Carlow

River Valleys in an Ancient Land - the catchphrase of the sunny south eastern corner of Ireland. Its colourful patchwork of fertile valleys and plains are carved from an ancient landscape known down the centuries to invaders, traders, explorers and visitors. Five counties - Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford - and five great rivers - the Barrow, Blackwater, Nore, Suire and Slaney - criss-cross the countryside with old stone bridges, picturesque villages, thatched cottages and peaceful seaside towns. This area is rich in history with castles and abbeys, fortresses and settlements that recall the passage of the Celts, Vikings, Normans and AngloSaxons. Come and enjoy the challenges of angling on some of the cleanest waters in Europe, or a round of golf on our famous 'Sunshine Circuit' of 25 golf courses. There are 28 approved equestrian centres, numerous walking routes and cycling trails, 60 or more visitor centres and a whole host of things to do in the evening. Discover the friendly South East at your leisure - any time of year. We'll make you feel very welcome.

Carlow

A jewel of a county with a wealth of scenery - from rich pasture land to colourful mountains - and of outdoor and sporting activities including golf, River Barrow cruising, angling, walking, pony trekking and even hang gliding. Everywhere is the almost palpable air and resonance of her ancient, Celtic past, nurtured by the caring nature of the present day people of this delightful inland County.

Exploring

Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag)
Attractively situated in the Barrow Valley, this town gets its name from Walter Bagenal who embarked on an ambitious plan to build a town of great architectural pretensions. Many fine streetscapes of the original plan may be seen.

Ballon
Traditional centre of the Nolan Clan and the centre for their annual Clan Gathering.

Borris
A beautiful village full of charm, and heritage situated at the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains. Nearby is Borris House, hereditary home of the McMurrough-Kavanagh's, ancient rulers of Leinster.

Carlow
This is the county capital, a bright and modern market town situated on the River Barrow. It's many attractions include Oak Park, Celtic Crosses, Museum and Cathedral.

Clonmore
Ancient Historic Settlement with perhaps the greatest collection of Irish High Crosses and other early Christian artefacts.

Leighlinbridge
Situated by the River Barrow,a strategic tower known as The Black Castle stands on its banks which was one of the earliest Norman castles erected in 1181. The first Carmelite priory in Ireland was founded here in 1270.

Rathvilly
This tiny village was recognised as a national tidy town 3 times. The village has a commanding view of the surrounding country and mountain ranges.

St Mullins
St. Moling founded a monastery here and is said to be buried in the churchyard. The village was of great importance and today several abbey and church ruins are found here.

Tullow
Tullow is the prinicipal town in east Carlow. It is a noted angling centre and is famous for its shooting facilities.

Myshall
A small village at the base of the Blackstairs Mountains.

Places of Interest

Altamont Gardens, Tullow
Beautiful, formal and informal gardens surrounding a large lake. Many rare trees and shrubs lead to an imposing glen which in turn leads to the River Slaney. signposted.

Brownshill Dolmen
A field monument of huge proportions, the capstone is believed to be the largest in Europe. The location, setting, and purpose of this Megalithic structure have been the subject of conjecture for centuries.

Carlow Castle
Overlooking the Barrow, built by William the Earl Marshall in the early years of the 13th Century. Ruined by 1765, the west side curtain wall and the 2 towers now remain.

Carlow Museum
Operated by the Old Carlow Society, displays aspects of early 20th and 19th century domestic & commercial life in the Carlow area

Dunleckney Manor, Bagenalstown
Historic Building. Tours by appointment, admission charge.

Killeshin Romanesque Doorway, Killeshin
The church just outside Carlow built in the 12th century features the Doorway (National Monument)

Lisnavagh Estate, Rathvilly
Private Gardens, open mid May through August. Admission Charge.

Myshall Memorial Church
The small memorial church modelled on Salisbury Cathedral. It was built by a grieving father to commemorate the love of a local boy of his daughter, following her death on the hunting field. The key is held locally.

Old Leighlin Cathedral
The present cathedral is a 13th century building which replaced a 7th century monastery which accomodated up to 1,500 monks.Open seasonally and by special request, there is no admission charge.

Carlow Courthouse
It is considered to be one of the finest courthouses in the country, it was designed by W.V. Morrison in 1830.

