County Carlow - The Dolmen County

County Carlow is home to gentle flowing rivers, historic estates, medieval castle ruins, lush countryside, and pre-historic burial sites.

Historic footprints of traders, Norse invaders and holymen mark the banks of the River Barrow which runs directly through County Carlow.

Image Credit

Table of Contents

Location of County Carlow

Ireland's second smallest county, Carlow is located inland in the southeast of the province of Leinster.

Image Credit

The Carlow Coat of Arms was first recorded in 1665. It is linked to the Butler family.

The English lions signify the Butlers' land was granted to them by the English crown.

Image Credit

The Dolmen County

The nickname of the "Dolmen County" was bestowed upon Carlow because it is home to Europe's largest dolmen. The capstone of the Brownshill Dolmen, located just outside Carlow town, is estimated to weigh over 150 tonnes (330,000 pounds).

How our Celtic forefathers maneuvered such a rock into position over this portal tomb is an amazing feat of ancient engineering!

Haroldstown Dolmen is another well-preserved example of a portal dolmen and is located near the town of Tullow. An 8th century hillside fort can be seen in Rathgall.

Image Credit

Carlow Town

Carlow town is built around the River Barrow which marks the boundary between counties Laois and Carlow. It is an ancient town, founded thousands of years ago. In the 14th century it served as the capital of the whole island.

Carlow Cathedral was the first Catholic Cathedral to be built in Ireland after Catholic Emancipation in 1829.

It was completed in 1833. The town boasts many historical sites of interest including the Town Hall, the Courthouse, and St. Patrick's College.

Image Credit

The ruins that once were Carlow Castle sit on a height above the River Barrow near Carlow town.

Built between 1207 and 1213, it is a National Monument of Ireland.

Image Credit

Scenic walks and drives pass along the banks of the River Barrow. Horses once towed barges along this lazy river.

Their towpaths from days gone by are now traffic-free, providing relaxed trailways for today's walkers, birdwatchers and anglers.

Image Credit

Fishing in County Carlow

Fishing access is mainly confined to areas near the towns.

Trout can be caught in the Republic of Ireland without a fishing license, but would-be anglers need to be aware that one is required to catch salmon.

Image Credit

A medieval castle sits between the trees on the banks of the Barrow.

There are many castle ruins to be seen all over this county of lush green pastures.

Image Credit

One man and his dog enjoy the calming sound of running waters, observed by a local swan, near Millford.

Swans are found all over Ireland, and many live along the River Barrow in County Carlow.

Image Credit

Man-made weirs occur frequently along the river.

Image Credit

Old Country Houses

Many old country houses with extensive gardens can be visited throughout the county.

Borris House is located in some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland and is a perfect wedding location. Even the gates to this old demesne are impressive.

Image Credit

Duckett's Grove was at the center of a 12,000 acre estate which dominated County Carlow for over 300 years.

Other gardens and castles which can be visited include Ballyloughan, Ballymoon, Huntington and Black Castle.

Gardens open to the public include Altamount House, Hardymount, and Kilgraney House to name a few.

Image Credit

Nicknames for People from County Carlow

I have to admit I first met a Carlow man in New York, not Ireland. Nicknames abound for people from Carlow.

"Scallion Eaters" finds its origins in the 19th century when most of the onions sold in Leinster were grown in Carlow.

"Barrowsiders" is another more romantic name for those who hail from the banks of this beautiful river.

Famous People From County Carlow

Upon researching this post I discovered some famous historical characters with strong Carlow ties.

Pierce Butler (1744 - 1822) one of the Founding Fathers of the United States was born in Carlow.

Another Carlow man John Tyndall (1820 - 1893) was the first scientist to explain why the sky is blue.

Myles Keogh (1840 - 1876) grew up in Carlow at the time of Ireland's Great Hunger, survived the American Civil War as a Union commander, only to be killed with Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

Today, the Hollywood actress Saoirse Ronan calls Co. Carlow home, despite her New York birth.

Tourist Information for County Carlow

These few, simple pictures are merely a small sample of the beauty and tranquility County Carlow offers. The following sites are helpful for anyone planning a trip:

Carlow Tourism

Carlow County Museum

Discover Ireland - The River Barrow

Borris House

Altamount Garden

Fishing In Ireland

Here's the link for other counties we have visited so far on our tour of Ireland, county-by-county.

Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.

Here are some more recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...

Ardmore - An Irish and American Town Name

What Is A Dolmen?

Furze - The Yellow Flower of the Irish Landscape