and a lack of marketing.

However, a deeper dive into what Longford has to offer makes it hard to understand why it's not a tourist hotspot.

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Longford, an overlooked Irish gem , is set for a significant tourism boost.

Rich in ancient Irish history, Longford was the backdrop for some of Ireland's most captivating tales. The name 'Longford' translates to 'Long Fortress' in Irish, as the county was once the stronghold of the O'Farrell clan that controlled the country's midlands.

While little remains from this period, there are numerous signs of early Christian settlements that followed.

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Much of Ireland's history is preserved in the boglands, which Longford is famous for. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Corlea Trackway, where wooden planks dating back to 148 BC were unearthed, revealing a hidden ancient roadway.

The original Iron-Age planks are conserved at a visitor center that invites tourists to discover the magic and history of the bog - one of Ireland's less explored treasures..

The newly established Knights and Conquests Heritage Centre delves into Granard's 12th century invasion of Ireland and its Norman history - a must-visit for fans of the hit series Vikings.

Longford has often been overlooked as a 'pass-through' town between Dublin and the west of Ireland. Yet, the county boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, a thriving arts scene with the Backstage Theatre - one of Ireland's premier arts venues, a lively bar scene, and Ireland's largest holiday park, Center Parcs.