Scenic walks in Carlow. Enjoy the fresh air and unspoiled natural beauty in this truly authentic part of rural Ireland.
As advertised on The Great Outdoors website
We Welcome Walking Groups:
We are ideally placed for exploring the fabulous Blackstairs Mountains. We welcome walking groups who can set up their 'base camp' in our self-catering houses with all the comforts of home (including our own pub) as well as washing machines and driers available to guests. There are also lovely riverside walks right beside us, along the unspoiled River Barrow. Scroll down for full details.
The view from Tomduff Hill near Borris village. You can drive here in 20 minutes for spectacular scenery and hill walking on the Blackstairs Mountains. (Directions: Turn left at bottom of village of Borris, under the old viaduct and follow the signs for the RTE Transmitter. See below for Blackstairs Mountains walking routes).
Enjoy the fresh air and unspoiled natural beauty in this part of rural Ireland. There are many activities to choose from and, should it rain, we are conveniently situated between Carlow Town and Kilkenny City, with their cinemas, swimming pools and excellent pubs, restaurants & shopping. We are in comfortable driving distance of Counties Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Laois and Wicklow. Guides & leaflets available onsite.
HILL WALKING
A walker’s paradise, County Carlow is home to three of Ireland’s key national walking routes – The South Leinster, The Wicklow and the Barrow Way which links with the Slieve Margy Way in Co. Laois. Enjoy the invigorating challenge of Carlow’s mountain treks or find peace and tranquillity on quiet country routes. Combine this with clean, fresh air, knowledgeable local guides, excellent accommodation and traditional home cooked fare for a revitalising break.
The South Leinster Way
For the more adventurous hill walker, The South Leinster Way is a long distance walking route which runs from Kildavin, Co. Carlow to Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary covering 102 kilometres (64 miles) in length and ascending 1600 metres.
The predominant features in the landscape are Mount Leinster, Brandon Hill and the river valleys of the Barrow, Nore and Suir. This stretch can be comfortably walked in five days but strong walkers can finish it in three days.
STAGE 1: Kildavin - Borris 22km (14 miles). From Kildavin the route passes along forest tracks over the northern slopes of Mount Leinster to reach the town of Borris. The "Nine Stones" vantage point at Mount Leinster offers amazing views of the Barrow Valley and Brandon Hill.
Borris Sheep Mart. Photo by James Burke
STAGE 2: Borris - Graiguenamanagh 12km (7 ½ miles). This stretch follows the towpath along the River Barrow and is particularly attractive as it passes through rich deciduous woodland and old mills. Graiguenamanagh is the end of this walk - a quayside, boating town lying in the county of Kilkenny but connected via a bridge over the River Barrow to its twin village of Tinnahinch in Co. Carlow.
STAGE 3: Graiguenamanagh - Inistioge 16km (10 miles). This walk crosses the slopes of Mount Brandon by a series of forest walks before reaching the village of Inistioge - a pretty village with a fine market square and interesting buildings and sites including the Augustinian Priory and St. Columcille's Well. In recent years, Inistioge has also witnessed the development of the film making industry in Ireland. Famous films shot here include Widow's Peak and Circle of Friends.
Mountain Walk:
The Wicklow Way
The route covers a distance of 81 miles (132 km) in length commencing in Marlay Park, Dublin and finishing in the beautiful village of Clonegal located in the River Slaney valley in the east of the county. The route provides great variety of landscape and many areas of historical interest along the way. Noted for its rich variety of wildlife including red deer, silka deer, hares, foxes, squirrels and more rarely badgers. Call to Osborne’s in the village of Clonegal where you can collect your own personalised Wicklow Way certificate for completion of the route.
As our houses have tumble dryers / washing machines, you can get your walking kit in order back at base camp.
