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Carlow is a tiny inland county in the shape of an upside-down triangle, south of County Kildare and south-west of County Wicklow. The River Slaney flows through its eastern part, which is an extension of the granite area of County Wicklow. West of this lies the fertile limestone land of Barrow Valley, and beyond to the north-west is pleasant upland country. The county has much to offer the sightseer, the sportsman and the climber.

Carlow's original name, Ceatharlach, is thought to have originated from the Irish for 'Four Lakes', though some historians have evidence to dispute this. The history of the town can be traced to almost 4000 years ago. Both the town and the county of Carlow has numerous attractions of historical and pre-historical significance. For example, just a few minutes drive from Carlow town is the Brownshill Dolmen, boasting the largest capstone in Ireland, if not Europe. Carlow was also very much a military town in it's past, because of it's strategic positioning - a fact which is reflected in the remains of the once masterful Carlow Castle. As we approach the millennium, Carlow is very much a vibrant college town, bursting with energy and full of activities to suit all ages - from handgliding and fishing to scenic walks and the annual Éigse Arts Festival. And of course the nightlife would suit any party animal. In the Province of Leinster, Carlow is one of the 12 counties in Ireland that are land-locked. The main town is Carlow, a bustling market town with an ancient history and tradition. Carlow was a Gaelic stronghold, long before it was a Viking and Norman settlement. Nowadays, many castles and monastic ruins attest to rich history of this fertile hinterland. Fiach McHugh, a 12th century chieftain sacked Carlow in an ill-fated uprising, but is memorialized in Christy oore's/Planxty's song about the event, from which it could be said the current Celtic music revival got its nascence! Famous for its Hurling tradition, Carlow has also produced many wonderful folk singers and musicians

MAP OF AREA
Carlow lies in the heart of the Sunny South East of Ireland. Carlow town, the county capital, is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Rosslare Ferryport, Dublin Airport, Dublin Ferryport and Dun Laoghaire Ferryport and Shannon Airport. Cork Airport and Ferryport are approximately 2.5 - 3 hours, while Belfast airports and Larne Ferryport are 4 Hours drive

HISTORY
Pre-Christian inhabitants of Carlow left their mark in the form of tomb monuments or dolmens, the largest of which is Browne's Hill Dolmen. These were used as communal burial grounds during the earlier Neolithic period and also for religious rights. Numerous other religious structures have been built including the Cathedral of St. Lazerian, the Adelaide Memorial Church, Carlow Cathrdral, St. Patrick's College and the religious settlement at St. Mullins. The first castle in Carlow was built by the invading Normans - by the middle of the 14th century over 150 castles had been built. Some imposing ruins have survived as a reminder of 800 years of Irish history. Constructed between 1207 and 1213, Carlow Castls is thought to have been built by William the Marshall, Earl of Pembroke and Lord of Leinster to guard a vital river crossing.

In 1361 when Lionel, the son of Edward III, arrived in Ireland. He moved the King's Exchequer temporarily to Carlow and built a wall around the town. The Castle was attacked on numerous occasions and survivied in reasonable repair until 1814 when Dr. Middleton attempted to convert it into a lunatic asylum. He undermined the foundations so badly that all remains of the Castle are two towers and a wall. 1998 comemorated the 1798 United Irishman rebellion. Of the ill-fated insurgents of Carlow, the remains of 640 lie on the site of an old sandpit. They are remembered by the "Croppies Grave" monument in Graiguecullen, Carlow.

Carlow Castle, Carlow Town:
Hugh de Lacy built a stronghold here about 1180 to defend the River Barrow, the frontier of the Pale. The present remains are the west wall of the keep with two of its former towers. The castle withstood repeated attacks during various periods of history, but in 1814 an ambitious local doctor tried to remodel it as an asylum. In an effort to demolish the interior he placed explosive charges at its base - the blast demolished all but the west wall and towers. Best views are from across the nearby River Barrow.

Carlow Castle is now the imposing centre piece of a major urban renewal programme.

Duckett's Grove, near Carlow Town.
Originally the Georgian home of noted Anglo-Irish family, which was then rebuilt in Gothic revival style. Although burnt in 1933 the remaining towers and turrets, mostly ivy clad, give this enchanting structure a fairy tale air.

Leighlinbridge Castle, Leighlinbridge.
The village of Leighlinbridge developed at this strategic crossing on the River Barrow, defended by the Black Castle. In 1180, the Norman, Hugh de Lacy built the first castle here to defend the crossing. All that remains today is the west half of a 14th century round tower and part of the bawn.

Rathgall Stone Fort, Tullow.
An extensive hillside fortification with 8th century outer walls and later medieval inner walls. Evidence from excavations carried out at Rathgall suggest that hillforts were constructed from the late Bronze Age into the Iron Age and continued to be used into post medieval times.

Places to see:
Ardattin: Near Tullow.
The Cottage Collection, in the village boasts a unique display of domestic appliances, gramophones and radios, many dating back to the 1900's. Open: Sundays 14.00 - 18.00hrs. Other times by appointment. Tel: + 353 (0) 503 55639.

The Coach House in the village opens every Wednesday & Sunday during the Summer months offering a wide variety of locally produced crafts.

Ballintemple House (nearby), was the birthplace of Pierce Butler, signatory of the American Constitution. An extensive tree nursery tended by the state forestry service, Coillte, occupies the Ballintemple Estate. The beautiful viewing spot over the River Slaney at nearby Aghade Bridge should not be missed.

"The Cottage Collection", Ardattin.
Borris:
Is a handsome estate town set in a fertile valley of the River Barrow below the gentle curve of the Blackstairs Mountains. The MacMurrough Kavanagh dynasty, former Celtic Kings of Leinster, are central to this picturesque town of old stone buildings and the family still live at Borris House, in the town centre. Arthur MacMurrough Kavanagh instigated the building of the graceful 16-arch viaduct, situated at the lower end of the town, which carried the now defunct Great Southern and Western Railway Line between Bagenalstown and Wexford. Handsome stone cut buildings and traditional shop and pub fronts add to the appeal of the town.

The scenic 9-hole golf course welcomes visiting golfers. Clashganny Forest, 5km south of Borris, has lovely walks overlooking the rich fishing waters of the River Barrow. The Mount Leinster Drive starts in Borris and the mountain at the centre of this scenic route is an internationally renowned hang-gliding location.

Carlow town
Carlow Cathedral - located immediately beside St. Patrick's College. The Cathedral, started in 1828 and completed in 1833, at a cost of £9,000.00, was the brain-child of the energetic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, James Doyle - J.K.L., the prominent champion of Catholic emancipation. The design of the Cathedral is attributed largely to Thomas Cobden, who drew his inspiration for the Carlow building from European models, particularly the Beftroi tower in Bruges, Belgium. Its magnificent tower and lantern, in all its 150 feet, lift it above the ordinary. Local granite and limestone were used in its construction. It is a monument to the unflinching faith and courage of JKL who died the year after the Cathedral was opened and who lies interred in its walls. The Cathedral also houses an acclaimed statue by John Hogan to Bishop Doyle, considered to be his greatest achievement.