Carlow is Ireland's second smallest
county in area, and accordingly has one of the smaller county
populations at around 50,000 although this is now rising quickly
with the influx of Dublin commuters. It is located inland in the
South East, in the province of Leinster, surrounded by Kilkenny,
Laois, Kildare, Wicklow and Wexford. Carlow town, standing on the River Barrow, is the principal
town of the region with a population of some 20,000 people. The town
has had a turbulent historic past dating back over many centuries
and sights such as the castle ruins and the old courthouse are
impressive reminders of times gone by. It is now the home of the
Institute of Technology Carlow, and thus Carlow town has a thriving
student population of about 3,000. Due to improved motorway links,
the county is now an ideal location for longer distance weekday
commuters to the Dublin area. Residents can enjoy the benefits of
cheaper prices and semi-rural locations whilst being within one
hour’s drive of Dublin city. Find
Holiday Homes in Carlow
History
The Carlow area has been settled since before the dawn of time, or
c. 6,000 B.C.. The earliest settlers possessed the tools of their
time, usually made of flint, traces of which have since been found
and preserved. Carlow's early settlers built monuments around the
county which still stand today, like the Browneshill Dolmen which
lies 3km east of Carlow town. The name Carlow comes from its Irish
derivative, Ceatharlach, meaning either City of the Lake, or Four
Lakes. Traditionally, it's understood that the Barrow / Burrin
confluence in Carlow town took up a large area of land, forming a
lake, or, as some believe, four lakes.
Carlow town has undergone significant development over the past
10-15 years. New inner relief roads, housing estates, and shopping
centres have dramatically changed the face of the town. In 1994, the
first major shopping centre in Carlow opened, and this was followed
in 2003 with the opening of the Fairgreen Shopping Centre. It's a
short walk from one to the other, however when the latter
establishment opened many people deserted the main shopping
thoroughfare in the town, Tullow Street. While it seems that the
number of shoppers on the street is growing, it's not quite as busy
as it was in the 1990s
Sightseeing in Carlow
County Carlow is home to many fine buildings, backed up by splendid
countryside and natural beauty. On a clear day, be sure to go up the
Killeshin Hills, where you'll be treated to a spectacular view of
Carlow town. It's equally impressive by night. Items of historical
importance are plentiful and are well-kept in museums across the
county. In urban areas, summer days can be happily spent in Carlow's
award-winning parks, most notably the Oak Park Forest Park and
Carlow Town Park.
Holiday Homes in Carlow, Ireland
Eating Out
There are many award-winning restaurants and pubs in County Carlow.
The Lord Bagenal Inn in Leighlinbridge is renowned for its pleasant
riverside setting and fine food. In Carlow town, there are many
restaurants in the town centre and beyond, with new establishments
appearing quite regularly. All tastes are catered for, from oriental
food to traditional meals and local specialities.
Coole Equestrian Centre
Coole Equestrian Centre is situated adjacent to Lisnavagh Estate by
the picturesque village of Rathvilly. Personalised attention from
the highly qualified owners and staff is assured. Amenities include
one of the largest trekking facilities in Leinster with over 500
acres and a range of natural and manmade fences to cater for all
level of riding. Pony camps available during Easter, Summer and
Autumn school holidays for residential and non-residential. Camp
participants enjoy normal camp activities during the day and
additional activities at night. Holiday
Cottages in Carlow, Ireland
Carlow County Museum
Carlow Town Council & Carlow County Council in association with the
Carlow Historical & Archaeological Society are upgrading and
improving Carlow County Museum. This includes the development of a
new Museum premises on College Street adjoining the Tourist Office
in Carlow town. To facilitate these improvement works the Museum
will be closed until further notice. Carlow is one of thirteen
County Museums in Ireland and works closely with the National Museum
of Ireland in the area of Archaeological Finds. Significantly when
the Museum reopens archaeological artefacts found in Co. Carlow can
finally be displayed in the county in which they were found. Last
year Carlow County Museum and the Pembrokeshire Museum Service,
Wales launched the Cultural X-change website to allow for the
exchanging of historic and cultural information relating to both
counties. This innovative project enables people from all over the
world to learn about the heritage and culture of both Carlow and
Pembrokeshire through an interesting and easy-to-use website. The
website covers a variety of history and heritage topics relating to
County Carlow using innovative 3D and panoramic photographs to
enhance the appreciation.
