- Derrylin
-
Coordinates: 54°11′33″N 7°34′01″W / 54.1925°N 7.567°W
Derrylin Irish: Doire Loinn 
Derrylin Church of Ireland
Derrylin shown within Northern IrelandPopulation 423 (2001 Census) Irish grid reference H273282 District Fermanagh County County Fermanagh Country Northern Ireland Sovereign state United Kingdom Postcode district BT92 Dialling code 028 EU Parliament Northern Ireland UK Parliament Fermanagh and South Tyrone NI Assembly Fermanagh and South Tyrone List of places: UK • Northern Ireland • Fermanagh Derrylin (from Irish: Doire Loinn, meaning "oakgrove of the blackbirds")[1][2] is a small village and townland in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It is on the A509 road between Enniskillen and the border with County Cavan (the N3 road to Dublin). It had a population of 423 in the 2001 Census.
Contents
History
The village has several historical features, including the Callowhill graveyard with headstones dating back to the 17th century. Upper Lough Erne is east of the village, and west is the peak of Slieve Rushen. To the northeast is the limestone hill known as Knockninny Rock (from which the R.C Parish and the Civil Barony takes its name). On its southern slope can be seen the remains of one of the oldest castles belonging to the Maguire Clan, the ancient Lords of Fermanagh.
The Troubles
Main article: The Troubles in DerrylinToday
Since the reopening of Aghalane (George Mitchell Peace Bridge) over the Woodford River in 2000, this road is now the main route from Dublin to most of Fermanagh and South Donegal. Traffic has increased significantly through the village since then. Up until the late 1970s this was mostly a rural area with a few shops and places of worship. The construction of a large industrial complex nearby along with the 'Celtic Tiger' influence changed the makeup of the village dramatically. Existing businesses expanded and new ventures began. Derrylin now has a full range of businesses and services. These include foodshops, medical facilities(Doctor,Dentist,Chemist), hairdresing/beauty salons, garages, plant hire, schools, churches and halls, fashion houses, pubs/restaurants, fast food outlets and post office. An Industrial Park (opened in 2002) has a range of small manufacturing enterprises. Other developments of note are a sheltered housing complex for elderly people at Clachan Court, a cross community playgroup, a childcare facility, a Credit Union and several commuuity/voluntary groups who use the general purpose room in Clachan Court. A daily bus service operates to Enniskillen, Donegal and Dublin.
Job opportunities in the local economy have brought people to new housing estates at Cloghan Park, Fortlea, Silverstream, Knockninny Park, Church View, Oakgrove, Spring Meadows, Summerhill Park and Kellier Park. Although there were plans to build more private houses, the downturn in the economy from 2008 onwards means that this is unlikely in the near future.
Economy
Derrylin is the hometown of former billionaire Seán Quinn, once the wealthiest Irish-born person and second-wealthiest individual in Ireland; he and his family reside in nearby County Cavan. Quinn's Quinn Group employs 2000 workers locally in quarrying and the manufacture of by products such as glass and cement. Quinn-direct was a successful insurance company until placed into administration in 2010. The Quinn group has also invested in hotels in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe.
References
Categories:- Villages in County Fermanagh
- Townlands in County Fermanagh
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
