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Blacklion —County Carlow

Blacklion, near the shores of Lower and Upper Lough MacNean, got its name from an Inn called the Black Lion that stood on the old coach road through the area. There was also a 'Red Lion' inn some miles along the road where a village developed but it didn't survive the Great Famine. The surrounding district of West Cavan has been inhabited for nearly 5,000 years and is rich in archaeological sites.
Two miles west of Blacklion on the Sligo road is Killinagh church. There is also a small monument to the poet Cathal buí Mac Giolla Gunna, who frequently visited the area. This is near the ruins of Killinagh church.