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
Major drive to develop community gardens and share ideas across County Carlow and the EU.
As part of Ru:RBAN, which is an EU Urbact Project, the County Carlow ULG Group in association with Carlow County Council invites people who have a passion for Community Gardens to attend a International Community Garden Workshop being hosted in Carlow on 25th-26th May...
Female Athlete Research Study
Female Athlete Research Study A South East Technological University (SETU) PhD student is inviting all female athletes to participate in a research study. The study will investigate the effect of daily activities (normal food and fluid intake and physical activity) on...
CARLOW ARTS FESTIVAL 2022 Thur 9 — Sun 12 June 2022 After two years of limited live experiences, we invite you to join us for the 2022 festival, presented in person at our HQ in the grounds of Carlow College and across Carlow town. The festival presents artists’ work...
eir & EasyGo partnership: first installation of EV Chargers in Carlow
May 6th 2022: eir, Ireland’s leading telecommunications company, has today announced the installation of seven new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in County Carlow, with further installations planned across the county, as part of its partnership with EasyGo,...
County Carlow Chamber have been shortlisted in 3 categories in the National Chamber Awards
Yesterday saw the announcement of the shortlist for the Chamber Awards, designed to recognise best practice that has supported Chamber members and their communities in a variety of ways across the country. County Carlow Chamber are delighted to have been shortlisted...
A Carlow woman who took up writing in her late 30s has published her debut novel to rave reviews. Kathleen Murray’s first novel, The Deadwood Encore, was launched earlier this week in Visual, Carlow. A brilliantly inventive and witty novel about legacy and birth right...
Carlow Jobs Board – Connecting people with opportunities
Carlow County Chamber have developed and released Carlow Jobs Board, working to help connect people with opportunities across the County and its environs. Carlow Jobs Board displays opportunities that are open in a wide range of sectors and locations and in all cases...
OPW – First Wednesday, Free Admission
Reminder! if you are planning an excursion, The first Wednesday of the month and it is FREE entry to all OPW Heritage sites*. For a full list of site opening times and T&Cs please visit https://www.heritageireland.ie/.../Free-Wednesday-Jan2022... *Please note...
Put your old hurl & Helmet back in the game
For many years, the GAA have continued to play a leading role in introducing young people across the Country to the skills and joy of our native game. Carlow Gaa, through its Coaching and Games programme, continues to develop positive relationships with all of the...
Carlow’s Pride of Place awards 2022
Eric Osborne, Rathanna Village, on why you should enter Carlow's #PrideOfPlace Awards 2022! To apply, please contact Emer Connors on community@carlowcoco.ie. Closing date: May 18th 2022.[video width="426" height="426"...