Ballymoon Castle – situated near Bagenalstown (also
called Muine Bheag), Ballymoon Castle was one of the earliest
Anglo-Norman strongholds in Ireland and remains quite impressive
to this day, with its granite walls over eight feet thick.
Browneshill Portal Tomb – located two miles east
of Carlow Town is the impressive Browneshill portal tomb, which
boasts the largest capstone in Ireland, weighing in at well over
100 tons.
Carlow Museum – housed in
Carlow Town Hall, the museum offers an exhibition dealing with
the county’s history, archaeology and folk life.
Carlow Town – situated at the main crossing of the
River Barrow, Carlow was once the most southerly outpost of the
English crown in Ireland. Its 13th century Norman castle, with
its two drum towers, still stands though it has suffered much
through the centuries. Other prominent buildings in the town are
the 19th century Catholic Church and courthouse.
Huntington Castle – hidden away in the village of
Clonegal is Huntington Castle, dating from the 16th century and
boasting a beautiful yew tree avenue. Home to a group of white
witches, who worship the God of Isis, the castle and gardens are
now undergoing restoration and can be visited by appointment only.
This is a fascinating experience.
Black Castle, Leighlinbridge
Leighlinbridge & Old Leighlin– a 12th century
Norman castle and a lovely stone bridge over the River Barrow
probably best characterise the town of Leighlinbridge. Not far
away lies Old Leighlin, where the first monastery was founded
in the 7th century. In the year 630, a synod took place here to
decide upon the date that Easter should be celebrated throughout
the world. The remains of a 12th century cathedral tell of the
town’s former importance as a diocese between the 12th and
16th centuries. The town went into decline after joining with
the diocese of Ferns in 1600 but Carey’s Pub seems to have
survived, having been in the same family since 1542.
Saint Mullin’s Village – this is one of the
most idyllic ancient ecclesiastical sites in Ireland. At the ancient
burial ground of the kings of Leinster beside a 7th century monastery,
the stump of a round tower, a holy well and the remains of an
old church stand overlooking the River Barrow.
