Newspaper Review of County Carlow, Ireland

 

"Get lost in ancient tranquillity" Irish Post

"Co. Carlow is filled by ancient footsteps, deep lakes and echoes of holy endeavour", reports Malcolm Rogers.

"Maybe it’s because Carlow doesn’t attract the same number of tourists as Kerry, Cork or Clare, but somehow a feel of old Ireland pervades the place. It’s an enchanting, often overlooked county — but none the worse for that. Places to stay abound, loads of pubs are available to linger in, and above all a countryside to rival the Haute Gironne or the Tuscany uplands. Its past takes in ancient Gaelic history, the arrival of the Anglo Normans and on through to the 1798 Rebellion.

Browneshill Dolmen, County Carlow

There’s no shortage of heritage and culture here. You can wander round the environs of the early 13th century Norman castle in the town, or venture over to Browne’s Hill. This is the largest Neolithic, pre-Christian dolmen in Europe — around 3,500 years old. Many stone and bronze axes have also been found in the area of the town and along the banks of the Barrow river. Journey throughout the county and you’ll see standing stones, dolmens, stone forts and burial chambers dating back to 2500 BC. See link here

St Mullins in County Carlow

Moving swiftly forward, in the 5th and 6th centuries Carlow became an important early Christian centre. Throughout the county monastic settlements were set up — the beautiful village of St. Mullins, for example, was where St. Moling’s abbey was founded. There are still some remains of the monastery to be seen nestling beautifully in countryside which hasn’t changed much in 1500 years.You’ll be wanting to know more about the afore-mentioned countryside and what diversions are to be had throughout the county. Well, there’s fishing in the Barrow, birdwatching along the Burren, rambling in the Blackstairs...

The other charms of Carlow are not hard to find. Given its mild climate the place is a haven for gardens and gardeners. If flowers are your particular interest then head for Carlow’s Floral Festival Trail which takes place in August of each year.

The towns and villages of Carlow — picturesque places like Clonegal, Clonmore, Hacketstown, Kildavin and Killeshin — are set in beautiful pastureland. The place couldn’t be more Irish, with friendliness, and hospitality high on the agenda. It’s a pastoral place, but with enough charms to guarantee a beautifully tranquil holiday."