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
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...
E-Scooters: Know the Rules – Stay Safe
E-scooters are a convenient way to get around, but safety comes first. If you’re riding in Carlow, make sure you’re following the rules of the road: Age 16+ only Wear a helmet Max speed: 20km/h One person per scooter No mobile phones while riding No riding on...
Carlow County Council – Streetscape Enhancement Scheme
Enhance Your Premises in 2026 with the Carlow County Council - Streetscape Enhancement Scheme Carlow County Council is excited to invite business owners as well as residential and commercial property owners to participate in the 2026 County Carlow Streetscape...
Safe place to talk about mental health services in Carlow
Need a safe place to talk about mental health services in Carlow? Join the Involvement Centre's Listening Space—a confidential meeting where your experience matters. Thurs, Nov 27th, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Shop Local – Shop Carlow
Shopping local has never been more important. It is vital that we get the message out to consumers that keeping our spend in our community benefits everyone. As a Chamber we collaborate with the Local Enterprise Office and other stakeholders in the Shop Local Shop...
Your Feedback Matters – Carlow Southern Relief Road
Carlow County Council, in partnership with Laois County Council and the Department of Transport (DoT), invite those who live in, work in or travel through the study area along the southern edge of Carlow Town and other interested parties to participate in the second...
Christmas Parking 2025
Please find information on the Christmas 2025 Car Parking arrangements in Carlow Town
Uisce Éireann offers advice to help households and businesses prepare for freezing conditions and protect water supplies this winter
With temperatures beginning to drop and the first frosts of winter due this week, Uisce Éireann is offering advice on how to avoid the inconvenience and expense of burst pipes and water outages during cold weather. Water expands by nearly 10% when frozen, which can...
Charity Event – Reiki & Massage for Cancer Patients
CHARITY EVENT:Reiki and Massage for Cancer Patients and people with severe anxiety and Depression25/10/25 from 11am to 4pmCALM Day Spa and Retreat CentreEntry: Donation BasisReserve your place via WhatsApp 087-1481302 - Dr André LuizLocal: Kildavin, Co. CarlowEircode:...