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SOUTH EAST IRELAND WALKING LINKS:
Maps: Ordnance Survey Ireland 1:126,720 Sheets available to order online from OSI
Local Walks: Mountain Views: Blackstairs mountain walks
See also: The Comeragh Mountains
Geocaching is an activity which combines a love of the outdoors with the use of highly sophisticated modern technology. Basically geocaching is like a traditional treasure hunt, but instead of having a paper map with an X marking the spot, "cachers" use a handheld portable device, around the size of a mobile phone, called a Global Positioning System receiver (or GPS as its more commonly known) to locate their position on the earth's surface: Geocaching Ireland
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MEGALITHIC SITES
Browneshill Dolmen, Co Carlow
County Carlow is often referred to as the Celtic County of Ireland. With it's lush river valleys, it was an early settlement for mankind. Megalithomania is an excellent online field guide to megalithic monuments in the Carlow area and beyond. There are no fewer than 70 megalithic sites listed in County Carlow on Megalithomania
Other Activities in the area
EQUESTRIAN:
- Carrigbeg Riding School - Tel: 059 9721962
Don't forget our Hot Tub for those aches & pains!
HORSE RACING & SALES:
- Gowran Park Racecourse - Tel: 056 7726225 (Great place to go racing, even in the wet weather with a new covered stand and restaurant / bar complex)
GARDENS:
Altamont Gardens. Photo by James Burke
County Carlow offers some of the best public gardens in Ireland - see the website below for full details. The Carlow Floral Trail website (held in August each year) has details of local gardens and a wider County guide:
We are ideally located for visitors to the annual Carlow Garden Festival (Click on logo for details)
- Carlow Tourism has details of more local activities. Tel: 059 9130411
Leighlinbridge Village
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Canadian Canoeing for all the family locally can be arranged in advance through this independent company:
Experience the thrilling Irish traditional sport of Hurling at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny
click for this week's Kilkenny GAA fixtures
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Local Golf Courses
Visit the Irish Green Fees website for information on all the local courses:
Golf Bookings:
Please book direct with the courses listed below. We have more local information available at Garrison House Holiday Centre.
Carlow Golf Club, Deerpark, Carlow
Phone: + 353 (0) 503 31695.
This spectacular 18-hole course near to Carlow town is ranked among the top twenty Championship courses in Ireland. Set in the beautiful green countryside of the South East, Carlow Golf Club is laid out over undulating sandy terrain with several elevated tees, in what was originally a deer park attached to the former Bruen Estate. The course is playable year round due to its links like character and always provides a challenging game.
Type
of course: 18-hole parkland. Length: 5974 meters. Par: 70.
Open: Daylight hours.
The Clubhouse Bar is open every day from 09.30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
A fully serviced restaurant offers a choice of lunch and dinner menus
and is open from 11 a.m. each day.
Breakfast by prior arrangement.
Lessons: By arrangement with P.G.A. professional Mr. Andrew Gilbert.
Hire Services: Club & trolley hire.
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Borris
Golf Club,
Borris. Co. Carlow.
Phone: + 353 (0) 503 73143
In the south of the county the 9-hole course at Borris commands panoramic views of the neighbouring countryside with Mount Leinster and the Blackstairs mountains to the east, and the Barrow Valley to the west. This parkland course is maintained to a very high standard with a modern, automatic watering system and the texture of the greens compare favourably with the best. It would be difficult to find a course in a more picturesque setting, with the stately McMurrough Kavanagh family seat in the background.
Type of course: 9 hole parkland.
Length: 5596 meters.
Par: 70.
Open: Daylight hours. The Clubhouse opens every day offering full
bar facilities and light snacks. Full meals available on request.
Lessons: By arrangement with European tour professional Mr. Brian
Cullen.
Hire Services: Caddy Cars. Other golfing facilities include:
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Clonmore
Golf Course,
Clonmore, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow.
Phone: + 353 (0) 508 71244.
Situated in the scenic north-east corner of Co. Carlow in an area noted for its historical interest and photogenic landscape, this golf course is an 18 hole Par 3 with additional facilities for skittles, meggers and boules.
Opening
hours: All year. Daylight hours.
Clubs available for hire.
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Leinster Hills Golf Club, Carlow. Click here
"When you arrive at Leinster Hills Golf Club in Carlow, Co Carlow we want your visit to be enjoyable as possible and we are happy to meet the specific needs of the individual golfer, societies and large groups". To secure green times and to discuss additional service please call +353 (0)59 9148974.
