Attractions

The development of Leighlinbridge village was greatly influenced through its historic importance as a transport route. Over 300 years before the Christian era, a great battle took place here to capture the fort of Dinn Righ, reputedly the ancient seat of the Kings of Leinster. The focal point of Leighlinbridge is its valerian bearded bridge, built in 1320 by Maurice Jakis, Canon of Kildare Cathedral. It remains today one of the oldest functioning bridges in Europe.

Killeshin is an important medieval monastery and has been a centre of learning and culture since early Christian times. The present church, built c.1150, is well worth visiting not only for its beautiful Romanesque doorway—one of the finest examples in Ireland—but also for its scenic setting. Nestled in the peaceful countryside, Killeshin offers wonderful views across the Barrow Valley to the Blackstairs Mountains earning it the nickname “The Balcony of Carlow”. The church’s Romanesque doorway is especially unique, featuring one of the few triangular gables above the arches found in Ireland.

Hacketstown, Eagle Hill, south of the town, has delightful views from its summit and most of the county can be seen spread out below. Hacketstown is surrounded by woodland and farmland, the village is a gateway to the higher Wicklow mountains to the east and the beaches of Wexford to the south.

Fennagh is known for its architectural design and granite buildings with fine examples of stone work to be seen in the houses and surrounds throughout the village. One of the most famous families associated with the area was the Lecky Watson’s, a Quaker family, who first settled here in the early 18th Century.

Clonmore is one of Carlow's most important early Christian sites with a wealth of history for visitors to discover. Situated in the scenic north-eastern corner of County Carlow, the present road cuts through the monastery founded by St. Meadoc around 600 A.D.

Clonegal received the accolade of Ireland’s tidiest village in the 2014 and 2015 Tidy Towns Awards and is well worth a visit for its stunning planting and colourful flower displays. The village of Cluain na nGall, or in English, “the Meadow of the Stranger” is set in a valley between the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains, straddling the meeting place of the rivers Slaney and Derry where the counties Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford meet.