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
Lace Faoin Aer – August Craft Month
During August Craft Month, Borris Lacemakers will hold a weekly lace display and Borris lace making demonstration in various scenic locations throughout South Carlow Come along, meet the makers, see how the lace is made, and view some beautiful samples of Borris Lace....
SETU Carlow Campus Sports Scholarships now open.
SETU Carlow provides a number of Sports Scholarships to students of exceptional sporting ability for each academic year. The Scholarships afford the elite sports person the opportunity to compete at the highest level while pursuing a course of academic study in...
PROPOSED CARLOW WIND FARM PROJECT TO HOLD PUBLIC CONSULATION EVENT
EDF Renewables Ireland will hold its first community consultation clinic for its planned Seskin wind farm in the Lord Bagenal on Monday 25 July. The event will run between 2-7pm and members of the public are invited to attend to meet with the project team and learn...
Urban Dereliction, Vacancy and Housing in Carlow Town and County
A public meeting on housing issues will take place in Carlow town next week. Carlow Kilkenny Green Party are facilitating a discussion on urban dereliction, vacancy and housing in Carlow town and county. Carlow Kilkenny TD Malcolm Noonan will also speak at the...
Carlow Participates in International Gardening Event
County Carlow was represented at a major international gardening event held in Alexandroupolis, Greece last week. The event was organised through the Ru:rban programme which is part of the European Union’s Urbact initiative to build sustainable urban communities....
CARLOW’S FIREFIGHTERS SCOOP TOP AWARD FOR EIGHTH TIME
THE County Carlow Fire and Rescue Service scooped multiple awards recently when they took part in an extrication and trauma challenge in Newcastle, Co Wicklow, including a lifetime achievement award for one of its members. Firefighter Paul Curran, stationed at the...
The Community Centres Investment Fund is a capital fund of €15 million which will provide funding for the improvement & refurbishment of existing community centres in both urban & rural areas. Details at https://buff.ly/3yqOvJZ More Information
Go All Out
Go All Out – Cara will be coordinating Ireland’s first ever inclusive outdoors week from July 18th to 24th 2022. Cara’s Inaugural Go All Out Week is set to inspire people with disabilities and professionals working in the outdoor sector to understand the value and to...
Carlow Fringe Festival 2022
We're Back! The Carlow Fringe Arts Festival 2022 will take place from the 11th to the 14th of August. The festival will be brimming with exhibitions, showcasing art, craft & music by local & national musicians. We are inviting participation from anyone who is...
Consultation on Ireland’s Second SDG National Implementation Plan
The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications has launched the final round of consultation on the draft of Ireland’s Second Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) National Implementation Plan. The draft Implementation Plan aims to build on the structures and...