Social Dancing at Longford Arms Hotel

Every Sunday afternoon, the ballroom at the Longford Arms Hotel on Main Street fills with couples for social dancing to live music. It is the kind of event that has quietly continued in Irish hotel ballrooms for decades, a live band, a sprung floor and dancers ranging from lifelong regulars to first-timers pulled in by a friend. Country and old-time numbers dominate, the sort of programme built for waltzes, quicksteps and set dances rather than a night of standing at the bar.

What to expect

The ballroom opens from early afternoon, with a live band playing through a mix of country, old-time and ballroom numbers aimed squarely at dancers rather than listeners. Regulars travel in from across Longford and neighbouring counties for the Sunday session, and the hotel has built a loyal following among the social dancing circuit that moves between midlands hotel ballrooms week to week. No partner or experience is required. It is an all-ages crowd, skewing toward an older audience but welcoming to anyone who wants to learn a few steps on the floor. The hotel’s Main Street location means the afternoon often folds into an evening in the bar downstairs for those who stay on after the music finishes.

Getting there

The Longford Arms Hotel is on Main Street in Longford town centre, within walking distance of the bus and rail station. Longford has direct Bus Eireann and Iarnrod Eireann services from Dublin, Sligo and Galway. On-street parking and a hotel car park are both available.

While you’re in Longford

Main Street is the spine of Longford town, lined with independent shops and pubs and a short walk from St Mel’s Cathedral. Worth combining with a look around the town before the dancing starts. There is more to see in Longford and across Co. Longford.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday, 19 July 2026
• Time: 2:00pm
• Venue: Longford Arms Hotel Ballroom, Main Street, Longford, Co. Longford
• Price: Free
• Recurring: Every Sunday afternoon