Things To See & Do: County Carlow, Ireland
Carlow
Carlow, County Carlow
Carlow (Irish: Ceatharlach, meaning ‘Four Lakes’) is an inland town in the south-east of Ireland in County Carlow, 84 km from Dublin. The town numbers about 20,000 people, 3,000 of whom are students. The River Barrow flows through the town, and forms the historic boundary between counties Laois and Carlow: the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 included the town entirely in County Carlow. Carlow town is County Carlow's largest town and its administrative centre. The Carlow area has been settled for thousands of years. St Mullins monastery is believed to have been established around the 7th century. Carlow Castle was constructed by William Marshal, Earl of Striguil and Lord of Leinster, c1207-13, to guard the vital river crossing. Saint Patrick's College dates from 1793 and the Carlow Courthouse was constructed in the 19th century. There are still many old estates and houses in the surrounding areas, among them Duckett's Grove and Dunlecky Manor. St Mullins today houses a Heritage Centre.
Tullow
Tullow, County Carlow
Tullow in County Carlow (An Tulach in Irish) is an expanding market town situated 15 km (9.5 miles) from Carlow and 88 km (55 miles) from Dublin City. The town is conveniently placed for exploring the beauty spots of south Wicklow and north Wexford. as well as those of Carlow. In the market square stands a statue of Father John Murphy, the insurgent leader, who was captured near Tullow and executed in the Market Square on 2nd July 1798. The town has a small museum with much information about this period and other local history.