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
Carlow County Council Arts Service presents Carlow Live and Local at Carlow Arts Festival
Carlow Live and Local was initiated under the Live Performance Scheme managed by Carlow County Council Arts Office since 2021. With vision and supports needed for our local musicians, Carlow Arts Office with the support of the Council secured a budget to continue this...
Tullow Street Streetfest Carlow 3rd & 4th May
The next #streetfestcarlow takes place from Friday 3rd May with circus shows, street performances, an amazing busking competition (which you can all enter) & Beat 102 103 LIVE! So call to Tullow Street and say hello to all the amazing businesses this Friday!
Proposals for Culture Night 2024.
Carlow Arts Office is inviting individuals and organisations to submit proposals for Culture Night 2024. Proposals can include ANY and ALL creative activities, performances, readings, workshops, interactive installations, etc. We encourage special and unique events...
Casual Trading Licences for 2024
Carlow County Council invites applications for Casual Trading Licences for 2024 at Brownshill Dolmen , Milford, Borris Viaduct , St. Mullins , Mount Leinster at Nine Stones. Further details are available by contacting Linda Culleton on enterprise@carlowcoco.ie or by...
SETU Carlow Spring Open Day, 11th May 2024
Visit SETU’s campus in Carlow and speak to lecturers about the wide range of CAO, part-time, and postgraduate courses. Explore world-class facilities and experience the unique atmosphere of SETU. REGISTER HERE
Tullow Street Streetfest
COMPETITION TIME WIN €100 voucher for a Tullow Street business of choice! Enter our #StreetFestCarlow competition - All you have to do is give us your feedback on Tullow Street StreetFest! Take our quick survey and you will be in with a chance to win! Take survey at...
Carlow: Streetfest Invites Families to Celebrate Local Culture and Shop Local!
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County Carlow Heritage Seminar
Carlow Heritage Office invites those with an interest in the Heritage of County Carlow to attend the inaugural County Carlow Heritage Seminar in the Seven Oaks Hotel, Athy Road, Carlow town on Saturday 13 April from 9:30am. Presentations cover built, natural and...
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50th Pan Celtic International Festival
The Pan Celtic International Festival is just around the corner! The 50th International Pan Celtic Festival is a celebration of the Celtic cultures of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Brittany, Isle of Man and Cornwall in music, song, dance, languages, costumes, sport and...