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
Tidy Towns Heritage Award – Applications Open
Applications are now open for the #TidyTowns Heritage Award sponsored by The Heritage Council Closing Date: 2nd June 2023. Details at https://buff.ly/3zIfxM5
The Get SunSmart! Art Competition is back!
COMPETITION The Get SunSmart! Art Competition is back! Open to primary school children with a chance of winning OPW - Office of Public Works family heritage card, Dublin Zoo family day pass AND a national book token! You can find all the details on the competition at...
CARLOW COMMUNITIES URGED TO TAKE PART IN SPRING CLEAN CAMPAIGN
ALMOST 2,000 Carlow volunteers from over 80 community, sporting, residential, social and family groups have already taken part in this year’s National Spring Clean – and there’s still time to get involved! Even more clean-up events are planned across the county before...
New Community First Responder Group Activated
A new Community First Responder group has this week been activated following months of training to deal with certain types of emergency calls. Covering an area of 10km radius from Clashganny, encompassing Goresbridge, Borris, Rathanna, Ballymurphy, Graiguenamanagh,...
Carlow’s Pride of Place Competition 2023 is now open for Applications!
Carlow's Pride of Place Competition 2023 is now open for applications! Application forms are available to download on www.carlow.ie or contact The Community Section on 059 9136242 or community@carlowcoco.ie . Closing date for applications: Friday 5th May at 4pm.
2023 SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition celebrating 65 years of transforming communities.
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, in association with the Managing Director of SuperValu, Ian Allen, launched the 2023 SuperValu TidyTowns competition on 23rd March. Since 1958, the competition has been a pivotal initiative in...
Pan Celtic International Festival is back in Carlow this year
Pan Celtic Festival 2023 will celebrate and share the Celtic heritage, culture and language of Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany and Ireland through music, song, dance, storytelling, poetry, sport, craft, and art! You can find the full programme...
International Pan Celtic Festival, Carlow 11th – 16th April 2023
Brownshill Dolmen is one of Carlow’s iconic attractions and as part of the Pan Celtic Festival 2023 taking place in Carlow from 11th to 16th of April Carlow County Council are seeking photos, drawings, paintings, or any depiction of the Brownshill Dolmen. Selected...
BUMPER PARADE PLANNED FOR ST PATRICK’S DAY IN CARLOW
A BUMPER Lá Fheile Pádraig is planned in Carlow town this year, with music, performers, street entertainers, bouncy castles and carousels all part of the St Patrick’s Day parade and festival. Organisers have announced the return of Carlow town’s St Patrick’s Day...
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