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
Carlow Social Club on Friday, 25th April, 11.30am – 1pm
This event is open to people experiencing dementia, their families and carers, where they will be welcomed into a supportive and welcoming environment. We’ll have a range of activities, including games, quizzes, bingo, singing with Jason Culleton, and tea and...
Carlow due to Install it’s First Public Drinking Water Fountain
Carlow is set to install its very first public drinking water fountain, providing residents and visitors with a safe, free, and eco-friendly option to refill their reusable water bottles in the town centre. The new fountain will be located in the coach park, a central...
Katie Ryan Crowned Carlow’s Rose
Katie Ryan from Tullow, was among 22 young, talented women who entered the competition for the much-coveted title when the selection night took place in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow on Saturday 29th March. Aged 26, Katie has already set up her own business as a...
Energy Citizens Roadshow – Carlow
A free event informing local communities on how EirGrid plans to future-proof the electricity grid, as well as providing information about micro generation, home energy upgrades, retrofitting grants, and much more...Any queries call Eoghan on 087 247 7732Thursday...
Blood Donation Clinics Carlow
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will visit the Talbot Hotel from 13th until 17th of April.
Style REcycle
Style REcycle - A FREE event for 12-16 yr olds with a fresh take on fashion ReThread, ReImagine, ReWear, Repair, Recycle! A 2 Hour workshop with Athena Made , on April 15th at Carlow County Library , where you’ll learn how to re-vamp, reuse, re-wear and repair fashion...
Bolt e Bikes in over 30 locations in Carlow Town!
There are Bolt e Bikes in over 30 locations in Carlow Town! To hire you just download the Bolt App and sign up to become a Bolt E Bike user! How to rent an e-bike: Find a ride - Find an e-bike on the street or locate one using the map in the Bolt app. Unlock with the...
Preparing for the Celts – Carlow a home of International Celebration of Celtic Culture.
The Pan Celtic International Festival is set to return to Carlow from April 22nd to April 26th, 2025, bringing together the six Celtic nations – Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man – for a spectacular celebration of music, language,...
Daffodill Day Coffee Morning
Eist Cancer Society Carlow are holding a coffee morning in aid of Daffodil day this Friday 28th March in Kevin Kelly Pharmacy on Staplestown Rd Carlow. Why not pop along 🙂
Climate Cafe at Lambert’s Coffee House
Join us for a Climate Cafe to celebrate International Day of Zero Waste and learn about preserving and fermentation from Derek, a member of the CCEN community. This month's cafe will be taking place on Thursday, 27th March at Lambert's Coffee House, 16 Dublin Street,...