Ardattin
Ardattin Village is a picturesque country village south of Tullow near the river slaney. A local beauty spot is Aghade Bridge.
Bagenalstown
Bagenalstown on the River Barrow was founded by Walter Bagenal in the 18th century, who had visions of mirroring the city of Versailles, in northern France. The re-routing of the main road frustrated his grand plan. He left enough however for visitors to enjoy this very pretty town with its handsome stone public buildings, riverside walks, picnic tables and picturesque lock.
Ballon
The Blackstairs and Wicklow mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to the pastures and cornfields, the winding country roads and traditional, stone-cut cottages and farmsteads round this charming rural village. Aghade bridge, a beautiful viewing spot over the River Slaney, is nearby. Rathoe village, in the northern part of the parish, lies 6km from Ballon, Kellistown and Tullow. Saint Patrick’s church, in Rathoe village is a wonderful example of 19th century craftmanship and is well worth a visit.
Borris
A beautiful untouched village full of charm and heritage nestling in the foothills of the Blackstairs mountains. Many original shop fronts remain, and O Sheas, a great oldtime bar cum grocery cum hardware storeBorris House – the hereditary home of the mc Murrough-kavanagh family, is openm for Tours by arrangement. There is also a fabulous viaduct in the village along the old railway line. The lovely wooded Valley of the River Barrow is ideal for walks. For Golf enthjusiasts Borris golf club, a nine holecourse, is a must.
Carlow
Carlow is fast establishing a growing identity as the Celtic Centre of Ireland, present day Carlow offers a warm and welcome face to visitors. Tranquil Saint Mullins is a tiny settlement, located in a picturesque river valley. This year marks the 1,300of the death of Saint Moling who with his own hands carved out the channel for the winding watercourse still visible today.Near the town of Carlow, tiny Sleaty Church is the reputed place of origin for perhaps Ireland’s oldest manuscript, the Life of Saint Patrick. The two rivers that run through Carlow are, the navigable Barrow and the fish rich Slaney.
Clonegal
Beautifully located on the Carlow – Wexford border is the village of Clonegal. This marks the joining of the Slaney and Derry rivers. The Wicklow Way passes close by.
Clonmore
Cluain Mor Meadhoc in Irish, which means “Mogue’s large meadow” is situated in the scenic north-east corner of Co. Carlow and is called after St. Mogue who founded a religious community here and built a monastery about the year 530 A.D. Clonmore is noted as being one of the earliest ecclesiastical parishes in Ireland along with Ardfert, Killaloe and Clonmacnoise and is described as one of the most hallowed places connected with early Christian times. The area is noted for its historical interest and photogenic landscapes. One of its most famous items includes the triple bullaun stone, a large natural stone in situ with three hallow scooped out and used for pounding ingredients in pre-historic times.
Hacketstown
Hacketstown nestles the distinctive Eagle Hill, overlooking the River derreen. Surrounded by woodlands and farmland, the village is a gateway to the higher Wicklow mountains to the east and the beaches of Wexford to the south.
Leighlinbridge
Leighlinbridge is a historical village on the river Barrow. A strategic tower known as the Black Castle was first built here in 1181 and so was one of the earliest Norman fortresses. Leighlinbridge is a pretty village where the well known Lord Bagenal Pub and restaurant is situated. On Sundays throughout the summer fishermen from the local club can be seen in competition of the banks of the river. At Old Leighlin, 4 km west of leighlinbridge Street Lazerians Cathedral is built on this site of an old monastic church founded in 632 AD.
Myshall
At the foot of Mount Leinster the little village of Myshall has as a backdrop the famed Blackstairs Mountains. Many fine views may be had in the district and perhaps one of the best is from Corrabut Gap (56.9 m). The remains of Myshall House is in a beautiful demense near the village. Also in the village is a fine memorial church. Nearby at Rathnageeragh is the remains of a castle.
Nurney
Pleasantly situated in central Carlow with splendid views of Killeshin Hills. Ideal touring centre.
Rathvilly
The tiny village of Rathvilly became a by-word amongst Ireland’s Tidy towns and Villages winners when they won the All Ireland title for Ireland’s tidiest town on three occasions. On the outskirts of the village is reinforced earthworks or motte which dates from ancient times. The village has a commanding view of the surounding countryside with the mountan ranges of Lugnaquilla, the Blackstairs and the Slieve Blooms in clear view.
Tullow
Tullow, the main town in the east of the county, is a centre for anglers fishing the Slaney and other nearby rivers. In the market square stands a statute of Father John Murphy, the insurgent leader, who was captured near Tullow and executed in the Market Square on 2 July 1798.