Ballymurphy
Ballymurphy, historically Ballymurchoe (Baile Uí Mhurchú),
Ballymurphy is known to all as a gentle hillside village tucked into a glen of mountain slopes. Ballymurphy was once formally known as Ballymurchoe.
It is located on the western ridge of the Blackstairs Mountains, 18km from Bagenalstown and is situated between Borris Co. Carlow and Kiltealy Co. Wexford. The Blackstairs Mountains (Irish: Na Staighrí Dubha) are a range of hills in County Carlow and Wexford, Ireland. The highest peak is Mount Leinster, with a height of 2612 feet (791.8 m).
The name given to this town came from a landowner, Matthew Murphy of Clonroche, Co. Wexford. Matthew was a wealthy man who built a castle in the area in the 17th century.
The charm of this village is enhanced by its people’s pride, which is expressed in its overall character and stunning show of flowers.
Ballymurphy is famous for its floral displays and hanging baskets.
Local Businesses
Things to See & Do in Ballymurphy
Local Attractions
St. Patricks Church: the church dates back to 1846. The granite stones for St. Patrick’s church were hammer-dressed. The church bell was moved to the school grounds beside Borris church and was replaced by a new bell presented to the parish by Mr. Byrne, a native of Ballymurphy, in 1914.
Rathgeran Rock Art Stone: the stone, found in the vicinity of Ballymurphy on the beautiful Blackstairs mountain, is believed to be as old as Newgrange or the Neolithic. This stone is a fine example of early prehistoric rock art in Ireland. There are nine circles carved on the stone.
Activities
Walking, hiking, sightseeing.
Sports
Mount Leinster Rangers GAA Club, which was founded in 1988 with the amalgamation of 3 parishes.
Local News
OPW – First Wednesday, Free Admission
Reminder! if you are planning an excursion, The first Wednesday of the month and it is FREE entry to all OPW Heritage sites*. For a full list of site opening times and T&Cs please visit https://www.heritageireland.ie/.../Free-Wednesday-Jan2022... *Please note...
Put your old hurl & Helmet back in the game
For many years, the GAA have continued to play a leading role in introducing young people across the Country to the skills and joy of our native game. Carlow Gaa, through its Coaching and Games programme, continues to develop positive relationships with all of the...
Blackstairs Cycling Challenge 2022
The Blackstairs Cycling Challenge is a cycle sportive which takes place in Ballinkillen, Co. Carlow. It is dedicated to the memory of Eoghan and Ruairí Chada, our two friends who are dearly missed and always in our thoughts. It is a great day of cycling through...
Carlow’s Pride of Place awards 2022
Eric Osborne, Rathanna Village, on why you should enter Carlow's #PrideOfPlace Awards 2022! To apply, please contact Emer Connors on community@carlowcoco.ie. Closing date: May 18th 2022.[video width="426" height="426"...
Sow For Ukraine – Sunflower Campaign
The Sow Now Sunflower seeds were packed by Ukrainian Refugees and their Irish friends on Sat 23rd April to support the work of the Irish Redcross. They now sit on the shelves of SuperValu,Centra’s and independent retailers Nationwide.
Parent Support Programme – The Good Enough Parent
The Good Enough Parent Support Programme from The Men's Development Network. The programme is for parents of children between the ages of 9-17 years old (male & female) and follows a developmental and experiential approach to the programme and supports parents in...
Carloviana 2023
Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society are now accepting papers for inclusion in the next edition of its yearly journal, Carloviana 2023, which will be launched in November 2022. The Society welcomes the submission of original papers for publication from both...
Bus Eireann School Bus Transport – Applications Open 2022/23
Applications for Primary or Post Primary School Transport Schemes must be made online. The closing date for applications is Friday 29th April for the forthcoming School Year. Register for School Transport If you are a first time user, you will need to create an online...
Carlow Credit Union launches Cultivate Agri Loan
Carlow Credit Union are delighted to inform you we will be offering a new farm loan product under the ‘Cultivate’ brand. We offer an alternative source of finance for farmers. We feel our timing is right and presents an exciting opportunity for Carlow Credit Union and...
Call for community and business groups to submit projects under Our Rural Future Schemes
Carlow County Council has launched a call for community and business groups to submit expressions of interest for projects under our Rural Future. Announcing the call, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Fintan Phelan said “Over the past number of years...