Drumlish to Monaduff to Ballinamuck Walkways

The North Longford Rebel Trail is a community-led initiative that connects the villages of Drumlish, Monaduff, and Ballinamuck through a safe, scenic, and historically rich walking and cycling route.
Developed in two phases, the trail offers a unique way to explore North Longford's landscape and rebel heritage - by foot, bike, or car. 

Trail Overview

  • Phase 1 (opened March 2020): A 2km off-road walkway linking Drumlish village to the Fr Manning Gaels GAA grounds at Monaduff. 
  • Phase 2 (opened December 2024 by Minister Heather Humphreys): A 3km walk and cycleway connecting Ballinamuck village to Monaduff, completing the off-road link between the two towns. 

These new walkways follow the same route as the North Longford Rebel Trail driving trail, giving visitors multiple ways to experience the area's natural beauty and historical significance. 

Community-Led and Collaborative 

This project was born out of consultation with local communities and the Drumlish and Ballinamuck Area Action Plan, which identified the need to link the two villages with existing recreational amenities, including the GAA grounds at Monaduff. 

Led by the Drumlish Ballinamuck Town Team, the initiative brought together representatives from local groups and businesses to deliver on the Action Plan's goal of enhancing economic, recreational, and tourism opportunities in the region. 

Safety and Accessibility 

The completed trail is entirely off-road, with much of it running alongside the busy R198 Regional Road, significantly improving safety for:

  • Residents of Ballinamuck and Drumlish
  • Pupils and staff of St. Patrick's National School, Ballinamuck
  • Families and children walking or cycling to training and matches at Monaduff

The trail is designed to be accessible to all ages, promoting active travel, supporting climate goals, and encouraging healthy lifestyles. 

Construction Highlights

  • Surface Works: A stone base laid on Geo-Grid Terram due to poor ground conditions, finished with Limestone Quarry Dust and 10mm close-graded macadam near dwellings. 
  • Roadside Safety Features: Removal of roadside ditches, installation of piped drains, drainage stone backfill, road gullies, slip-form kerbs, and a green buffer zone.
  • Bridges: Two metal fabricated and galvanised bridges with custom abutments
  • Fencing and Access: A mix of concrete posts and chain-link fencing, treated timber fencing, and galvanised sheep-wire, with field gates to maintain access for farmers and property owners. 

Funding and Support 

This project was made possible through:

  • €500,000 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
  • €473,544.87 in match funding provided by Longford County Council