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
Sow For Ukraine – Sunflower Campaign
The Sow Now Sunflower seeds were packed by Ukrainian Refugees and their Irish friends on Sat 23rd April to support the work of the Irish Redcross. They now sit on the shelves of SuperValu,Centra’s and independent retailers Nationwide.
Parent Support Programme – The Good Enough Parent
The Good Enough Parent Support Programme from The Men's Development Network. The programme is for parents of children between the ages of 9-17 years old (male & female) and follows a developmental and experiential approach to the programme and supports parents in...
Carloviana 2023
Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society are now accepting papers for inclusion in the next edition of its yearly journal, Carloviana 2023, which will be launched in November 2022. The Society welcomes the submission of original papers for publication from both...
Bus Eireann School Bus Transport – Applications Open 2022/23
Applications for Primary or Post Primary School Transport Schemes must be made online. The closing date for applications is Friday 29th April for the forthcoming School Year. Register for School Transport If you are a first time user, you will need to create an online...
Carlow Credit Union launches Cultivate Agri Loan
Carlow Credit Union are delighted to inform you we will be offering a new farm loan product under the ‘Cultivate’ brand. We offer an alternative source of finance for farmers. We feel our timing is right and presents an exciting opportunity for Carlow Credit Union and...
Call for community and business groups to submit projects under Our Rural Future Schemes
Carlow County Council has launched a call for community and business groups to submit expressions of interest for projects under our Rural Future. Announcing the call, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, Cllr. Fintan Phelan said “Over the past number of years...
Consultations – open to the public in Carlow
There are a number of consultations currently open for your submissions: Public Consultation on National Lottery Funding Public Consultation on a Shared National Vision for the role of trees and forests in Ireland’s future and in developing a new Forest Strategy...
Mentoring available for Community Garden Projects as part of International Ru:Rban Project
Community Gardens across County Carlow can now avail of mentoring to support the development of capacity with their groups with the appointment of Dee Sewell from Greenside Up to the Ru:Rban Project in County Carlow. The mentoring service will work based on two...
Community Check-in & Expo
Carlow PPN invites you to host a stand at our Community Expo April 27th 2022 Save The Date Community groups! Theme: ‘The Heritage of County Carlow’ Carlow PPN Update Speakers: Eoin Sullivan, Heritage Officer, Co Carlow; Other speakers TBC Community Expo and Networking...
Mobile in May
How Sustainable Energy Communities can influence transport for the better As part of the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Programme, 3cea is delighted to launch our Mobile in May Webinar Series. This series is directed towards community groups in the South East,...