do it the barrow way: borris to st. mullins
County Carlow really is a haven for those who enjoy the great outdoors with stunning, unspoilt landscapes, fresh air, stimulation and wide open spaces. Consider walking the Barrow Way, in the company of Ireland’s second longest river, the beautiful Barrow and enjoy its wildlife, heritage and flora. ere’s 113km of it!! and lots of manageable stretches along the way. A walk along the Barrow Way offers a different experience for the visitor; it is remarkably picturesque, particularly from Borris southwards withsurrounding hills and woodlands adding visual splendour to your journey. is stretch of the Barrow Way covers the route from Borris to St. Mullins (16km).
Join the towpath at Ballytiglea Bridge outside the town of Borris off the R705. Continue on the towpath, with the wooded estate of Borris House on your left. At Bunahowen, the walker can see where Arthur McMorrough Kavanagh of Borris House set sail in his small boat to take up his position as an MP for Carlow and Wexford in Westminster. A remarkable nineteenth century member of the family, he was born with only rudimentary limbs, but yet learned to ride and shoot and was a world traveller. Clashganny Lock and Weir is reached some 6km from Borris and is a popular beauty and picnic spot with wonderful walks through Clashganny Forest.
Approaching Tinnahinch and Graiguenamanagh the river begins to cut its way between the hills with attractive tree-lined slopes. Both towns are connected by a beautiful bridge, constructed in 1767 when the canal system was being built. is is a busy location and a very popular mooring place on the River Barrow. Take time to discover the town of Graiguenamanagh which means the Village or Valley of the Monks. One of Ireland’s largest Cistercian monasteries, Duiske Abbey was founded in 1204 by Norman monks from Stanley Abbey in Wiltshire.
As you leave the town you pass the heritage site of Tinnahinch Castle, a Butler stronghold built to defend the ford. e walk from here to St. Mullins is approximately 6km and is full of beauty and drama with frequent weirs and the lofty Brandon Hill rising up to your right.
St. Mullins marks the finishing point of this stretch of the walk. Relax in the Mullicháin Café on the quayside where an outside seat, a view of the River Barrow and some great food makes for a fitting and relaxing end to this wonderful walk. Open Tuesday to Sunday, except on Bank Holidays, closed on Tuesday instead. Energy levels may be low but if you leave the quayside and mill buildings behind, you soon reach the Norman Motte, a high, manmade hill fortification, well worth exploring. Opposite this are the ruins of the ancient Tigh Moling, an early Christian missionary in Ireland who founded a monastery here in the 7th century which ranks in equal importance to Clonmacnoise and Glendalough.
On return to Borris plan a visit to Borris House in the centre of the town to discover the fascinating history of the McMorrough Kavanagh family, whose ancestry stretches back to the Royal families of ancient Ireland. Open most Wednesdays – Fridays, May – September and occasional weekends. Check www.borrishouse.com For more information visit www.carlowtourism.com carlow accommodation offers
As tourism businesses in Carlow re-open their doors, members of the sector are dedicated to ensuring that all safety measures are in place to ensure the health and safety of all visitors and staff. ey are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards so you can look forward to an enjoyable and relaxing experience! Fáilte Ireland, has created a series of guidelines for re-opening tailored to the various sectors of the industry which tourism providers in Carlow are strictly adhering to. Visitors can be reassured that these recommendations are underpinned by advice made available from the HSA, HSE, HPSC, FSAI, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other relevant bodies. Initiatives being implemented include: Clear social distancing signage Advanced and consistent cleaning regimes Hand sanitising or hand washing facilities Frequently ventilated premises Reassuring and trained welcoming staff
SEVEN OAKS HOTEL AND LEISURE CLUB Athy Road, Carlow R93 V4K5 t: 059–9131308 w: www.sevenoakshotel.com Midweek: 2BB&1Dinner €119.00 per person sharing 3BB&1Dinner €169.00 per person sharing Weekend: 2BB&1Dinner €129.00 per person sharing 3BB&1Dinner €179.00.00 per person sharing Packages include dinner on one evening, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine Children under 12 share free but pay for meals. A single supplement of €25.00 per night applies for single occupancy rooms.
