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
Carlow PPN currently have 2 Representative vacancies
Are you are interested in having your community's voice heard? Carlow PPN currently have 2 Representative vacancies: Community & Voluntary seat on the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) Social Inclusion seat on the Housing, Community and Wellbeing Strategic Policy...
Volunteers Needed – Meals on Wheels
Sports First Aid Training Course
Carlow Sports Partnership are holding a Sports First Aid Training Course on Saturday 8th July 2023 (9.30am - 16.30) Location: Carlow Town Hall, Centaur Street, Carlow, R93 TK85 Booking at https://buff.ly/43xhZm4
Carlow Arts Festival 2023
With lots of events to suit all age groups and interests, visit Carlow Arts Festival | Wed 7 - Sun 11 June 2023 for full details
National Heritage Week – Open for submissions
Pass down the traditions of your community. Create an event for National Heritage Week 2023 on http://heritageweek.ie and join us in celebrating our 'living heritage'!
Congratulations to our New Carlow Rose 2023
Caoimhe (22) from Ballybit Big, Rathvilly was crowned Carlow Rose 2023 at the exciting final in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. Daughter of Brian and Ciara (née O’Rourke), Caoimhe is a geography and English teacher at Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass, while she’s also studying...
Biodiversity Week 2023
For events near you check out: National Biodiversity Week Ireland 2023
MEET THE GIRLS WHO WANT TO REPRESENT CARLOW
THIS Friday night, Carlow Roses will gather at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel for a night full of entertainment, glamour and, above all, great fun, as we find out who will represent Carlow at The Dome in Tralee this August. The warmest welcome on the night will be for...
Wellness Workshop
We here in SOS want to invite you to atttend a day of wellness. A wellness workshop is a day for you to take time out for yourself and learn a wide range of practical tips, tools and techniques that you can use in your everyday life to improve your own wellness....
Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant
Recent changes to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant include: Vacant Properties increased from €30k to €50k Derelict Properties increased from €50k to €70k Extended to properties built in 2007 or before...