Longwood: Fair history and waterside paths

Longwood offers a charming contrast between local history and waterside paths. Longwood Playground is located on Longwood Fair Green; a newly built path connects the village directly to the towpath of the Royal Canal Greenway. At the same time, the fair’s history dates back to its authorisation by James I in 1611. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Longwood, these different themes can help you decide what kind of trip you want.

Fair Green and fair history

Longwood Playground covers approximately 400 square metres and is located on Longwood Fair Green. Longwood’s fair was authorised by James I in 1611. This date provides a specific historical point of reference alongside a clearly identifiable local attraction: the playground offers a present-day focal point, while the fair connects the village’s history to the distant past.

Paths, water and orientation

Longwood is connected directly to the towpath of the Royal Canal Greenway by a newly built path. Another point of reference lies outside the village: Longwood Harbour, also known as Boyne Dock, is approximately 2 km from Longwood and is an access point to the Royal Canal Greenway. The direct connection from the village and the access point outside it therefore differ in their geographical setting.

At the harbour, a bronze shoe sculpture marks the National Famine Way. Boyne Aqueduct is about 200 metres west of Longwood Harbour. It was built approximately 200 years ago to carry the canal over the River Boyne. Ribbontail Bridge is east of the harbour; it is said to have been built for churchgoers who walked to Longwood. Inchamore Bridge lies outside Longwood and is an access point to the Boyne Blueway. The surrounding area therefore offers various connections to paths, river and canal.

County Meath: a distinctive regional setting

County Meath brings together prehistoric cultural sites and varied landscapes. Brú na Bóinne is set in a bend of the River Boyne and includes the passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built around 3200 BC. Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery is a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating from around 3000 BC, spread across four gently rolling hills. The two examples offer different landscape settings and points of reference for County Meath’s prehistoric past.

County Meath’s medieval heritage also has its own highlights. Trim Castle stands on the south bank of the River Boyne and is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle. For safety reasons, the keep can only be accessed as part of a guided tour; check this visiting rule before your trip. At the Trim Visitor Centre, the Trim Medieval Armoury houses an exhibition of medieval armour, where visitors can touch and handle swords, chain mail and helmets. The Hill of Tara was the seat of the High King of Ireland and an important centre of political and religious power. Its visitor centre offers an audiovisual show; guided tours are available on request. Check current visitor options in advance.

Considering Longwood as a place to stay

When looking for a holiday rental in Longwood, you can weigh up your priorities: are you mainly interested in local history around Fair Green and the fair, or would you also like to include County Meath’s prehistoric and medieval heritage in your travel plans? The direct path to the towpath is a clear local connection; Longwood Harbour, by contrast, is approximately 2 km outside the village. These differences can help you consider the kind of trip you want alongside your choice of accommodation location.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pelletstown, Stamullin, Donore, Laytown, Enfield, Athboy, Slane, Duleek.

For the broader travel guide: County Meath.