Longwood has a direct connection to the Royal Canal Greenway and a history of holding fairs. A newly created path links the village directly to the Greenway towpath. There are further connections to walking routes and local history nearby. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing Longwood’s direct connection from access points located outside the village.
Routes and landmarks nearby
Longwood Harbour, also known as Boyne Dock, is about two kilometres outside Longwood and is an access point to the Royal Canal Greenway. A bronze shoe sculpture at the Harbour marks the National Famine Way. The Boyne Aqueduct lies about 200 metres west of the Harbour. It was built about 200 years ago to carry the canal over the River Boyne.
Ribbontail Bridge lies east of the Harbour. It is said to have been built for churchgoers who walked to Longwood. Inchamore Bridge, an access point to the Boyne Blueway, is also outside Longwood. The two waterways therefore have different access points: Longwood is directly connected to the Royal Canal Greenway towpath, while the Boyne Blueway is accessed at Inchamore Bridge.
Fair Green and local history
Longwood’s fair was authorised by James I in 1611. Longwood Playground is located on Longwood Fair Green and covers about 400 square metres. The historical and local references share the same place name, but describe different things: the authorisation of the fair and the location of the playground.
Cultural history in County Meath
County Meath also offers a broader cultural and historical setting. The BrĂş na BĂłinne World Heritage Site lies in a bend of the River Boyne and includes the prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built around 3200 BC. The BrĂş na BĂłinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. As advance booking and shuttle arrangements can change, check the current visiting procedures before planning your visit.
Also in County Meath is Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery, a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to around 3000 BC. The site extends across four gently rolling hills. Guided tours explore the history and mythology of the monuments there; check whether your preferred tour is available before travelling.
The Hill of Tara was the seat of the High King of Ireland and an important centre of political and religious power. Trim Castle is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle and stands on the south bank of the River Boyne. For safety reasons, access to its keep is by guided tour only. County Meath therefore offers a choice of distinct cultural highlights: prehistoric monuments, political history and medieval architecture.
Discover more destinations: Duleek, Mullaghmore, Collinstown, Laytown, Rathmolyon, Balrath, Kilbride, Trim
For the full travel overview: County Meath.