Carlow Military Museum
A fine museum exhibition housed in a late 19th century church. The
museum features a wide range of exhibits relating to Carlow military
history including the 10th Infantry battalion, Irish UN Peacekeeping
in Congo, Lebanon and Somalia, Carlow Militia, Carlow in the Great
War and an exhibition of Captain Myles Keogh of the 7th Cavalry
killed with General Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.
Shean Garden
A wandering farmhouse garden on one acre, nestling under the
foothills of Mount Leinster. The Smyth Family has lived in the
farmhouse since it was built 400 years ago. In the grounds are fine
garden areas with a wide variety of many rare plants, shrubs and
trees. Depending on the season we can supply limited plants and
cuttings for sale and are always pleased to discuss your garden
plans and ideas. The proceeds of admissions are in aid of the Cancer
home care team and goes towards the upkeep and maintenance of the
garden. Holiday Home Ireland
Bagenalstown
Otherwise known as Muine Bheag, Bagenalstown is sited on a pleasant
reach of the River Barrow and derives its name from Walter Bagenal,
who founded the town in the 18th century. His original concept for
the town was based on Versailles, which had its genesis in the
palace of Louis XIV, with fine streetscapes and classical buildings.
Shortly after he had made an impressive start by building the
imposing courthouse modelled on the Parthenon in Athens - which is
all that remains today of his grand plan, his efforts became
frustrated. However, the arrival of the railway in 1846 rejuvenated
the town, and its fine neo-classical railway station is almost as
impressive as the Courthouse. Fine examples of the Carlow Granite
fencing are to be seen at the railway bridge on the Goresbridge
Road. Nowadays, one of the finest views of the Courthouse may be had
on the approach road from Leighlinbridge which includes the spire of
St. Andrew’s Catholic Church.
Tullow,
A small farming town is located in the River Slaney Valley in the
midst of rich, fertile, agricultural land. Tullow is also the
ancestral home of the famous Wolseley family. Frederick York
Wolseley gave his name to the Wolseley car. It is known locally as
the granite town because of its magnificent stone approach roads as
well as its granite public buildings.
The Carlow Brewing Company A microbrewery located in Carlow town achieved the highest
accolade the Brewing Industry has to offer when O'Hara's Celtic
Stout won the Championship Trophy and a Gold Medal at the Brewing
Industry International Awards in April 2000. O'Hara's was voted the
World's Number 1 Stout above 74 competing products. The award
testifies to the fact that beers produced by Carlow Brewing Company
are of the highest quality with true international appeal. O'Hara's
is one of three beers currently produced by Carlow Brewing Company
at the brewery; Curim Gold Celtic wheat beer; Winner of a Silver
Medal at the Independent Irish brewers Competition and Molings
traditional red ale complete the range. The Beers produced are based
on traditional Celtic beer styles and use wholesome ingredients
(malt, hops, yeast and water) brewed in the natural process.
Newspapers
The Nationalist is Carlow's best selling regional newspaper,
providing local news, sport and entertainment listings. New edition
on sale at news stands across the county each Wednesday. The Carlow
People also provides local news and sport, as well as features
entertainment listings. Out every Tuesday. The Carlow First is the
newest addition to the local press and is available free of charge
at newsagents and some other establishments. New issues available
each Thursday.
Towns and villages in County Carlow
Towns within the county include Carlow town, Bagenalstown, Tullow,
Ballon, Borris, Bunclody, Clonegall, Graiguenamanagh, Hacketstown,
Leighlinbridge, Rathvilly and Tinryland.
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Carlow Holiday Homes