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
Bounceland – A festive family experience
Carlow County Council in association with Scats Bouncing Castles is delighted to announce that from 10th-14th December 2023 Bounceland is coming to the Exchange in Potato Market in Carlow Town Centre. Bounceland will feature a variety of bouncing castles , family...
Trade Local
www.TradeLocal.ie Your Local Classifieds Website! #BuyLocal #SellLocal #SupportLocal
County Carlow – Festive Family Experience
The stage is set for a ‘County Carlow – Festive Family Experience’. Full details on the County Carlow - A Festive Family Experience Facebook Page! The Festive Season 2023 in Carlow will bring a spectacular array of Christmas activities that will light up the holiday...
Carlow Town Bus Service
The New Carlow Town Bus Service was launched today (27th July) at an event in The Exchange by Minister Eamonn Ryan. The service is due to go live on this coming Sunday with busses running every 30 minutes along two routes with fares as low as 55c. Included below, we...
Combining a safe-haven for pollinators-biodiversity and ‘headspace’
Create a safe-haven for pollinators-biodiversity and ‘headspace’ for employee's / family / friends, make most of your outdoor space. Find out ‘how to’ HERE: and companion planting/management resources HERE:
The Domestic Lead Remediation Grant Scheme
Helps households with the cost of replacing lead piping or related fittings located within the internal distribution system connected to a domestic water supply that serves a house. More Information
Household Wells
Do you get your water from an individual private well? If you do, you need to make sure the water from your well is clean and uncontaminated. Step by Step Guide
The SETU and Springboard prospectus for the academic year 2023/24
The SETU and Springboard prospectus for the academic year 2023/24 is available now. The Faculty of Lifelong Learning at SETU have over 100 part time programmes which are flexibly designed to meet the needs of part time students combining professional and personal...
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...
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...