Discover Ballymahon through two distinctive threads: the Royal Canal Greenway and places that recall Oliver Goldsmith. There are also activities on the River Inny and at Ballybrannigan Harbour. You can shape your stay around cycling and the canal, experiences on the water or literary history.

Cycling, the canal and the River Inny

The 130 km Royal Canal Greenway offers a longer route for cycling trips, and Ballymahon makes a suitable starting point or stop along the way. Ballybrannigan Harbour is also on the Greenway. Activities there may include walking, cycling, boating, fishing and wildlife watching. What is available locally may depend on providers and conditions.

Ballybrannigan Canal Stores, a working canal warehouse, is located at the harbour. The harbour is also an important site on the National Famine Way. In County Longford, this route follows the Royal Canal Greenway. The signposted walking and cycling route follows the last known journey on Irish soil of 1,490 people who were forced to leave Strokestown in County Roscommon in 1847.

The River Inny also offers a range of opportunities: it is a coarse-fishing water, with numerous fishing spots along its course. Check local fishing access and conditions before travelling. Inny Kayakers offers guided kayak trips on the River Inny near Ballymahon.

For your own cycling trip, Ballymahon Greenway Cycles on Mostrim Road offers bicycle hire and repair services. The business also provides route suggestions and free maps. Confirm the availability of maps before your trip. This gives you a choice of different approaches: a trip on the Greenway, cycling and other activities at the harbour, or a guided kayak trip on the river.

Oliver Goldsmith in and around Ballymahon

The Goldsmith Festival and Centre in Ballymahon Library offers an insight into the life and career of Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774). Check the latest exhibition details before your visit. The library provides an introduction to Goldsmith's life and work, while other places in the surrounding area recall stages in his biography.

Pallas is outside the town of Ballymahon, near Newcastle Demesne. The Goldsmith family home stood there, and Oliver Goldsmith was born there. Visitors can see a memorial statue, a commemorative plaque and a garden in his honour. In nearby Forgney is the village church where Goldsmith was baptised; a memorial window in the church commemorates the author. The places offer different perspectives: Pallas focuses on his birth and family, while Forgney highlights his baptism and the memorial window.

More destinations in County Longford

Newcastle Woodland is in Newcastle near Ballymahon, in County Longford. This 325-hectare mixed woodland, managed by Coillte, extends along both sides of the River Inny. Its trail network includes 14 km of paths with routes of varying lengths. There is also a 400 m Access for All trail and a 1 km wheelchair-accessible trail through the forest. As trail conditions and access may change, check before your visit.

Getting there and finding your way around

Bus route 73 from Waterford to Athlone stops in Ballymahon and Longford Town. Route 466 from Athlone to Cavan also stops in Ballymahon, as well as Keenagh, Longford Town, Edgeworthstown and Granard. Check current timetables with Bus Éireann. In the wider County Longford area, the Dublin–Sligo rail line is served by Longford Town and Edgeworthstown stations; check current train connections with Irish Rail.

Discover more destinations: Longford, Lanesborough, Cloondara, Killashee, Granard, Edgeworthstown, Mosstown, Moyne.

For the wider travel overview: County Longford.