Blacklion

EVENTS
26th - 30th June 2008 The Cathal Buí Arts and Heritage Festival 2008
Blacklion, Co Cavan
Traditional and Classical Music, Singing, Storytelling, Irish Poetry readings, Geo-Archaeological Field Trips, Heritage Walks, Car Treasure Hunt, children’s Magic Show and Art Exhibitions, Art Workshops for adults and children.  For festival programme visit www.cathalbui.com

Blacklion, near the shores of Lower and Upper Lough MacNean, derives its name from an inn called the Black Lion that once stood on the old coach road through the area.

Blacklion is located in scenic West Cavan near  the  border with Fermanagh. An incredibly scenic  9-hole golf course, the Cavan Way, Marble Arch Caves, Florence Court and the renowned McNean's Restaurant ensure you will have plenty to do while here. (book well in advance, especially for weekends).

West Cavan has been inhabited for almost 5000 years. The limestone plateau south of Blacklion, centred on the Burren Forest, shows extensive evidence of settlements throughout the Neolithic and into the Bronze Age - possibly from 4000 BC to 1500 BC. A variety of megalithic tombs, ancient hut sites and field walls are visable. Burren stands on the Cavan Way, a 25km marked walking trail from Blacklion to Dowra.

A small monument to the 17th century poet, Cathal buí Mac Giolla Gunna, the writer of 'An Bonnan Bui', is located  near the ruins of Killinagh church, 3 miles from the town. Cathal Bui freqented the area and an annual arts festival now takes place in his honour.
 
The ruins of Killinagh Church probably date from the 12th Century. To the south of the church are some bullaun stones, which were once used to place curses on people.  Headstones dating from the 17th Century can be seen in the adjoining cemetery.

Contact Blacklion Tourist Office, Market House at +353 (0)71 9853941
Click here for Lough McNean Tourism website

PLACES TO STAY IN BLACKLION
Click here for accommodation

PLACES TO EAT IN BLACKLION
McNean's Bistro t: +353 (0)71 9853022
Multi - award winning restaurant managed by celebrity chef Neven Maguire

Olive Grove t: +353 (0)71 9853433

THINGS TO DO
Blacklion Golf Course t: +353 (0)71 9853024
Scenic 9-hole course with stunning views over Lough McNean.

Archaeology Field Trips, Burren Forest t: +353 (0)71 9853299
Guided tour of the relict landscape of Burren. Megalithic tombs, hut sites and ancient field walls. Tours by appointment.

Marble Arch Caves European Geopark, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh
t: +44 (0)28 6634 8855 www.marblearchcaves.net

Florence Court House, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh t: +44 (0)28 6634 8249
A National Trust property, Florencecourt is one of Ulsters most important 18th century houses and estates.

WALKING
The Cavan Way
Click here for detailed description of route
Click here for map and contact details (PDF)

Swanlinbar Walks (15 minutes from Blacklion)
Click here for map and details

The Leitrim Way
Click here for map and contact details (PDF)

EVENTS
26th - 30th June 2008
The Cathal Buí Arts and Heritage Festival 2008
Blacklion, Co Cavan
Traditional and Classical Music, Singing, Storytelling, Irish Poetry readings, Geo-Archaeological Field Trips, Heritage Walks, Car Treasure Hunt, children’s Magic Show and Art Exhibitions, Art Workshops for adults and children.  For festival programme visit www.cathalbui.com

Sat 19th July
Walks, Storytelling and puppet show at the Burren Forest 
Burren Forest Blacklion, 3pm - 5pm

Sun 20th July
Geopark Nature Walk 
Lough Navar Forest Carpark at 2.00pm.

2nd/3rd - 16th/17th - 30th/31st Aug
Geopark Safari
Join geopark staff on a Land Rover tour of Cuilcagh Mountain Park and discover the geology and landscape that makes it special. Contact Chris Reid on +44 (0)28 6634 8855 to reserve a place.

Sun 24th Aug
'Stone Working from the Neolithic to 20th century'
A guided walk of Moneygashell Cashel, Megalithic Tombs, Field Walls and 19/20th century farmsteads led by Jim Nolan. As part of Heritage Week, see local press for details.

Sun 31st Aug
Guided Bus Tour through Cavan's Lakelands
Led by Roseanna Clarke as part of Heritage Week, see local press for details.

Thurs 2nd Oct
Laidback Lecture: Landscapes and Livelihoods
Gortatole OEC, Florencecourt at 7.30pm
Join Dr. John Kelly and others as they reveal how the landscape of the geopark has influenced over 7000 years of settlement in the area.

October
Geopark Nature Walk: Ely Lodge Forest
Fermanagh District Council Staff will lead you through some  of the beautiful forests of Fermanagh with their series of guided nature walks held throughout the year.


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