Longford

Longford is the county town of County Longford, in the Midlands region of Ireland. It lies in the province of Leinster and functions as the administrative and commercial center for the county.

The town traces its origins to a medieval settlement and developed as a market town in the early modern period, with growth tied to agriculture, trade, and improving transport links in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Among its notable landmarks is St Mel's Cathedral, a Roman Catholic cathedral completed in the 19th century and rebuilt after a major fire in 2009. Other historic buildings include the courthouse and several churches and markets that reflect the town’s civic history.

Longford is served by rail and road connections. Longford railway station lies on the Dublin–Sligo line, providing access to Dublin and other towns, while the N4 motorway links the town with Dublin in the east and the northwest region. The local economy centers on public administration, retail, and agriculture-related industries.

Education in Longford includes St Mel's College, a secondary school, and local provisions for further education. The town supports sporting clubs including Longford GAA and Longford Town F.C., reflecting Gaelic games and association football interests.