Historic Sites

St. Mullins is beautifully situated on a high wooded promontory on the east bank of the River Barrow, overlooked by the Blackstairs Mountains to the east and Mount Brandon to the west. St. Mullins is one of the county’s most important archaeological sites containing aspects of both religious and secular history. It is very much a place of tradition with both the graveyard and holy well still in use by local people.

Quaker graveyard and Lecky family graveyard – The charming village of Ballon is rich in archaeological heritage. Located on the outskirts of the village is the […]

Ballyloughan Castle, originally belonged to the Kavanaghs before passing into the hands of the Bagenal family of nearby Bagenalstown and following this the Bruen family in the early 19th century. It is unknown exactly when Ballyloughan castle was built, but it is believed to have been sometime in the 13th century, the architectural style suggests it was constructed by the Normans, it consists of a large open courtyard with a curtain wall and a moat outside. Now in ruins, only a small square tower of Ballyloughan Castle remains, as well as the entrance gate, which is flanked by two large rounded towers.

Ballymoon Castle lies just 3.5 km east of Bagenalstown. Dating back to the 14th century, this castle is as striking as it is unusual. It features a courtyard roughly 80 feet square, surrounded by granite walls that are 8 feet thick and 20 feet high. Square towers project from three sides, while a formidable gatehouse stands on the fourth side.

The village of Leighlinbridge developed at this strategic crossing on the River Barrow, defended by the Black Castle. In 1181, the Norman, Hugh de Lacy built the first castle here to defend the crossing while the present castle is reported to have been built by Sir Edward Bellingham in 1547. Black Castle was long held by the Kavanaghs and the Butlers and was also occupied by Sir Peter Carew and the Bagenals. Access direct from the river towpath.

One very unmistakable monument dating back to pre-historical times is the great Brownshill Dolmen the east of Carlow town. Brownshill Dolmen has a granite capstone weighing over 100 tonnes, making it the largest of its kind in Europe. The massive capstone rests on two portal stones which flank a door stone and slopes downwards to the west where it rests on a low boulder. The magnificent capstone has excited the interest of many antiquarians and tourists down through the years and it is thought that religious rites, possibly even human sacrifice, were performed there for four and a half thousand years (2500 BC).

Carlow Castle, which is now a ruin, stands on the eastern bank of the River Barrow. It is thought to have been built by William de Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Lord of Leinster between 1207 and 1213.

Chloch-a-Phoill lies in Ardistan, South of Tullow, and is a large holed stone of great antiquity which may have once been part of a megalithic tomb. For over 2,000 years it was believed that sick infants if passed through the six inch hole would be restored to health.

Clonmore Castle exhibits a distinctive square design, with two prominent rectangular towers at opposing corners and smaller turrets at the remaining corners. Historical records suggest that the castle was constructed in the late 13th century. Despite the passage of time, the remains of the main interior buildings still stand, making Clonmore Castle a fascinating destination for visitors.

Situated on the approach to Clonmore village in the north-eastern corner of County Carlow, is the Triple Bullaun Stone, a large natural stone featuring three hollows carved into its surface. This Triple Bullaun Stone was used in pre-historic times for pounding ingredients, much like a mortar and pestle are used today. Within the village, the graveyard on the north side of the road holds a plain High Cross, while notable fragments of another High Cross can be found in the graveyard on the south side of the road.

Haroldstown Dolmen is a well-preserved example of a portal dolmen, consisting of two slightly tilted capstones supported by ten vertical stones. Two of these stones served as the entrance to the tomb.