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
‘Setting Up and Running a Small Non-Profit Organisation‘
‘Setting Up and Running a Small Non-Profit Organisation‘ workshop will take place on 7th September at SevenOaks-HotelCarlow hosted by Carlow Public Participation Network - PPN . Details & Booking at https://buff.ly/3RmnHR1
Carlow Fire crew gearing up for World Rescue Challenge
he countdown’s on for the Carlow Fire and Rescue team heading to the World Rescue Challenge. The competition takes place in Luxembourg from 7th to 11th of September. 288 participants in 72 teams face into five challenges across the four days. Our local crew is among...
New Bike for Christmas?
Donate your old bike for a good cause!
Fully Funded Graduate Scholarship
Wexford GAA partners with South East Technological University (SETU) to Offer Fully Funded Graduate Scholarship. More Information
The Blackstairs Cycling Challenge
The Blackstairs Cycling Challenge is a local charity cycle that takes place in Ballinkillen, Co. Carlow. It is dedicated to the memory of Eoghan and Ruairí Chada, two friends who are dearly missed and always in our thoughts. The cycle runs through beautiful Inistioge,...
PERMISSION SOUGHT FOR WIND FARM IN RURAL CARLOW
A PROPOSED wind farm near Old Leighlin will go straight to An Bord Pleanála to seek planning permission following a recent decision. The seven-turbine wind farm, which spans the townlands of Ridge, Knocknabranagh, Knockbaun and Baunreagh in Co Carlow and Coolcullen in...
CARLOW RECEIVES 130K FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROJECTS
Carlow has been awarded €130,500 for outdoor adventure projects. Four projects received the funding under funding announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. The Bagenalstown Outdoor Hub at Bagenalstown Swimming Pool received...
FREE physical activity sessions for men over 45 .
County Carlow Sports Partnership are delighted to partner with Fit To Go Bootcamp and Carlow Men's Shed to offer FREE physical activity sessions for men over 45 The sessions will run 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟏:𝟎𝟎𝐚𝐦 from 17th - August to 21st September Visual tour and walk...
Carlow Active Travel e-Bulletin – Issue 3 – August 2022
Upcoming diversion routes in place for Carlow as parts of M9 expected to temporarily close
Carlow County Council having given the required notice intend to close a section of the M9 to facilitate the installation of new road studs and centre line marking on the M9 motorway. Closure Diversion Dates Closure - M9 Southbound - J6 Carlow South to J7 Paulstown...