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seasonal · Saturday 15 August 2026 · TBA 
Heritage Homes in South Longford - Book Launch
At Ballymahon Community Library · Ballymahon, Co. Longford
At Ballymahon Community Library · Ballymahon, Co. Longford
Eamon Hughes spent eight years researching the country houses of south Longford, and this free public launch at Ballymahon Community Library is the moment the work finally comes to the public. The result is a detailed survey of eighteen houses in the barony of Shrule - some still occupied and cared for, others sadly ruined or gone. If you have any interest in local history, vernacular architecture, or the landed estates that shaped this part of the Irish midlands, this is a rare chance to hear about the research first-hand and pick up a copy straight from the source.
The launch will be performed by Jacqueline Whyte and Tom Reilly, two names well known in Longford heritage circles. Events like this in a community library setting tend to be relaxed and genuinely welcoming - a short address from the launchers, a few words from the author, then time to browse the book and chat. The volume itself is richly illustrated throughout, making it as much a visual record as a written one. Hardback copies are available to purchase on the night at €60. The launch falls during National Heritage Week (15-23 August 2026), so there may well be other heritage events running nearby in the same few days - worth checking the Heritage Week listings if you are making a day of it.
Ballymahon sits at the junction of the N55 and R392 in the southern end of County Longford, roughly 19 km north-east of Athlone. By car from Dublin, take the M4 west to Mullingar, then the N52 and R392 south - around 90 minutes. From Athlone it is a straightforward 20-minute drive north on the N55. The library is on Main Street in the centre of town, and on-street parking is generally easy to find.
If you are coming without a car, Bus Éireann route 466 links Athlone to Ballymahon, and TFI Local Link route LR24 connects Ballymahon with Longford town and Longford railway station. Trains run to Longford town from Dublin Connolly on the Sligo line, and the Local Link bus handles the final leg south to Ballymahon.
The town sits beside the River Inny and has a quiet, unhurried feel that makes it easy to extend the trip into an afternoon. There is more to see in Ballymahon and across Co. Longford.
Heading to Ballymahon Community Library in Ballymahon? Longford has plenty more to see. Read the Ballymahon area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.