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
Free Admission – National Heritage Sites Ireland
First Wednesday - Free Admission National Heritage Ireland offer free admission on the first Wednesday of every month to over 40 Heritage sites across the country. For the full list, see Heritageireland.ie
Dementia Awareness Training – March 6th
We are pleased to offer Dementia Awareness Training on Thursday, March 6th, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by tea and coffee at Bethany House. This training, provided free of charge, is available to members of our community groups along with Friends of ASI who...
Volunteering with the Samaritans in Kilkenny and Carlow
The Samaritans or Kilkenny and Carlow are currently undertaking a recruitment drive for listening volunteers throughout the area. They are holding an open information evening where people can chat with Samaritan volunteers to discover more about the work they do and...
New Residential Zoned Land Tax
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National Spring Clean 2025 – Registration Open
National Spring Clean Takes place for the month of April but voluntary groups and organisations can now register with An Taisce for a free clean up kit. Limited resources are available so make sure you register early at https://nationalspringclean.org/register-now/
Carlow County Council Announces Festival and Events Grant Scheme for 2025
Carlow County Council Announces Festival and Events Grant Scheme for 2025 Carlow County Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Festival and Events Grant Scheme. Designed to support the creation, development, and promotion of festivals...
Singing for Wellbeing
Did you know that group singing makes you feel good? Join Gina In Bagenalstown Library for an eight week series of singing workshops for people of all ages and abilities. No experience necessary - the focus is on enjoyment! Wednesdays at 9.45am to 10.45am commencing...
KERNANSTOWN RECYCLING CENTRE CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS 2024
OPEN: Monday 23 rd December 8.30am-4pm CLOSED: Tuesday 24 th December to Thursday 26 th December OPEN: Friday 27 th and Saturday 28 th December 8.30am – 4pm CLOSED: Sunday 29th December OPEN: Monday 30 th and Tuesday 31 st December 8.30am – 4pm CLOSED: Wednesday 1 st...
Jingle Bell Jog!
This time next week we will be getting ready to start the Jingle Bell Jog!Register now at https://www.popupraces.ie/race/crys-jingle-bells-jog-2024/The Jingle Bell Jog will begin on Sunday December 1st at 11.30am. Join in on the 5k accurately timed jog/walk/run. All...
Light up Carlow and Kilkenny together
Friday 6th December at 7pm Light up your home, business or garden Donate to Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Kilkenny or St Clare's Hospitality here https://kclr96fm.com/.../spirit-of-christmas-the-big.../ If you snap a pic on the night upload it to social media tag...