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 parliament; 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. Larian. This place was formerly a city, though now a very mean village, 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 Danish 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 installed, 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. Larian or Lazarus, before mentioned; since the fees were joined, it is made use of as a parish church. Leighlin bridge is situated about two miles from this village; it was destroyed 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.