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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Local News
New Samaritans branch opens in Carlow
The official opening of a new local Samaritans branch in Carlow took place over the weekend. The new office is at Governey Square just across from Carlow Castle. Spokesperson Collete Shannon says even though locals in Carlow could always call them it’s important that...
An Gairdin Beo – Coffee Mornings
Coppenagh Business Hub – Tullow Agricultural Show 2023
The Coppenagh Business Bub at the Tullow Agricultural show is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your business. With over 20,000 visitors last year the Tullow Show taking place Sunday 20th August 2023, has secured it's place as one of the top 5 shows in Ireland. If...
Male Domestic Abuse Support Service
This service offers one to one confidential confidential support to men of all ages who have/are experiencing domestic abuse in Carlow. These appointments can be in person or over the phone. This service welcomes questions from men who may be unsure if they are in an...
Mindfulness Walk
Jack Byrne of Carlow Mental Health Association, leads a mindfulness walk through the beautiful Clogrennane Wood with magnificent views of Carlow and the River Barrow. Gain practical tips on positive mental attitude while appreciating the beautiful surroundings. Book...
Carlow Fringe Invitation to Participate
Carlow Tidy Towns
Volunteers Wanted! Carlow Tidy Towns team are looking for volunteers to join them for weekly clean ups & help with various other projects around the town. If you’d like to get involved and play your part in making our town a better place, you can contact them on...
Free Summer Tours at Altamount
Altamont Gardens will be offering free Summer Tree Tours every Thursday at 12 p.m and 3 p.m, starting from the 29th of June. Come along and learn all about the spectacular and diverse trees of Altamont, including the Giant Sequoia (the largest trees in the world),...
Carlow PPN currently have 2 Representative vacancies
Are you are interested in having your community's voice heard? Carlow PPN currently have 2 Representative vacancies: Community & Voluntary seat on the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) Social Inclusion seat on the Housing, Community and Wellbeing Strategic Policy...