* Overseas visitors can contact us by email to: web@leinsterhillsgolf.com
Green Fees: 25 Euro Weekdays .. 35 Euro Weekend
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club -
The course is set in 300 acres of breathtaking parklands in the former Hall-Dare Estate and the lift is provided more as a convenience than as a life saver. But it does introduce a feature that could be copied to good advantage at a number of other Irish courses which present a stern walking challenge to all and an impossible test to their senior citizens. Opulence and old world rural charm are being combined in a manner befitting a magnificent location with the end result being another glittering jewel in Ireland’s crown of fine golf courses.
This is a big golf course. It runs over 7,000 yards and it is definitely the highest point to date in the ascending design career of Jeff Howes. It is set to be a worthy neighbour to Mount Juliet and that just about says it all. Even better, the town of Bunclody is in the Adare-style of rustic charm and the luxurious Carlton Millrace Hotel is just across from the entrance.
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County Kilkenny Courses:
3 Course Tickets are available for the following Kilkenny courses. Please contact the clubs direct for more details:
- Gowran Park - Tel: 056 7726699
- Mount Juliet - Tel: 056 7773000
- Castlecomer Golf Club - Tel: 056 4441139 or 056 4441575
- Kilkenny Golf Club - Tel: 056 7765400
Motoring in Ireland Minor roads are great for sightseeing but signposting and road surfacing could be better. To fully enjoy yourself, allow plenty of time for your journey and try to relax into the local idiosyncratic style!
Bike Friendly - we welcome touring bike groups ...
Parties catered for We can offer 'afters' for all your events. Our cosy pub onsite will cater for provate functions with the option of accommodation if you need it. Please enquire to Garrison Waterside. Translations French
Carlow ou Voyage à travers l'onde du temps. Depuis la nuit des temps, les rivières de Carlow transportent les mystères de cette région. Ces cours d'eau qui serpentent paisiblement à travers les vallées ondoyantes du comté permettent l'acheminement des populations depuis maintenant six millénaires. Témoignages de leur passage dont nous pouvons aujourd'hui nous émerveiller: les antiques sites païens mystiques, les campements datant du début de la Chrétienté, les magnifiques demeures et jardins classiques de style anglais, sans oublier les villes et villages pittoresques bordant les rivières de Carlow. Le lointain passé du comté de Carlow, gagne à ètre exploré et savouré. Ses paysages luxuriante, seisjardins et ses panoramas magnifiques, ses cours d'eau paisibles, ses villes et villages diacrets en bord de rivières et son environment préservé, font de ce comté un joyan où profiter de toutes les possibilités qui vous sont offres. Quels que solent votre budget et vos preferences le comté de Carlow vous offre toute une gamme de choix d'hébergement. Décide entre les chaleuneux B&B, les sympathiques Guest Houses, les hôtels accueillants et les gïtes Jardins, Parcs et Forêts du Sud-Est de l'Irlande Les jardins du sud-est de l'Irlande proposent une importante selectionnes grands jardins historiques élaborés aux plus petits plus intimes. Leurs propriétaires accueillent chaleureusement tous ceux qui garlagent leur plaisir et leur intérêt pour les fleurs, les arbustes er les arbres. L'exploitation des forêts est un element important de l'utilisation du sol dans la region sud-est. Les forêts publiques sont particuliérement agréables à visiter et à apprécier. Cechaimes proposent des attractions supplémentaires telles que des troupeaux de daims, des essences rares et des aires de piqne nique, ou possèdent des liens historiques importants. Randonnée et Cyclotourisme dans le Sud-Est de l'Irlande La region sud-est est une région d'histoire, de patrimoloe, de beauté et de variété. Un littoral charmant et une campagne paisible cèdent le pas à des collines ondoyantes et à des montagnes impostantes. La region est sillionnée de circuits de randonnées pédestres et cyclists balisés qui relient les villes et