LEIGHLIN, a town of Ireland, situated in the
county of Carlow, and province of Leinster; about
43 miles from Dublin, near the river Barrow. It is a
borough, and formerly returned two members to parlia-
ment; patronage in the bishop of the diocese, this being
a bishopric united to Ferns. At the east end of the
church of Old Leighlin is a famous well covered with
great ash trees, and dedicated to St Lasarian. This
place was formerly a city, though now a very mean vil-
lage, and the cathedral has been kept in good repair.
It was a sole bishopric, founded in 632, and joined to
Ferns in 1600. It is reported, that Gurmundus a Da-
nish prince was buried in this church. The last bishop
of Leighlin before its union with Ferns, was the right
reverend Robert Grave, who coming by sea to be in-
stalled, suffered shipwreck in the harbour of Dublin,
and perished in the waves. This cathedral was burnt
to the ground, it is said, by lightning; and rebuilt,
A. D. 1232, then dedicated to St Lasarian or Lazari-
nus, before mentioned; since the sees were joined, it is
made use of as a parish church. Leighlin bridge is
situated about two miles from this village; it was de-
stroyed by the Irish in 1577. Here are the remains of
a castle and of an old abbey. This is a post town, and
has fairs in May, September, and October.