Hidden away in the Longford boglands, not far from Kenagh village, lies an amazing prehistoric relic: a togher — an Iron Age road – constructed in 148 BC. It is the biggest of its type to have been discovered in Europe and is known locally as the Danes’ Road.
Historians believe that it was part of an important route. It may have been a part of a ceremonial roadway linking Ireland’s ritual centre, the Hill of Uisneach, with the royal site at Rathcroghan.
The trackway was made of thick oak boards that sunk into the peat after a short period. This rendered it useless, but it also guaranteed that it stayed perfectly preserved in the swamp for the next two millennia.
An 18-metre length of the old wooden framework is on permanent exhibit within the interpretative centre in a chamber specifically built to preserve it. Don’t miss out on this incredible relic from our distant past.
