Ballyfin

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Ballyfin (Baile Fionn in Irish, meaning "Town of Fionn") is a small village and parish in County Laois, Republic of Ireland. Located in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, the village is near the midlands of Ireland. It is located in between the towns of Mountrath, Mountmellick, Rosenallis, and Portlaoise.

According to legend, Fionn Mac Cumhaill is said to have been raised here. Fionn ate the Salmon of Knowledge which gave him untold knowledge. Later he became leader of the Fianna. Ballyfin is also famous for Ballyfin House, now the Patrician College. Ballyfin College was the site for an Irish Scout Jamboree in 1993.

Ballyfin National School celebrated 100 years in 2002. The village also has an excellent Gaelic Athletic Association club called Ballyfin GAA. As Ballyfin is situated in the Slieve Bloom Mountains there are many beautiful walks quite nearby. The Slieve Bloom Mountains are mainly under wood logging these days, with logging companies up there daily.

Most of the area is covered by forestries, land used to plant trees. The trees were planted by local farmers to use up space for their rough rocky fields.

It is mainly made up of scattered farms and fields. The area of Ballyfin has few recreational areas such as The Cathole Falls the Ballyfin house, numerous Buildings dating back to the Georgian era.

The main Tribes of Ballyfin are the Hyland Clan, (or O'Haoilàin in Irish), these merciless family members have controlled most of the village of Ballyfin since the early 1100's, and still thrive there today. The Hylands are great. Everyone loves them

See also: List of towns in the Republic of Ireland