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
Water Safety Week
Together let’s make summer safer. From the importance of supervising children to the dangers of inflatables, lifeguards share their expert advice at watersafety.ie
The Faculty of Lifelong Learning at SETU Carlow hosts its open evening events
The Faculty of Lifelong Learning at South East Technological University (SETU) Carlow campus will host its in person open evening events at the Carlow, Wexford and Wicklow campuses in June. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with staff and students to learn...
County Carlow Chamber recognised Nationally for Shop & Support Local campaign with Marketing Award
County Carlow Chamber were delighted to be presented with the Marketing Award at the Chambers Awards 2022 ceremony hosted in Dublin on Thursday 2nd June. The awards, hosted by Chambers Ireland and sponsored by Zurich, recognise the outstanding work of Chambers of...
CARLOW WOMEN’S AID RECOGNISED BY LOTTO GOOD CAUSES AWARDS
Carlow Women’s Aid was one of the county winners at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards this year. The Republic of Ireland Ladies Snooker Association and Carlow’s Women’s Aid were announced as Carlow winners in the awards scheme that was created to honour and...
Two Carlow Schools win Awards for Water Conservation
THE achievements of Carlow’s young water champions were celebrated this week at the annual Green-Schools Water Awards hosted by An Taisce Green-Schools and Irish Water. Two Co Carlow schools took home top regional honours, excelling in the theme of water conservation....
Carlow Dragon Boat Club win Gold in Barcelona
Well done to the @carlowdragonboatclub team (including a few paddlers from @plurabelle_paddlers and @dublinvikings_dragonboat_club ) who won first place in the DB12 200m Senior Women race at the EDBF Eurocup in Barcelona 21st / 22nd May. With 2 heats on the Saturday,...
Eist Cancer Support Centre – Official Opening and 10th Anniversary Celebration
The Great Irish Bake in aid of The Children’s Health Foundation
The Borris Toddler Playgroup are organising The Great Irish Bake in Borris Town hall on Saturday June 4th from 12 noon to 3pm. With loads on offer, there are a range of ways for you to support the event and also some fun for the younger members of the family. Further...
Carlow’s Pride of Place
Carlow’s Pride of Place Towns & Villages Entry Form 2022 can be found on Carlow.ie website under publications: https://www.carlow.ie/publications/ CLOSING DATE TOMORROW MAY 18TH!
Carlow Youth Survey
Carlow County Council are inviting teenagers to take part in the Carlow Youth Survey! This is a short 7 question survey, we really welcome your views. Closing date is 20th May! Take the survey at https://buff.ly/3wlAkTy