Ireland’s ‘least-visited’ county is a mecca of ancient history

Much of Ireland’s beauty and charm is hidden in the less visited places around the country. One county in Leinster is the least visited of all, but might have the most interesting history to offer .

Co Longford is statistically the least visited county in Ireland, according to The National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland. They cite a number of reasons including issues with accommodation capacity, environmental pollution and a general lack of marketing. A closer look into what Longford has to offer makes it difficult to see why the tourism sector is lacking.

• Stunning Irish riverside village was the backdrop for Ireland’s greatest folklore

• Overlooked Irish area set for major rejuvenation for tourists

Longford is brimming with ancient Irish history, and was the setting for some of Ireland’s greatest stories. The name itself is the Irish meaning of ‘Long Fortress’ as the county was home to O’Farrells - a clan that once controlled the midlands of the country. While little remains of that era, there are plenty of markers of early Christian settlement which came after.

Much of Ireland’s history is preserved in the boglands, which Longford is known for. One of the most common tourist attractions is the Corlea Trackway, where wooden planks dating back to 148 BC were discovered, creating a hidden ancient roadway. The original, Iron-Age planks are preserved at a visitors center which welcomes tourists to learn about the magic and history of the bog - one of Ireland's less explored treasures.

For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here .

The newly built Knights & Conquests Heritage Centre explores Granard's 12th century invasion of Ireland, and the Norman history - a must see for those who were fans of the show Vikings.

Longford has long suffered the fate of a ‘pass-through’ town , between Dublin and the west of Ireland. However, the wealth of culture and history is just the base of what the county has to offer. It also has a vibrant arts scene with Backstage Theatre - one of Ireland’s leading arts venues - a bustling bar scene, and Ireland's largest holiday park, Center Parcs.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .