Swanlinbar

Swanlinbar, a small village in West Cavan, lies beside the Ulster Walkway and Cladagh river, making the area popular with fishermen, walkers and hikers. Swanlinbar is located in a beautiful region, dominated by steep mountains. Ben Aughlin, just to the northwest of Swanlinbar, owes its unusual shape to ice formations during the last Ice Age over 12,000 years ago.

An amenity area at the nearby Tullydermot view point and waterfalls provides beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Many examples of sweat houses also dot the hinterland. Sweat houses are small structures built of stone without mortar and are very common in West Cavan and neighbouring parts of Counties Leitrim and Fermanagh. They were used by sufferers of a variety of illnesses, from rheumatism to skin complaints. A fire was lit in the central chamber and a patient would crawl inside and perspire for over an hour.

Swanlinbar was once famous for the healing properties of its many spas and natural springs. However, only one spa well at Dromod Glebe/Drumbrughas to the south east of the village is now easily accessible. The waters of the well, with high sulphur content, are traditionally held to be a cure for rheumatism.

PLACES TO EAT
The Welcome Inn Pub t: +353 (0)49 952130
Traditional home made lunches and dinners (food served during day only)

TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC SESSIONS
Saturday Nights:
The Swan Bar t: +353 (0)49 9521250
The Welcome Inn t: +353 (0)49 9521230

FESTIVALS & EVENTS
26th - 30th June 2009
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

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 

THINGS TO DO
The Museum of the Master Saddler, Corlough, Co Cavan
t: +353 (0)49 9523956 or +353 (0)86 3946467 e: museum@robsteinke.com
This museum is unique being the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the ancient craft of the Saddler and Harness Maker. The museum documents the various demands placed upon the saddler from farming, sports, military and transport. The museum exhibits include: 1920's side saddle, shire harness, over 60 leather samples, harness decoration and buckles, driving collars, coaching coats, whips, saddle trees, muzzles, lamps and poultice boots. The museum also houses several driving carriages and horse drawn farm implements.

WIildflower Mountain Biking, t: +353 (0)49 9523923 or (0)87 6143527   
'Wildflower' offer cycling and walking holidays for everybody, from families and beginners to more serious enthusiasts. Offering packaged  and independant holidays, Wildflower can organise routes, places to stay, guided tours, airport and luggage transfers, cycle hire and maps. e: gubrawully10@hotmail.com

Bear Essentials, Tiernawannagh, Bawnboy (15 miles)
View a unique collection of limited edition Teddy Bears or watch as a hand crafted mohair bear is being created. Better still, participate in a workshop and make a bear youself.  t: +353 (0)49 9523461 e: anke@irishbears.com
Open 7 days Mon - Sat 9.30am - 6pm Sun 11am - 6pm

Archaeology Field Trips, Burren Forest, Blacklion  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.

Tullydermot Falls
The dramatic waterfalls are situated approximately 6km south-west of Swanlinbar in the direction of the Bellavally Gap.  The Tullydermot viewpoint overlooks Slieve Rushen and the lowlands of north Cavan.  There is also a good view of the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain.  The falls are a short distance from the lay-by.

EVENTS

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.

September
Geopark Nature Walk: Swanlinbar
Join geopark staff as they lead you through some of the stunning landscapes of West Cavan. 




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