Granard, County Longford,
Ireland
History
The town of Granard is in the north of County Longford, in what is called the Midlands of Ireland, it has history going back to 236 AD. Granard is a very busy town situated 30km north of Longford town, 45km north of Mullingar, 30km south of Cavan and 130km north west of Dublin.
The principal feature of Granard is the motte which stands some 543 feet above sea level and is situated at the head of the town. From the top of the motte you will be able to see nine counties, five lakes, forests and numerous rivers. Granard is set between three main rivers, the Shannon, the Erne and the Inny. Lough Sheelin covers 4,654 acres and is famous for trout fishing. Coarse angling is also provided for in local lakes like Gowna, Killeen, Derragh to name a few. With many clubs and organisations in the area, there is no shortage of things to do and there are several golf clubs in the area.
Famous people associated with Granard
- Kitty Kiernan, born in Granard (1892-1945) Kitty was the fiancee of Michael Collins, a person well known in the history of Ireland
- The film called 'The Big Fella' starring Julia Roberts and Liam Neeson was about the life of Michael and Kitty
- Frank Berry who has been national hunt champion jockey of Ireland on a number of occasions
- Larry Cunningham the famous country singer of songs like 'A tribute to Jim Reeves'
- Eddie Macken show jumper of international fame
- Brendan O'Reilly of television fame is a direct decendant of John Dungan, who started the Granard Harp Festival, back in 1781
- St Patrick is reported to have spent some time in Granard, as is also Queen Maeve
Places to visit around Granard
St Mary's Church, built in 1897, dominates the skyline and behind the Church is Granard Motte, a great flat-topped earthen mound - a very ancient structure that was erected some time before the Danish era. Loch Gowna with its many lakes is just 6 miles away; Derrycasen Wood, 4 miles away, is a beautiful woodland walk through some rare trees, overlooking the lake. Beside the village of Abbeylara, 3 miles away, and near Lough Kinale are the remains of a 13th century Cistercian Abbey. Other places include St. Mel's College, Longford, well known seat of learning of many famous people. Ardagh village which won the All-Ireland Tidy Towns competition is only 5 miles away. In Ballinalee, there is the McKeon family home - Sean McKeon was a well known political figure during the War of Independence.
Leisure in Granard
Granard has a wide variety of leisure activities, the sports complex has pitch & putt, tennis courts and football pitch. The Longford Ladies Junior Football team were the runners-up in the '96 All Ireland. There is interesting cycling and walking in the area and information about both can be obtained from the information office.
Drama is provided in Feb/March by the Killeen Dramatic Society and the ICA. There are a large number of restaurants, B&B's and a great variety of pubs in the area.
Business
In years gone by Granard was a well known market town, with people from surrounding counties coming in each week to sell their wares and to shop. The town can boast about its Restaurants, Pubs and Hotels where you can have a drink, a sit down meal or take away. There is a varied choice to suit everyone. There is also a fine selection of shops where you can purchase anything you need. Accommodation is readly available at very reasonable rates.
Taxies, hackney cars and buses are also available. The town station is 15 minutes drive to Edgeworthstown with trains to Dublin and Sligo.
Granard is a very industrious town with a well run Mart doing brisk business all year round. Other industries include 'Pat the Baker', one of the largest employers in the area, Lite Pak, also Schools (Primary & Second Level), shops, banks and small industries giving employment to many.
Accommodation
- B & M Fay, B&B, Edgeworthstown Road - B&B euro35. Tel +353 (0) 43 86636
- Glan Bar B&B - B&B euro70 Double room
- Greville Arms Hotel, Main St - B&B euro50 single, Double euro80. Family room euro120. Tel +353 (0) 43 87000. Discount for groups
