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County Longford

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos ©Ashley Beolens Website
Birding County Longford

County Longford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Longford. Longford County Council is the local authority for the county. The population of the county is 40,810 according to the 2016 census.With an area of 1,091 km2 (421 square miles) and a population of 40,810, Longford is the fourth smallest of the 32 counties in area and second smallest in terms of population. It is also the fourth smallest of Leinster’s 12 counties by size and smallest by population. It borders counties Cavan to the northeast, Westmeath to the east and southeast, Roscommon to the west and southwest and Leitrim to the northwest.Most of Longford lies in the basin of the River Shannon with Lough Ree forming much of the county’s western boundary. The north-eastern part of the county, however, drains towards the River Erne and Lough Gowna. Lakeland, bogland, pastureland, and wetland typify Longford’s generally low-lying landscapes: the highest point of the county is in the north-west – Carn Clonhugh (also known as Cairn Hill) near Drumlish at 279 m (916 feet).In general, the northern third of the county is hilly, forming part of the drumlin belt and Esker Riada stretching across the northern midlands of Ireland. The southern parts of the county are low-lying, with extensive areas of raised bogland and the land being of better quality for grazing and tillage. The River Shannon marks the county’s border with Roscommon while the Rivers Inny and Tang form much of the boundary with Westmeath.The Royal Canal flows through the south of the county terminating at Cloondara at the Shannon. The canal was refurbished and reopened in 2010. Notable lakes include Kinale Lough and Lough Gowna on the Cavan border, Lough Forbes on the Roscommon border and of course Lough Ree in the south where Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon meet.

Contributors
Organisations

  • Birdwatch Ireland Longford Branch

    Facebook Page
    Birdwatch local contacts, events etc…

  • Irish Wildlife Trust Longford/Westmeath Branch

    Webpage
    The Branch was established in June 2011 with the partnership of the two Midland counties Longford and Westmeath. With the Lake County and Longfords’ array of unspoilt habitats the two to Midland counties have much to offer and be explored. The branch hopes to make people aware of these vast areas of natural beauty they have on their very doorsteps while maintaining the Irish Wildlife Trust’s aims to maintain and conserve wildlife.
Reserves

Abbreviations Key

  • NR Glen Lough

    InformationSatellite View
    Glen Lough is a unique and bio diverse habitat. There are many rare and interesting native plants and animals which inhabit the area and a number of lovely walks and pools for exploring. The site has a fine bird-hide affording excellent views over the lake and the area makes for an enjoyable and interesting visit for lovers of nature, outdoor enthusiasts as well as bird watchers.

  • WiP Mid Shannon Wilderness Park

    ArticleSatellite View
    The Mid Shannon area of Longford in the Republic of Ireland is a little known lake, river, forest and bog area that supports a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna, archaeological monuments and traditional cultural practices. This report sets out a proposal to develop a Mid Shannon Wilderness Park in County Longford. The Park will be located between the Royal Canal and Lough Ree on the River Shannon. Much of the land involved is in State ownership. The development of such a large amenity park in Longford would provide the Midlands and Ireland with a major tourism attraction of international importance.

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