les villages riches en intérêt historsique. Il existe de nombreuses possibilities de promenade à pied au bord de la mer. Le long des riviéres, ou dans les forêts, ou de promenade en vélo dans les montagoes ou les vallées. Prenez votre temps, vous êtes libre d'explorer et de savourer les charmes exceptionnels de cette charmante region d'Irlande. La Pêche dans le Sud-Est de l'Irlande L'abondance de ses rivières et de ses lacs preserves est une des plus grandes resources de l'Irlande. Cinq des riviéres les plus majestueuses d'Irlande. La Blackwater, la Nore et la Slaney, rejoignemt la mer dann la région sud-est. Des riviéres offrent d'unombrables possibilites pour une pêche variée et intéressant. On peut y pratiquer la meilleure pêche à la truite de riviére d'Europe, une pêche au saumon excellente et en saison la pêche à la truite saumonée. Les eaux qui bordent la region sud-est de l'Irlande contienent de nombreuses espèces de poisons de mer. La pêche en bateau ou de la rive peut étre trés gratifiante lorsque le poisson "cst decide à mordre à l'hamegoo". Eigse Juin Une fete annuelle de plaisir et de divertissement au la musique se décline du classique au pop et au rock, en passun par la musique traditiocuoelle irlandais. Les attractions comprennent une importante selection d'arte visuals et d'expositions d'objets artisanaux dans des lieux qui sont eux mernes d'un intérêt considerable. Il a également de exmbreuses animation de mie. Dutch translation:
CARLOW Vanaf het begin der tijd zijn Carlow's geheimen onlosmakelijk verbonden met haar rivieren. De waterwegen, die rustig door de heuvelige valeien van dit land kronkelen, hebben van 6 duizen jaar geleden tot op heden mensen vervoerd, en dit is nog steeds te zien aan de nalatenschapvan eeuwen oude, mystieke, heidense plaatsen, de vroeg Christelijke nederzettingen, de fantastische Georgian landhuizen en tuinen en haar pitoreske dorpjes en steden langs de rivier. Carlow, gelegen in het zuid-oosten van Ierland, ongeveer 90 kilometers van de zee- en luchthavens van Dublin, Rosslare en Waterford, is een van Ierland's meest charmante provincies in het binnenland. Haar centrale ligging biedt de perfecte touring basis voor de omliggende provincies Wexford, Wicklow, Kildare en Laois. Carlow's oeroude erfenis. Van het eeuwen oude verleden van Carlow moet zeker genoten worden en is er om verkend te worden. Eén monument dat onmiskenbaar is en dat uit de pre-historische tijd dateert, is het megalitische grafmonument op Browneshill ten oosten van de stad Carlow. Het is Europa's grootste portaal dolmen met een deksteen die over 100 ton weegt. Landelijke steden en dorpen Genesteld in de slaperige bochten van de rivieren de Barrow en de Slaney, vinden we de mooiste landelijke steden en dorpjes van Ierland. Hier vind men nog een schat aan verborgen landelijke musea, openbare boerderijen en traditionele handwerk winkeltjes. De hoofdstad van de provincie, Carlow, is strategisch gelegen op het punt waar de rivieren de Barrow en de Burrin samenkomen. De stad dateert uit de middeleeuwen, toen het een belangrijke en drukke vesting stad aan de Barrow was. Het dorpje Leighlinbridge ligt hoog bovenop de oevers van de Barrow rivier, met als haar middelpunt de ruines van het Anglo-Normaanse 'Black Castle' en is een populair uitstapje voor diegenen die met de boot of te voet komen. Dit pitoreske dorp won in 2001 een gouden medaille in de 'European Entente Florale' wedstrijd voor haar tentoongespreide bloemenpracht en de imposante bomen en rustige parken. Gelegen aan het eind van de 'Wicklow Way' wandel route, ligt het kleine dorpje Clonegal. Met beboste heuvels als achtergrond, zou dit mooie dorp makkelijk te vergelijken zijn met Zwitserland, en is een heerlijk dorp om doorheen te wandelen, te onderzoeken en verkennen. Een indrukwekkend graniet kasteel, gerestoreerde wevers 'cottages' met strooie daken, een middeleeuwse kruidentuin, een kerk met een wandelpad onder taxus bomen liggen allemaal klaar om ontdekt te worden tussen de vredige, kronkelende straatjes. Walter Bagenal had een ambitieuze visie voor Bagenalstown en nam de stad Versaille als model voor het 18e eeuwse Ierse landgoed stadje, gelegen