| For further information on County Carlow, contact Carlow Tourism About County Carlow The story of Carlow Since time began Carlow has carried her mysteries along her rivers. Waterways winding gently through the rolling valleys of this county have carried people from 6,000 years ago until now, and their legacy can be seen in its mystical ancient pagan sites, its early Christian settlements, its magnificent Georgian country homes and gardens, and its picturesque riverside towns and villages.
Clashganny Lock Against this timeless landscape, visitors will uncover a unique experience. Exhilarating outdoor adventure, traditional rural life, vibrant shopping and rich cultural heritage – come and find pure Ireland, the Carlow way. Situated in the South East of Ireland, approximately 90kms from the ferry and airports of Dublin, Rosslare and Waterford, Carlow is one of Ireland's most charming inland counties. Its central location offers the perfect base to explore the bordering counties of Wexford, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Kildare, and Laois. Where rural life is the way of life ... In Carlow rural life is the way of life. Animals graze peacefully in lush green fields and with each cycle of nature, this verdant landscape evolves, revealing a new beauty. In springtime witness emerald grass against a crisp blue sky, a sea of yellow corn rippling in a warm summer breeze, or golden sun on copper leaves as autumn falls.
Poppyfield Ballon The pace of life is unhurried in Carlow’s rural towns and villages, with the famous Irish warmth and proud Celtic culture to be found in every quiet corner.
Near Borris, Co Carlow Quiet Country Villages Walter Bagenal had a grand vision for Bagenalstown – to model an 18th century Irish estate town on the city of Versailles, and locate it on the River Barrow. The beautiful courthouse building is his main legacy to the town, which has leafy river walks and magnificent canal architecture.
Viaduct at Bagenalstown The charming village of Borris with its traditional Irish street-front and spectacular mountain setting is home to Borris House, built by the Mac Murrough Kavanagh clan who were Celtic Kings of Leinster. At the foot of the village look for a spectacular 16 arch viaduct which carried the Great Southern and Western Railway Line as it traveled between Bagenalstown and Wexford in the 19th century.
Borris House Tullow is a busy market town. Its rich history is in evidence all around. The bustling market square, beautiful granite public buildings, the pre-historic ring fort, plus the countless intriguing artefacts in Tullow Museum, all remain as evidence of Tullow’s fascinating rural heritage.
Rathgall Hill Fort Nestled in sleepy nooks along the Rivers Barrow and Slaney as they meander through undulating valleys are some of the most beautiful country towns and villages in Ireland. Hidden here, waiting to be discovered are secret treasures such as rural museums, open farms and traditional craft shops.
Rathvilly Streetscape Perched on the banks of the River Barrow with the impressive ruins of the Anglo-Norman “Black Castle” at its heart, the village of Leighlinbridge is a popular stop for those boating or walking along the river. This picturesque village was a Gold Medal winner in the European Entente Florale competition for its display of brilliant flowers, magnificent trees and relaxing parks. What better place to sit and contemplate on the beauty of nature.
Black Castle, Leighlinbridge At the end of the Wicklow Way is a little village called Clonegal where visitors can step back in time. An imposing granite castle, restored thatched weavers’ cottages, medieval herb garden, church, yew walk, temple of Isis and museum of modern art are all to be discovered along its peaceful winding streets.
Weavers Cottage - Clonegal Internal Waterways A flash of kingfisher blue, The beat of a heron’s wing, The lazy plop of a jumping trout…
Milford A journey along the gentle River Barrow takes the traveler to a tranquil bygone time. Fringed with reeds and river flowers, and harbouring a wealth of wildlife in her banks, the River Barrow bears boats and barges along 68km of navigable waterways past pretty riverside villages and through 23 Victorian locks. |
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Carlow Garden Trail 2008
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open throughout the festival!
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St Mullins
From here the historic Grand Canal offers navigable cruising as far west as the River Shannon and in an eastern direction through Kildare to Dublin. For those wishing to explore Ireland’s extensive waterways, barges, both narrow and wide beam, are available for hire.
Barge at Milford
Here and there along its green banks, barges are moored, with visitors and locals taking picnics on languid afternoons. Since time began the River Barrow has borne the life of Carlow upon its slow moving waters. Today these waters provide a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy activities such as boating, canoeing, angling and bird-watching.The River Barrow is a rich source of game and coarse fishing and plays host to a prestigious international annual shad fishing competitions.
Fishing at St Mullins
Throughout the year, the River Slaney, in all her wild and tempestuous beauty, is home to salmon and trout and rarer catches of pike.
River Slaney
Golf
Nestling beneath the Killeshin Hills, Carlow Golf Club – a course of choice for golfers from all over the world with sand-based fairways and greens – offers excellent year-round golf. According to Darren Clarke it is “Definitely one of the finest courses in Ireland”. The layout of the Des Smyth designed Killerig Golf Course will according to Des, “test any club golfer and can challenge the best”. Its rich parkland design reflects the beauty of Carlow’s panoramic landscape and quiet waterways. The Christy O’Connor designed Mount Wolseley Golf & County Club with its broad fairways, unforgiving rough, and picturesque water hazards, has played host to a number of national and international golf competitions. The opening of Leinster Hills Golf Club on the outskirts of Carlow Town represents an exciting new addition to Carlow’s golfing product.
Inspired and informed by the landscape, Carlow’s four parkland golf courses offer an enjoyable test to golfers of all abilities. The natural beauty of these courses merging with the surrounding landscape bears testimony to the game’s origins.