churches historical longford

The see of Ardagh of which St Mel became the first bishop, was founded by St Patrick in the fifth century. Near the present St Patricks church are the ruins of an early church which may have been built on the site of the original cathedral where St Mel is reputed to havve professed St Brigid....

A focal point of the northern midlands where the provinces of Leinster, Ulster and Connaught all converge, Longford, where history and literature, tragedy and triumph are all woven together, takes its name from the ancient stronghold of the O'Farrell family (Long Fort - Fort of the O'Farrells). Bordered to the West by the majestic River Shannon, Longford is a county of rolling plains and picturesque stretches of water. The highest pint of the county, Cairn Hill, is only 279 m high, but from a...

A focal point of the northern midlands where the provinces of Leinster, Ulster and Connaught all converge, Longford, where history and literature, tragedy and triumph are all woven together, takes its name from the ancient stronghold of the O'Farrell family (Long Fort - Fort of the O'Farrells). Bordered to the West by the majestic River Shannon, Longford is a county of rolling plains and picturesque stretches of water. The highest pint of the county, Cairn Hill, is only 279 m high, but from a...

Mid 18th century Gothic building with one of the most outstanding spires in the Midlands. In the vestry there is a list of Rectors of the parish dating from the 1400's and silver chalices donated by Lord Longford. Private Joseph Ward is interred in this graveyard. Born in Kinsale, he was one of the first to be awarded the Victoria Cross for distinguished Bravery for his part in the crimean war and Indian Mutiny....

A small but broad early church with antae and flat-headed doorway (partly reconstructed) on a site said to have been founded by St. Mel in the 5th century. During the course of excavations in 1967, traces of a timber church, possibly of 8th century date, were found beneath it....

An old schoolhouse built in 1898 is the location of the Ardagh Heritage Centre. It houses an exciting exhibition which outlines the history of this exquisite village. The story of Ardagh is one of history, literature and storytelling. This exhibition draws on the rich fabric of Ardagh life down through the ages, from the roots of the village in Irish mythology, to its development as an important early church and its emergence as a model estate village. Over the years, Ardagh has played host t...