The picturesque village of Rathvilly, located in north Carlow at the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains, is rich in history. It was once the residence of the Kings of Hy Kinsellagh. In 450 AD, St. Patrick visited the village and baptised its king, his wife, and their infant son at the Holy Well, which can still be viewed in the local graveyard. The River Slaney flows through Rathvilly, offering excellent angling opportunities and a rich variety of bird life, including herons.
The village features a monument to Kevin Barry, a local youth who played a notable role in the struggle for Irish independence.