County Longford
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| County Longford | |
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| Area: | 1,091 kmē |
| Capital: | Longford |
| Code: | LD |
| Population: | 31,068 (2002) |
| Province: | Leinster |
County Longford (Irish: Longphort) is a county situated in the Irish Midlands, in northwest Leinster. With an area of 1,091 kmē (421 square miles) and a population of 31,068, it is one of Ireland's smallest counties. Agricultural activities include cattle and sheep rearing, and the production of oats and potatoes.
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Most of Longford lies in the basin of the River Shannon, which forms its western boundary, although the northernmost parts of the county drain towards the River Erne. Lakeland, bogland, pastureland, and wetland typify Longford's generally low-lying landscapes: the highest point is Carn Clonhugh at 279 m (916 feet).
Monastic remains at Ardagh, Abbeylara, Abbeyderg, and Inchcleraun Island in the River Shannon are reminders of the county's long Christian history.
There has been a long thousand year connection between Longford and the Farrell clan. The O'Fearghails were the Gaelic rulers of Annaly (roughly the Irish midlands including present day county Longford) and traced their roots back to the battle of Clontarf. The chief power base of the clan was present day Longford town- Longphort Ui' Fearghail (O'Farrell's fortress). Having lost control of their territory some 400 years ago, the Clan took flight and lived abroad for some time. The majority of those that returned settled in Longford. Today the surname Farrell is still the prominent surname in the county and Longfrod town the principle centre of administration and commerce.
The county is named after its administrative centre, Longford town.
Other sizeable towns and villages in County Longford include:
External Links
County Longford Official Website (http://www.longford.ie/) [1] (http://ourworld.cs.com/TheFarrellClan/) Template:Ireland countiesde:Longford (County) es:Condado de Longford ga:Contae an Longfoirt nl:County Longford pl:Longford (hrabstwo) ro:Comitatul Longford