MOUNT WOLSELEY HOTEL, SPA AND GOLF RESORT Tullow, Co. Carlow R93 C9H0 t: 059–9180100 w: www.mountwolseley.ie GREAT ESCAPE: Unbeatable value one night special offer package! Overnight stay in a deluxe room with full Irish breakfast and four course dinner in Frederick’s Restaurant. is exceptional offer also includes the following hotel credits: €5.00 per adult towards Afternoon Tea €10.00 per adult towards full game of golf 15% discount on selected Elemis products From €168 – book now FAMILY STAYCATION: 2 or 3 night family staycation exceptional offer Full Irish breakfast for all the family Four course dinner for adults on one evening “Woolie Bear” dinner menu for children on one evening Access to Woodland Play Park Free Wi-Fi Resort country walking trail From €342 – book now GOLDEN HOLIDAYS OFFER: Two night stay in a deluxe double room – midweek. Full Irish breakfast – free newspaper Four course dinner on both evenings in Frederick’s Restaurant PLUS €5.00 per adult towards Afternoon Tea €10.00 per adult towards full game of golf SUMMER SALE RESORT HOUSES 15% discount on selected Elemis products 10% discount card for Rathwood Enjoy a 20% discount on our luxurious resort houses Garden and Lifestyle Centre Resort country walking trail Only €294 – book now
HUNTINGTON CASTLE Clonegal, Co. Carlow Y21 K237 t: 053–9377160 w: www.huntingtoncastle.com B&B €95 p.p.s. including complimentary house tour and full Irish breakfast. Ever wondered what’s its like to stay in a 17th Century Castle? If you like the thought of getting away from it all for a little while then why not come and stay at Huntington Castle. carlow accommodation offers
WOODFORD DOLMEN HOTEL Kilkenny Road, Carlow R97 N207 t: 059–9142002 w: www.woodforddolmenhotel.ie
B&B with dinner one night getaway from €129 Overnight stay for two in our comfortable and relaxing bedrooms with full Irish breakfast the following morning and a four course evening meal in our Plum Tree Bistro.
Family 2 night staycation – from €260. Two nights in a family room for two adults and up to two kids (under 11). Full Irish breakfast each morning for all the family. Two course family meal on the evening of your choice. Complimentary Kids movie night with popcorn and juice both nights. 10% discount for great family attractions including Castlecomer Discovery Park, Reptile Zoo and the Chocolate Garden. Hotel also has a fun fairy garden, nature trail hunt and lots of garden space for kids to play in and enjoy.
ree nights Ancient East Explore – from €330. Relax on arrival with Tea/Coffee and fresh baked scones on arrival. ree nights in a comfy double room. Full Irish breakfast each morning. Four course evening meal each night.
AVLON HOUSE B&B Green Lane, Dublin Road, Carlow R93 NT26 t: 059–9174222 w: www.carlowbedandbreakfast.com A boutique traditional Irish bed and breakfast where quality meets the personal touch. Stay and save: 7% off 2 night stays 10% off 3+ night stays or non refundable 12.5% off advance Purchase bookings more than 5 days in advance 10% off last minute bookings within 3 days of arrival. Book direct on their own website to avail of additional 10% discount on total cost of stay. Use Promo Code “Direct” during checkout process. For those not ready for communal dining yet Avlon House now offer room only rates in addition to B&B rates, if your package does not include breakfast this can be purchased on arrival, full breakfast menu is available for €8.00 per person.
MOUNT BRANDON HOLIDAY COTTAGES Tinnahinch, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny R95 P046 t: 059–9724789/085–7317501 w: www.mountbrandoncottages.com Weekly rate (7 nights) 570.00 July/August 2020 27.06.2020 – 29.08.2020 440.00 Late 2020 29.08.2020 – 19.12.2020 Weekend rate (2 nights) 340.00 Late 2020 29.08.2020 – 19.12.2020 Midweek rate (3 nights) 350.00 Late 2020 29.08.2020 – 19.12.2020 Bank Holidays (3 nights) 395.00 October Bank Holiday 23.10.2020 – 26.10.2020 495.00 Christmas 23.12.2020 – 28.12.2020 495.00 New Year 2020/2021 30.12.2020 – 04.01.2021 Nightly rate (off season) 200.00 Special Event (4 - 7 nights) 570.00 Christmas Break 21.12.2020 – 28.12.2020 570.00 New Year 2020/2021 28.12.2020 – 04.01.2021