aan de Barrow rivier. Het prachtige gerechts gebouw is de voornaamste nalatenschap in de stad, dat bomenrijke wandelingen langs de rivier en magnifieke kanaal architectuur biedt. In het charmante dorpje Borris, met haar traditioneel Ierse straat façades en spectaculaire ligging in de heuvels ligt 'Borris House', gebouwd door de MacMurrough Kavanagh clan, die de Keltische koningen van Leinster waren. Beneden in het dorp ligt het spectaculaire 18-boogige viaduct waarlangs in de 19e eeuw de 'Great Southern Railway' en de 'Western Railway Line' liepen op hun weg tussen Bagenalstown en Wexford. Tullow, een drukke markt stad, is gelegen in de vallei van de rivier de Slaney. Haar rijke geschiedenis is nog volop overal te zien. De bedrijvige markt, prachtige granieten publieke gebouwen, het pre-historische ring fort en natuurlijk de onnoemelijke intrigerende kunstvoorwerpen in het museum van Tullow, zijn overblijvingen van Tullow's fascinerende landelijke erfenis. Waterwegen Een reisje langs de rustige Barrow rivier transporteert de reiziger naar vergeten vredige tijden. Omzoomd door riet en bloemen en met een weelde van dieren in het wild, verstopt in haar oevers, draagt de Barrow boten en schuiten langs de 68 kilometer lange bevaarbare waterweg langs mooie dorpjes aan de rivier, en door 23 Victoriaanse sluizen. Voor wie Ierland's uitgebreide waterwegen wil ontdekken, zijn er schuiten, met zowel smalle als brede dekbalken te huur. De Barrow rivier is rijk aan 'game' en 'course' vissen, terwijl in de Slaney rivier in het oosten van de provincie zalm, forel en de meer zeldzame snoek te vinden is. Golf Carlow is een golf paradijs – ongeacht vaardigheden en kunnen vindt u hier een indrukwekkende varieteit aan golf faciliteiten waar er voor ieder wat wils te vinden is. Ook voor de beginner zijn er 'driving ranges', 'pitch & putts' en par 3's. De provincie biedt een uitdagende test voor uw golf vaardigheden en is trots op haar 3 kampioen 18-hole golf courses in Carlow, Killerig en Mount Wolseley Hotel, Golf and Country Club. Wandelen, Hiking en Fietsen Carlow heeft de wandelaar veel te bieden en 3 van Ierland's meest belangrijke nationale wandel routes zijn hier te vinden – The South Leinster Way, The Wicklow Way en de Barrow Way, die zich verbindt met de Slieve Margy Way in het nabij gelegen Laois. Ervaren wandelaars zullen de uitdaging van de uitgezette berg trektochten op de Carlow Way appreciëren, terwijl de minder gevorderden vredige kalmte langs de rustige landweggetjes kunnen vinden. Tuinen Neem vooral de tijd om de vele tuinen rondom de stad en de provincie te bezoeken. Sommige zijn formeel, andere uitdagend en modern – maar allen zijn zeer geïnspireerd en creatief. De eigenaren van de tuinen wensen een ieder die hun interesse en plezier in bloemen, planten en bomen deelt, van harte welkom. Altamont Gardens, daterend uit de 17e Eeuw staat bekend als een van de grootste sieraden in de provincie. Reizen naar de provincie Carlow De stad Carlow is makkelijk te bereiken vanaf de belangrijkste aankomst punten in Ierland. Dublin, Dun Laoghaire en Rosslare havens zijn allen bereikbaar binnen 90 minuten. Dublin ligt op 88 kilometer afstand en Rosslare is 95 kilometer van de stad Carlow. De stad Carlow is ook gunstig gelegen voor bereik per openbaar vervoer. Er zijn dagelijks 5 trein verbindingen tussen Dublin en Waterford, met haltes in Carlow en Bagenalstown in de provincie Carlow. Deze route heeft ook een verbinding met Kildare, Athy, Kilkenny en Thomastown. Als u naar Dublin City reist en u zich niet in het stressvolle verkeer wilt storten, kunt u in Carlow overnachten en elk van de bovengenoemde trein routes nemen, die u binnen 90 minuten naar de stad brengen. Accommodatie De provincie Carlow biedt een enorme keuze aan accommodatie, ongeacht uw budget of voorkeur. U kunt kiezen uit gezellige B&B's, vriendelijke gasthuizen en gastvrije hotels, zowel als de huiselijke self-catering accommodatie. Waar u ook verblijft, u zult een comfortabel onderkomen vinden, waar u een warm welkom te wachten staat, een gezellig praatje, vers eten uit de omeving en alle hulp en advies die u ook maar nodig heeft voor een ideale vakantie.
