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
Burglary Prevention Advice – Keep Your Home Safe
Gardaí in Carlow are reminding residents to take simple steps to secure their homes and reduce the risk of burglary. Most burglaries are opportunistic – don’t make it easy for criminals! Lock Up – Always lock doors and windows, even if you’re just stepping out for a...
County Carlow Heritage Seminar 2025
Join us at the County Carlow Heritage Seminar 2025 to explore and celebrate the rich history and culture of our amazing county! On 12 April 2025 in Woodford Dolmen Hotel , Kilkenny Road, Carlow from 9:30am-3:30pm – Bookings open (FREE event to attend- Light Lunch...
Find you local Parade this St Patricks Day
Are you excited for St. Patrick's Day? Ireland’s national feast day is celebrated throughout County Carlow with a series of parades in honour of St Patrick, the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Parades take place in Carlow Town, Graiguecullen,...
County Streetscape Enhancement Scheme 2025
Enhance Your Premises in 2025 with the Carlow County Council - Streetscape Enhancement Scheme Carlow County Council is delighted to invite both business owners and residential and commercial property owners to participate in the 2025 County Carlow Streetscape...
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
The new Residential Zoned Land Tax, aimed at increasing housing supply is now in effect. Local authorities have published 2025 maps identifying lands zoned for residential or mixed use liable for this tax this year. Landowners with land on the 2025 maps can make a...
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...