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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Style REcycle
Style REcycle - A FREE event for 12-16 yr olds with a fresh take on fashion ReThread, ReImagine, ReWear, Repair, Recycle! A 2 Hour workshop with Athena Made , on April 15th at Carlow County Library , where you’ll learn how to re-vamp, reuse, re-wear and repair fashion...
Bolt e Bikes in over 30 locations in Carlow Town!
There are Bolt e Bikes in over 30 locations in Carlow Town! To hire you just download the Bolt App and sign up to become a Bolt E Bike user! How to rent an e-bike: Find a ride - Find an e-bike on the street or locate one using the map in the Bolt app. Unlock with the...
Preparing for the Celts – Carlow a home of International Celebration of Celtic Culture.
The Pan Celtic International Festival is set to return to Carlow from April 22nd to April 26th, 2025, bringing together the six Celtic nations – Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man – for a spectacular celebration of music, language,...
Daffodill Day Coffee Morning
Eist Cancer Society Carlow are holding a coffee morning in aid of Daffodil day this Friday 28th March in Kevin Kelly Pharmacy on Staplestown Rd Carlow. Why not pop along 🙂
Climate Cafe at Lambert’s Coffee House
Join us for a Climate Cafe to celebrate International Day of Zero Waste and learn about preserving and fermentation from Derek, a member of the CCEN community. This month's cafe will be taking place on Thursday, 27th March at Lambert's Coffee House, 16 Dublin Street,...
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