Carlow Town
The name is an anglicisation of the Irish Ceatharlach. Historically, it was anglicised as Caherlagh, Caterlagh and Catherlagh, which are closer to the Irish spelling
Carlow town is the county town and which sits on the river Barrow and forms the border with Co.Laois.
Evidence shows that human occupation in the Carlow county area extends back thousands of years. The most notable and dramatic prehistoric site is the Browneshill Dolmen – a megalithic portal tomb just outside Carlow town.
Carlow Castle was constructed by William Marshal, Earl of Striguil and Lord of Leinster, 1207-13, to guard the vital river crossing. It was also to serve as the capital of the Lordship of Ireland from 1361 until 1374. This imposing structure survived largely intact until 1814 when it was mostly destroyed in an attempt to turn the building into a lunatic asylum. The present remains now are the West Wall with two of its cylindrical towers.
The bridge over the river Barrow – Graiguecullen Bridge, is agreed to date to 1569. The original structure was largely replaced and widened in 1815 when it was named Wellington Bridge in celebration of the defeat of Napoleon’s army by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in June of that year. The bridge was built across a small island in the river and a 19th-century house was constructed on the bridge – this was for a time occupied by the Poor Clares, an enclosed religious order who still have a convent in Graiguecullen.
Carlow industry has come a long way since the early 20th century, when the town became the centre of Ireland’s slow process of industrialisation with the creation of the Irish Sugar Company. The sugar factory opened in 1926 as a private enterprise and was eventually nationalised before reverting to private ownership. It closed on 11 March 2005.
Carlow is home to many indigenous companies who have developed global presences and recognition including Burnside Group and Netwatch. The Institute of Technology Carlow was founded in 1970 and is the 4th largest IT in the country and central to the south east region.
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Good Luck to County Carlow Fire Service at the World Rescue Challenge.
Best of luck to our team of Firefighters who are in Luxembourg this week representing Carlow County Fire Service and Ireland in the World Rescue Challenge. The Carlow team is one of 72 teams from all around the world who will be competing in 5 separate challenges over...
Consultation on Ireland’s Second SDG National Implementation Plan
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has launched the final round of consultation on the draft of Ireland’s Second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) National Implementation Plan. The draft Implementation Plan aims to build on the structures and...
Topline Doyles
Topline DoylesTopline Doyle’s is as old as the GAA, the business first opened its doors in Shamrock Square on St Patricks day, 1884 hence the affectionate locally known nickname “Doyle’s of the Shamrock”. Established by James Doyle, the great grandfather to our...
Local News
Let’s Give The FTD Brothers a Big Carlow Welcome!
This Sunday, brothers Cian and Jordan Adams,The FTD Brothers, will arrive in Carlow as part of their incredible challenge of running 32 marathons in 32 days across Ireland in support of Frontotemporal Dementia research. Sunday 24th May 10:00am Starting from Carlow...
Sign up now! – Womens Beginners Fly Fishing Days Announced.
Exciting opportunities for women interested in learning about flyfishing, will be happening over the summer. The first is at the Southern County Fishing Resort near Garryhill on Saturday 13th June 2026. This event begins at 11am and will include a short indoor session...
E-Scooter Rules in Ireland – Know Before You Ride
E-Scooter Rules in Ireland – Know Before You Ride E-scooters are legal on Irish roads, but strict rules apply. Make sure you’re riding safely and legally: Legal Requirements: Minimum Age: Riders must be 16 or older. Speed Limit: Maximum 20 km/h. Size Limits: No more...
Community Consultation on Carlow Destination and Experience Development Plan
Carlow Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) Community Consultations The Carlow Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) is a five year sustainable tourism development plan being developed by Failte Ireland and Carlow County Council for the...
Be Kind Pop Up Shop is Back!
6th & 7th of May 10am - 4pm Great bargain and support a community project.
Local Authority Services MyCoCo App
The Local Authority Services MyCoCo App allows you to make online payments 24/7. Additionally you can view your transaction history, download invoices, statements and payment receipts. Download from the QR code or go to mycoco.ie
Carlow Town St. Patrick’s Day Festival 2026
Details of the Carlow Town St. Patrick's Day Festival have just been released. There's an even bigger programme planned for this year. Save the date! FULL DETAILS HERE PROMO VIDEO
National Spring Clean 2026 – Registrations Now Open!
Ireland’s biggest anti‑litter campaign runs all through April, and over 100 Carlow groups took part last year - let’s do it again, bigger & better! Taking part is simple: Organise a clean-up anytime in April Register with An Taisce to receive your free kit (bags,...
Tullow Road Community Services Information Evening.
We are delighted to announce that Carlow County Council, in partnership with local community groups and service providers, are inviting you as a resident from the Tullow Road community and surrounding estates to the Tullow Road Community Services Information Evening....
The Pan Celtic National Song Contest returns to Carlow
The Pan Celtic National Song Contest returns to Carlow, Ireland this January 2026 at the Visual & GB Shaw Theatre! On the 24th of January, join in the celebrations of the cultural links between the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and...