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There are many activities to choose from and, should it rain, we are conveniently situated between Carlow Town and Kilkenny City, with their cinemas, swimming pools and excellent pubs, restaurants & shopping. We are in comfortable driving distance of Counties Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Laois and Wicklow. Guides & leaflets available onsite.
We can offer special activities for all the family - including escorted boat / fishing trips. Please contact us for more details.
Garrison House from the river. Explore the unspoiled river Barrow and Navigation Canal. Built to transport everthing from grain to Guinness, the river and canal offer some of the best riverside scenery in Europe, along with first-class fishing.
Read more about the river here
click here for YouTube slideshow
Experience the peace of the countryside with beautiful walks along the River Barrow and the South Leinster Way walking routes.
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Traditional Irish Music
No visit to Ireland is complete without experiencing Traditional Irish Music. County Carlow has retained a strong tradition of Irish culture. Also weekends in Borris village (5 miles) usually provide a session or two. Look out for notices in the many traditional pubs pubs of Carlow Town or Kilkenny City for impromptu sessions.
RIVERSIDE WALK
Easy Grade Riverside Walk:
Introduction
Garrison Waterside is beside the River Barrow, Ireland's second-longest river after the Shannon. As the River Barrow is navigable, there is a tow path along it's length. This path is know as the Barrow Way and is suitable for almost all walkers, being flat and well maintained by Waterways Ireland. Join or leave it it at any point and expect to see abundant wildlife, including kingfishers and even otters along the way.
Wild otter feeding in the river Barrow at St Mullins Lock. Photo by James Burke.
The Barrow Way (easy grade)
113km (70 miles) in length, running beside the beautiful River Barrow, Ireland's second longest river. By breaking the journey into several manageable strolls (or even at at different times) you can enjoy one of Europe's most beautiful walks beside the beautiful River Barrow. Your accommodation host will generally be delighted to transport you to and from your start or finish point. Although the Barrow Way is uncrowded, you can stop to chat with anglers, canoeists and other river users.
The full length of the Barrow Way, from Lowtown to St. Mullins is 70 miles (113km). You can cover the whole distance in a single journey in less than a week or explore shorter sections of the walk in a number of easy strolls nearer to Leighlinbridge from Stage 4 southwards. Picnic or snacks advised.
Stage 1
Starts in Lowtown for a distance of 14 miles (23km) which takes you to the town of Monasterevin.
The raised banks of the canal offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside with views of the Hill of Allen and the Wicklow Mountains.
Stage 2
Monasterevin to Athy - 14 miles (23km).
This stretch offers the visitor much of architectural interest with many old bridges and houses.
Ballymoon Castle near Bagenalstown. Photo by James Burke
Stage 3
Athy to Carlow - 12 miles (19km).
This is the first of four stretches which pass through the county of Carlow. We start off from the heritage town of Athy and pass many interesting lifting bridges and old mills. A break at Maganey bridge is recommended and if it’s liquid refreshment you require the Three Counties pub is located closeby. The counties referred to are Kildare, Laois and Carlow which meet hereabouts.
Bagenalstown riverside. Photo James Burke
Stage 4
Carlow to Bagenalstown 10 miles (16km).
