County Longford – Annaly, the land of the O'Farrells
County Longford is based on the historic Gaelic territory of Annaly. Between the 5th and 12th centuries the area was known as the kingdom of Tethbae, or Teffia, ruled by several local groups. In 1070 it was conquered by the Ó Cuinns, Ó Fearghails and other Conmhaicne tribes and became known as Muintir Annaly, named after Anghaile, great-grandfather of Fearghail O'Farrell.
Longford was also called Upper Conmaicne, to distinguish it from south Leitrim, then Lower Conmaicne, since both were ruled by the same descendants. The O'Farrell name remains closely associated with the county. Today Longford is a quiet county of around 46,000 people in the Irish midlands. Have a Longford story? Share it with the community!