Festival season
Longford’s past and present really come together in its festivals. Head to The Marquee in Drumlish where every August some of Ireland’s most well-known country music stars come together for a four day event of live top-tapping music.
If you prefer the idea of engaging in creative writing workshops and poetry competitions then Longford’s summertime literary festivals are definitely worth a look! Every June The Goldsmith International Festival takes place to pay homage to the literary genius Oliver Goldsmith, or try the Literary Festival held in Edgeworthstown every May where there is a hive of activity promised to entertain the whole family.
For an entirely different take on Irish culture, make your way to the Sean Óg Set Dancing Festival, held in Longford town in November. Set dancing is a kind of court dance involving four couples moving in a “set”. It might sound orderly, but the athleticism and passion of the spectacle has to be seen for real.
People in the know come from all over to gasp in admiration in this corner of Ireland. Are you and your friends bold enough to take your place (and your chances) in a set? The competition is fierce. But so is the fun.