Carlow, Ireland

Welcome to Carlow, a historic town located in the south-east of Ireland. With a population of over 24,000, Carlow is the county town of County Carlow and is situated just 84 km (52 mi) from Dublin. The town is steeped in history and has played a significant role in Irish history, serving as the capital of the country in the 14th century. Carlow is situated on the River Barrow, which flows through the town and forms the historic boundary between counties Laois and Carlow. However, the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898 included the town entirely in County Carlow. The settlement of Carlow is thousands of years old and pre-dates written Irish history. Evidence shows that human occupation in the Carlow county area extends back thousands of years. The most notable and dramatic prehistoric site is the Browneshill Dolmen – a megalithic portal tomb just outside Carlow town. Now part of the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, several Early Christian settlements are still in evidence today around the county. St Mullins monastery is believed to have been established around the 7th century, the ruins of which are still in evidence today. Old Leighlin was the site of one of the largest monastic settlements in Ireland and the location for a church synod in 630 AD which determined the date of Easter. Carlow Castle was constructed by William Marshal, Earl of Striguil and Lord of Leinster, c. 1207 – c. 1213, to guard the vital river crossing. It was also to serve as the capital of the Lordship of Ireland from 1361 until 1374. This imposing structure survived largely intact until 1814 when it was mostly destroyed in an attempt to turn the building into a lunatic asylum. The present remains now are the West Wall with two of its cylindrical towers. Carlow was incorporated as a borough in 1296 by Edward I. The parliamentary borough returned two MPs to the Irish House of Commons until 1801 and its successor constituency returned one MP to the United Kingdom House of Commons from 1801 to 1885. Carlow has a rich cultural heritage and is home to many places of interest. One of the most notable landmarks is the Brownshill Dolmen, situated on the Hacketstown Road (R726) approximately 5 km from Carlow town centre. The capstone of this dolmen is reputed to be the largest in Europe. Milford is a green area on the River Barrow approx 5 miles outside of Carlow town. It is notable as its home to Milford Mill, which was the first inland hydro-electrical plant in Ireland. It began supplying Carlow town with power in 1891. The estate at Oak Park is located 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) north of Carlow. Carlow industry has come a long way since the early 20th century when the town became the centre of Ireland’s slow process of industrialisation with the creation of the Irish Sugar Company. One of the traditional, principal employers in Carlow was OralB Braun, which had a large factory producing mostly hairdryers and electric toothbrushes; however, this closed in 2010. Burnside is also a large employer in the area; it produces hydraulic cylinders. The South East Technological University is also a significant employer in the town. Carlow is well-connected to the national transport network, with the N9 road from Dublin to Waterford passing directly through the town until May 2008 when a bypass, part of the M9 motorway, was opened, greatly reducing traffic through the town. The town is also connected to the national rail network. These transport links have helped Carlow to become a successful satellite town of Dublin in recent years. Carlow has a range of educational institutions, including secondary schools such as Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach, Presentation College, Tyndall College, Tullow Community School, St Leos College, and St Marys Knockbeg College. There is also the post-leaving certificate Carlow Institute of Further Education. Third-level institutions include the South East Technological University, formerly the Institute of Technology, Carlow, and Carlow College. Carlow Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of Assumption, was started in 1828 and completed in 1833, in Gothic style. Carlow is a town with a rich history and a bright future, and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Irish history and culture.