Rathanna & Newton
Rathanna is located approximately 35kms from Carlow Town, at the base of Mount Leinster.
The village of Rathanna is located at the base of Mount Leinster and arriving into this hidden gem, takes one back to times gone by.
Rathanna is located approximately 35km from Carlow town. At nearby Killoughternane, St Fortchern who was a St Patricks follower founded a monastery. Mrs McDonald of Rathanna donated the current church but before locals had to travel outside their town to go to church.
Osborne’s, a pub that dates back to the Victorian period and is cherished by locals and tourists alike is located in this remote village. Osbornes used to operate in many trades, they used to operate as a gas station, a grocer, a cobbler’s, and a blacksmith. The enterprises eventually faded away and the family shifted their attention on the bar. In more recent years the premises has been further restored and complimented with the addition of the Storehouse accommodation, which can cater for up to 12 people.
An ideal base for exploring the mountains in this special area of conservation, hang-glide, cycle the many routes around and over mountains, kayak the river Barrow, or go on a horse track.
Local Businesses
Things to See & Do in Rathanna
Local Attractions
St. Fortchern’s Church
St. Fortchern, a pupil of St. Patrick and his nephew St. Loman, established a monastery named Killoughternane at nearby Borris. The site of St. Fortchern’s church was donated and adjoined an earlier church (St Annes). It was built in the early Gothic style in approx. 1885 under the guidance of Architect, William Hague. Prior to its existence the local community had to attend Mass in either Ballymurphy or Borris.
The churchyard contains the graves of the three members of the Shannon family, Knockroe, who died when their home was destroyed by German Bombers on New Year’s Eve, 1941.
Osbornes Pub & Accommodation
The Osborne’s pub in the village of Rathanna is a classic Irish pub that’s been around since the Victorian era and retains its popularity among locals and visitors alike. Like many pubs of its kind, Osborne’s once served as a grocery store, a blacksmith shop, and a shoe repair shop. They even operated a petrol pump, which is still visible outside. The old storehouse adjoining the pub has been converted in tourist accommodation and provides a great base for exploring the local area. The pub itself is small and intimate and full of charm.
Sports
Rathanna AFC is the local soccer club.
Borris is home to Mount Leinster Rangers GAA Club, which was founded in 1988 with the amalgamation of 3 parish teams: Borris, Ballymurphy and Rathanna.
Local News
International Pan Celtic Festival, Carlow 11th – 16th April 2023
Brownshill Dolmen is one of Carlow’s iconic attractions and as part of the Pan Celtic Festival 2023 taking place in Carlow from 11th to 16th of April Carlow County Council are seeking photos, drawings, paintings, or any depiction of the Brownshill Dolmen. Selected...
BUMPER PARADE PLANNED FOR ST PATRICK’S DAY IN CARLOW
A BUMPER Lá Fheile Pádraig is planned in Carlow town this year, with music, performers, street entertainers, bouncy castles and carousels all part of the St Patrick’s Day parade and festival. Organisers have announced the return of Carlow town’s St Patrick’s Day...
Take the Climate Change & Heritage Visitor Survey!
Your ideas can help us in improving communications about built heritage and the impacts of climate change. Take Survey at: https://forms.office.com/e/seXhKraq13
Online Services
Carlow County Council online services include motor tax, Carlow Libraries, parking fines, planning enquiries & more. Find full details on all services at https://buff.ly/3D3qk49
Community Games to Stay in Carlow for another Year
Community Games came together with Carlow County Council in the beautiful surrounds of the newly refurbished The Exchange building in Carlow town to announce Carlow as the new home for three of the larger finals. SETU, with their range of top class facilities and...
Local Business Supporting Local Charity
Aptus CEO "Fergal Kearney" earlier this week met with "Catherine Delaney" from Carlow Mental Health Association. The charity was selected by the Aptus staff as one of their preferred charities resulting in a donation of 1000 euros from Aptus to support the charity’s...
The Great Duckett Run
THE grandeur of Duckett’s Grove is sure to inspire a heroic effort as The Great Duckett Run sets off at 11am on Sunday 26 February. The chip-timed 5k is a first for the historic Duckett’s Grove, with participants guaranteed a stunning vista as they take on the route...
Volunteers Needed
Festival & Event Funding Scheme 2023
Carlow County Council’s Festival & Event Fund aims to assist with the creation of community-based tourism events for County Carlow. Closing date -17th February 2023 @ 5.00pm Full details at https://buff.ly/3ZBsrYf
Environmental & Tidy Towns Grant Schemes 2023
Environmental & Tidy Towns Grant Schemes 2023 The Community Section, Carlow County Council is delighted to announce that the ENVIRONMENTAL & TIDY TOWNS GRANT SCHEMES 2023 are open for applications. Applications are invited from Tidy Towns/Community Groups,...