Ballinamuck County Longford.

Beal Atha na Muice
The mouth of the ford of the pig

Ballinamuck lies among the rolling hills of North County Longford there are extensive areas of peat bogs and numerous lakes in the area, all of which owe their origins to the last period of glaciation some 10,000 years ago. Extensive areas of forest add interest and colour to the landscape, the river Shannon is a mere 21 Km (13 miles) distant from the town, together with the lakes in the vicinity, and a wide choice of accommodation in the area, make this quiet little town with a population of 500 an excellent base for a relaxing fishing holiday.

The town owes its name to ancient mythology, according to legend a famous black pig rooted up a trench, (The Black Pigs Dyke) from the Dane's Cast in Armagh, through Ballinamuck when it arrived at the Ford of Lough Gowna it was struck by a stone thrown by a local man which distracted it from its labours.

The town was the site of a battle on the 8th September 1798 during the United Irishmen's Rising, when French forces led by General Humbert were defeared by Lord Cornwallis and his army. After the battle of Ballinamuck, Humbert's "Mayo Legion Flag" came into the possession of John Browne, Lord Altmount, it can be seen at Westport House County Mayo.

Motoring, walking or cycling is a pleasant experience even at he height of the Tourist season the roads are relatively free of traffic, and the locals eager to help and advise.