LONGFORD - FROM CLOONDARA TO THE CORLEA TRACKWAY

THE WALK:

Join broadcaster Sinead Hussey and presenter Doireann Ní Ghlacáin on a 16km rewarding walk and cycle along Longford's scenic greenway from the pretty harbour village of Cloondara to the remarkable Corlea Trackway Centre.

This is a journey along quiet canal-side beauty through the Irish midlands, leading to one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the country, a 2,000 year old Iron Age road, preserved beneath the bog and now on permanent display.

Distance: 16km

Starting Point: Richmond Harbour Cloondara

End Point: Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre

Terrain: Greenway, canal towpath, flat and well-surfaced

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: 3-4 hours

Best for: All ages and abilities, families, history lovers, nature walks

OUR TRAIL TIPS:

Navigation: The greenway route is clearly signposted and easy to follow. A map is useful but not essential.

Weather: The route is flat and open. Dress for the weather as the midlands can be breezy. Waterproofs are a good idea.

What to Bring: Comfortable footwear suitable for a flat path, water, and snacks. A bike is also a great option for this greenway route.

Visitor Centre: The Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre is well worth a visit. Check opening times before you go at heritageireland.ie.

Trail Conditions: The greenway surface is generally all weather. Check conditions locally after periods of heavy rain.

ABOUT THE CORLEA TRACKWAY:

The Corlea Trackway is an Iron Age road built from large oak planks around 148 BC, discovered preserved beneath the boglands of County Longford. It is one of the largest Iron Age bog roads ever uncovered in Europe.

An 18-metre section of the road is now on permanent display at the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, housed in a specially designed building to prevent the ancient timbers from drying out. Walking this route connects you to the people who built and used this extraordinary structure over two thousand years ago.