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
Pan Celtic 2026 – We want your views !
As we reflect on the success of Pan Celtic 2025, we would like to take this opportunity to gather your feedback, highlight successes, and explore how we can build an even stronger and more impactful Pan Celtic Festival for 2026. Your insights, ideas, and continued...
Check the Register!
Did You Know? Even if you are registered to vote and receive a polling card you still need to update your PPSN, Eircode & DOB details! Carlow County Council Franchise Staff will be visiting libraries around the county starting in Borris Library next Wednesday 14th...
Meet the Goats: Turning Lawns into Lush Life in Carlow
Meet the Goats: Turning Lawns into Lush Life in Carlow This spring, Carlow is taking a bold step for biodiversity — and it comes with four hooves and a whole lot of charm!Starting Monday, April 28th, a small herd of rare Old Irish Goats will graze select greenspaces...
Ballybar Ireland Launches Limited Edition “Ballybar Moove Shirt” in Support of Macra’s Mental Health Initiative
Following the overwhelming success of last year’s "Take a Break" Coffee Morning at Coppenagh House Farm, which raised over €2,000 for Macra's Make the Moove initiative, Ballybar Ireland is proud to announce the launch of a brand-new limited edition Ballybar Moove...
Trade Stand Applications for the 2025 Tullow Agricultural Show are now OPEN!
Trade Stand Applications for our 2025 show are now OPEN! Follow the link on our website to make your online application. T&Cs apply: www.tullowagriculturalshow.com
Carlow Pride of Place 2025
Carlow County Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for Pride of Place 2025. Applications are invited from Residents Associations, Tidy Towns and Village Groups and Community Projects across the County who are engaged in or intending to engage in...
Heritage Boats to visit Carlow
Carlow is set to welcome a striking flotilla of heritage boats to the River Barrow this Saturday afternoon, April 12th marking a symbolic return to the River Barrow. This special visit by the Heritage Boat Association (HBA) brings sixteen beautifully restored vessels...
The 2025 Kilkenny Carlow Garda Youth Awards Are Now Open
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Kilkenny Carlow Garda Youth Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of young people in our communities! These awards are kindly support by Netwatch and Carlow and Kilkenny County Council's and we were joined...
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...