Milford, approximately 7 km south of Carlow is one of the most attractive stretches along the River Barrow.
Milford , Co Carlow. Photo James Burke
Set in an idyllic location with three bridges, large mill buildings and a large wooded area it is famous as an aquatic triangle. Herons and kingfishers are often to be seen here.
Milford on the river Barrow. Photo by James Burke
The Valerian Bridge in Leighlinbridge, Co Carlow, with the Black Castle, overlooking the River Barrow - The perfect base for excursions.
This stretch of our walk is rich with historical buildings and castles including the Black Castle at Leighlinbridge and the many architectural gems in the town of Bagenalstown, where our walk ends
Walking the riverside Barrow Track is an easy way to enjoy unspoilt Ireland. Pic shows Rathellin Lock, between Bagenalstown & Leighlinbridge. Photo by James Burke
Stage 5
Bagenalstown to Graigenamanagh - 16 miles (26km).
Today we pass via the small villages of Goresbridge and Borris. On several occasions throughout the year crowds gather from Ireland and abroad for the famous horse fairs held in O’ Donoghues of Goresbridge. This is a great social gathering and should you happen to pass on a sales day make sure to drop in. The village of Borris nestles in the foothills of the Blackstairs mountains and has retained its charms of former days.
Graiguenamanagh - a picturesque and friendly River Barrow boating centre with traditional pubs. As visited by Oz Clarke & James May in a recent BBC programme. Photo James Burke
Many Graigenamanagh shops have kept their traditional fronts and the local public houses have earned nation-wide recognition for their friendly, old world atmosphere - try a pint in Ryans on the main street across from the Abbey.
Our walk ends in Graignamanagh, a picturesque abbey town. The name means Grange of the Monks in Irish.
Stage 6
Lower Tinnahinch lock, near to Graignamanagh.
Graignamanagh to St. Mullins - 4 miles (6km).
St. Mullins
St. Mullins ecclesiastical centre and riverside village. Photo James Burke
This stretch has beautiful woodland surroundings with a strong ecclesiastical theme in the religious settlement at St. Mullins. The complex includes a medieval church ruin, the base of a round tower and the former Church of Ireland church, built in 1811, which now hosts a heritage centre. Many 1798 Uprising men are buried here and the area has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, especially during the Plague.
(click to enlarge image)
A Norman Motte dominates the approach to the village of St Mullins. The Bailey can still be seen in the grass.
A handy pub is located nearby on the village green. The lower stretch of St Mullins is set on a glorious stretch of the Barrow Valley and includes a picnic area and restaurant where excellent traditional fare is served.
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There are several local walking clubs in the Carlow area. Walks are graded from easy to hard. Should you wish to join in Club activities, please contact the clubs in advance for more information.
Carlow / Kilkenny Local Walking clubs:
... Tullow Mountaineering Club The club walk every Sunday leaving from Barrack St., Carlow (opposite Deane's shop) at 9.30 a.m. We walk in the Blackstairs, Wicklow Mountains, the Comeraghs and the Galtees with trips away organised during the year. The walks are graded easy, medium and hard. New members are always welcome. We advise all newcomers to walking to come along on the first Sunday of every month as this walk is always an easy walk. We also walk on every Wednesday evening throughout the year, leaving from Askea Church car park at 6.30 p.m. sharp. This walk is ideal for all newcomers as it is of short duration and many of our present members would have started with this initially. The Tyndall Walking Group (Kilkenny) Address: Kilkenny, Republic Of Ireland ... Dungarvan Hill Walking Club (Waterford)
Please contact us via our website: Dungarvan Hillwalking Club, County Waterford, Ireland was founded in 1995. The club provides members with an opportunity to meet and participate in walking and mountaineering activities together. We also promote awareness of the need to maintain access, conservation and protection of the mountain and woodland environment. Today we have a growing membership of over 180 and are affiliated to the Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCI). Email: info@dungarvanhillwalking.org |
Anyone for Tennis?
We have tennis courts available in Leighlinbridge for use by clients and can provide tennis racquets.
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Places to visit in South East Ireland:
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