Carlow Mini Brewery, 'The Goods Store'
A mini brewery, currently providing two types of beer, and served in a themed transport bar, decorated in 1950's style

The Barrow Navigation
Widely considered to be the most picturesque of all Irish Waterways, and is curently navigable for hire cruisers from St. Mullins to Athy in Co. Kildare.

Walking Tours of Carlow Town
Enjoy the vibrant present, and relive the fascinating past of Carlow Town with Ryan Line Tours

Activities

EQUESTRIAN ACTIVITIES - GENERAL INFORMATION
Equestrian Centres in County Carlow offer a wide range of services to the beginner and experienced rider, all of the following centres have been approved by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments.

Carrigbeg Stables
The Carrigbeg Riding Centre has a cross-country course on farmland with a mixture of natural and man-made fences.

GOLFING ACTIVITIES
County Carlow offers a wide variety of golf courses to choose from, including testing parkland courses, and lots of small clubs ideal for families, and the less experienced. The beginner is also well catered for with Driving Ranges, Pitch & Putt, and Par 3 courses:

Carlow Golf Club
The 18 hole course in Carlow town is ranked among the top twenty Championship courses in Ireland.

Mount Wolseley Golf & Country Club
Captured between the Wicklow and Blackstairs Mountains, the mature estate of the Wolsely family provided the inspiration for Christy O'Connor Junior, who designed this challenging parkland golf course.

Carlow Golf Driving Range
This is a 15 bay floodlit golf range offers lessons for individuals or groups with professional Ian Kerr.

ANGLING - GENERAL INFORMATION
In County Carlow, the angling enthusiast can enjoy good fishing on some of the most delightful stretches of waterway in Ireland. The two main rivers are the Barrow, and parts of the Slaney in the East of the County

Coarse Angling
Long sections of the River Barrow hold good stocks of quality fish including Bream, Tench, Pike & Perch, with some stocks of Dace also. The best coarse fishing is in the deeper water and in the canals that form part of the navigable section. Coarse Angling centres along the Barrow in Co. Carlow are at Carlow, Leighlinbridge, and Bagenalstown

Game Angling
The shallow more rapid waters of the Barrow (downstream of the weirs) is where the greater number of Brown Trout can be found. The Barrow Trout, while not as numerous as in the Suir or Nore, tend to grow slightly larger. Best places to go are Milford, Borris & St. Mullins Brown Trout stocks in the River Slaney tend to be sparse, but the tributaries Dereen and Bann hold reasonable numbers

Salmon Fishing
Salmon can be found throughout the River Barrow, but the best places to fish are downstream of the weirs that divert waters to the canals.

BOATING / CRUISING
The Barrow River is fast becoming one of Irelands foremost cruising destinations, and is navigable for hire cruisers from Athy in Co. Kildare to St. Mullins. The following cruising operators are dedicated to providing you with the best of boats and the best of service.

Valley Boats, Graiguenamanagh
Offer new 2-7 berth narrow and wide beam barges for hire.

South Star Cruisers
Provide new custom designed 5/6 berth steel cruisers.

Barrowline Cruisers
Family owned and operated cruiser hire company offering 2-7 berth barges for hire

WALKING - GENERAL INFORMATION

County Carlow is a perfect place for walking with a number of ideal locations on offer,and at least two planned trails in the county.

The South Leinster Way
The Co. Carlow stretch of this varied trail, from Kildavin, climbs over forested hills, across the steep and heathery slopes of Mount Leinster, and along by the River Barrow tracing the towpath to the historic town of Graiguenamanagh

The Barrow Way
This walk follows the old towpath by the river, formerly used for access to the river and towing of barges.

CYCLING

County Carlow provides many wonderful routes for the cyclist. The mountain ranges of Mount Leinster and Mount Brandon, together with the River Barrow provide a truly scenic backdrop.

Celtic Cycling
Lorum Old Rectory, Bagenalstown. Offering the visitor a relaxing holiday with organised 7 or 14 day cycling breaks.

GENERAL LEISURE PURSUITS

Country Quads
Borris, Co. Carlow. Provide All-terrain vehicles for use on a specially designed cross-country course

Carlow Superbowl
Barrack Street. Facilities include Bowling Alley, Pool, Air Hockey and Video games