Blacklion

Blacklion is located in scenic West Cavan near  the  border with Fermanagh. A  9-hole golf course, the Cavan Way, Marble Arch Caves, Florence Court and the renowned McNean House & Restaurant ensure you will have plenty to do while here. Blacklion is also in the heart of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark which means there are many events for children, families, walkers and geological and archaeological enthusiasts taking place all year round.

The  Burren Forest is located minutes away from Blacklion. Burren is a fascinating complex of megalithic tombs, ancient hut sites, walks and field walls. A key site in the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Burren provides an intriguing insight into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors. Visit the Tourist Office in the Market House in the centre of the town for information on all attractions around Blacklion.

MacNean House & Restaurant in the centre of the town is one of Ireland’s top eateries, recommended by many food critics.  Top chef Neven Maguire runs the restaurant.  Tables (especially at weekends) are notoriously hard to get so book well in advance to avoid disappointment. Listed in Bridgestone '100 Best Places to Eat 2009' and '100 Best Places to Stay 2009'.

Popular with walkers, Blacklion is located on the Cavan Way, a 26km walking route through the mountains of West Cavan. See the walking section for a map and details.

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.
 
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
MacNean House & Restaurant, Main St, Blacklion t: +353 (0)71 985 3022
Multi - award winning restaurant managed by celebrity chef Neven Maguire. Listed in Bridgestone '100 Best Places to Eat 2009' and '100 Best Places to Stay 2009'.

Olive Grove, Main St, Blacklion  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 Walk (15 minutes from Blacklion)
Click here for map and details

EVENTS
Sun 4th Oct
National Trails Day
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY is a celebration of Ireland’s wonderful trails and a chance for everyone to enjoy some of our most beautiful countryside, forests, mountains and lakes.

Burren Forest Guided Walk, Blacklion
Join Geopark Geologist, Dr. Kirstin Lemon, local historian, Jim Nolan and Coilte staff for a guided walk in the Burren Forest.  The site contains a wealth of archaeological and geological wonders, many of which will be discussed.   Time 2pm on Sun 4th Oct. Booking not essential. Wear stout footwear and warm, waterproof clothing.  Suitable for adults & children over 8 years. t:  087 215 9877 or e: klemon@cavancoco.ie. 

Blacklion’s Got Talent– CALLING MUSICANS & SINGERS
 €1,000 in prizes including a fantastic recording voucher from Salt Recording Studio, Dublin www.saltrecordingstudio.com.  All entries by 5th June 2009.  For further information contact Sean Nolan (Londis) on 071 9853946 or Bernie (Eamon’s Piano Bar) on 071 9853230.  Entry fee of €25. 

24th - 29th June 2009
The Cathal Buí Arts and Heritage Festival 2009
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.  Click here for for festival programme  or visit www.cathalbui.com

9th July - 13th July 2009
Blacklion Fair Day Festival
Packed full of activities for young and old.  The festival commences  on Thurs 9th July  with a Heritage Talk & Slideshow by local historian Harold Johnston in the Market House at 8pm. 
Friday 10th July:   official opening by local celebrity chef Neven Maguire. 
8:30pm – 10:30pm live music on outdoor stage by Jonnie Gallagher and Boxty.  Saturday 11th July: Official Fair Day at 12noon Parade of vintage cars & machinery, fancy dress competition, cookery demonstration by Neven Maguire, heritage walk, and many other displays, demonstrations, stalls, competitions and entertainment. 
Sunday 12th July
7pm  Final of Blacklion’sGot Talent on outdoor stage, followed by music on the street.  Monday 13th July
7pm Duck Race followed by live music on outdoor stage with Jiving on the street. 
9pm Raffle & presentation of Duck Race Prizes. For further information contact Sean on +353 (0)71 92 53946 or Bernie on +353 (0)71 98 53230 

<< Go Back