Ireland: Granard City in County Longford

Proprietors Michael & Greta Hourican run one of the few hotels in town. Hearty meals can be had as well as comfortable lodgings at a reasonable price.

The country's highest "motte" or mound is located in Granard City, County Longford. These huge piles of earth were pre-Christian in origin and were presumabely contructed by the ancients as a means of surveying the surrounding countryside for potential invaders as well as for protection. A statue of St. Patrick adorns the top of the motte where behind is situated the cemetery. County Longford and Granard City is the ancestral homeland of the Reilly clan among others.

Granard City's main street as it approaches St. Mary's Catholic Church sitting gracefully atop the motte. Today's urban street scene has changed little from the 19-century photos on display in the local historical society shop. The town's main enterprise is a large backery serving the surrounding countryside and towns. Every few feet, however, is a pub where locals pass the wee hours of the night engaged in idle chatter.