Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is the newest Irish tourism brand, exposing the magic of the midlands region. For over a century, Ireland has been on the top of Americans’ travel destinations, but only recently has the midlands been given the recognition it deserves. Often, investment will follow tourism, and Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive of Longford County Council, believes in this strategy. He hopes international visitors will fall in love with the beauty and charm of the region, and consider the midlands as an alternative to the traditional investment destinations.
For those holiday-goers and investors that are particularly not keen on crowds, and enjoy a more off-the-radar vacation or lifestyle, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is the ideal destination. The region sprawls across several counties, including Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, East Clare, Westmeath, Cavan, Tipperary, Galway, and Offaly. Each area focuses on its tranquil natural surroundings of lakes and nature trails, and also on its native cultural experiences, unique to each county.
Previously neglected, Longford has been Ireland’s least visited county for several years. It only attracted 25,000 overseas visitors in 2016. However, with the new Center Parcs, the first Irish resort in Longford Forest, this is sure to change Longford’s destiny as a tourist destination. Mahon mentioned, “A massive investment has recently been made within Longford by Center Parcs. A 230 million euro forest park with 500 units of accommodation is being built and due to open the summer of 2019. It will host indoor and outdoor activities that have never been seen before on the island of Ireland, and attract nearly 200,000 to 300,000 new visitors to a confined and beautiful woodlands in County Longford. The Center Parcs investment has created employment, will lift local businesses, and will likely result in visitors exploring other areas of the county.”
Mahon shared his excitement for putting Longford on the map and mentioned several other attractions in the county, “County Longford has several iconic natural locations and tourism amenities including the River Shannon, Lake Lough Ree, River Camlin, Lough Gowna, Newcastle, Derrycasson Forests, and the Corlea Trackway Visitor Center. The Royal Canal Greenway is also a gorgeous pathway that extends from Spencer Dock in Dublin to the River Shannon in Cloondara, a small quaint village in County Longford. We have a literary trail in the south of County Longford, which is based on the literary heritage of Maria Edgeworth in Edgeworthtown, and Oliver Goldsmith in Ballymahon, among other significant Irish literary icons.”
Mahon continued, “We are also developing a trail around General Humbert who came with the French in 1798; Michael Collins, and his relationship with Granard; and General Seán Mac Eoin, who was a founding member of the free state and a member of the War of Independence. Longford County will invest 2.8 million euro to regenerate the Granard Motte in the north of County Longford. It is a Norman, iconic structure that was built hundreds of years ago, and will become a significant visitor attraction.”
Kickstarting a revival of the economy of the regions has been a significant challenge, but Mahon is eager to reap the benefits of this long awaited rejuvenation. The National Planning Framework: Ireland 2040 has plans in place for a new motorway to Longford, enhancing the ease of transport and encouraging FDI.
Mahon added, “Many counties within Ireland’s midlands experienced a sluggish recovery after the economic downturn a decade ago. This has led us to increase cross-body lobbying efforts for better infrastructure, and we see developments set to improve the connectivity of the regions. Firms in these areas are confident that upcoming infrastructure developments will greatly improve the competitiveness of the regions. Actions have been taken to ensure Longford has the necessary energy, motorway, and broadband to meet the vital infrastructure needs of its residents, tourists, and the business community. Longford is an excellent place to live, visit, and invest in.”
There is not a shortage of exciting adventures, picturesque towns, and relaxing getaways awaiting tourists and investors in the midlands: Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.