Carlow
The capital of County Carlow, this town has the name of being the Celtic Centre of Ireland.
Near to the town is the tiny Sleaty Church, reputed to be where the oldest Christian manuscript - The Life of Saint Patrick - was said to have originated. Many fine, historical buildings will capture your interest, specifically the Cathedral which took more than 14 years from 1833. You will only be able to notice one wall and two towers of Carlow Castle - built in the 13th century, it was a ruin by 1765.
For a more complete site of historical interest, take a trip to Carlow's spectacular Brown Hills Dolmen - a field monument of huge proportions. As is often the case with these remnants of an ancient time, the purpose and history of this Megalithic structure is a mystery. The likeliest explanation is that it marks the burial of a local king but myth and conjecture have long since masked any known facts.
Despite the size of the town, it plays host to an impressive array of festivals throughout the year. These culminate in the Feile an Fhomhair Carlow which is a five day bilingual festival in October with an environmental theme.
Carlow's original name, Ceatharlach, is thought to have originated from the Irish for 'Four Lakes', though some historians have evidence to dispute this.
The history of the town can be traced to almost 4,000 years ago. Both the town and the county of Carlow has numerous attractions of historical and pre-historical significance. For example, just a few minutes drive from Carlow town is the Brownshill Dolmen, boasting the largest capstone in Ireland, if not Europe.
Carlow was also very much a military town in it's past, because of it's strategic positioning - a fact which is reflected in the remains of the once masterful Carlow Castle.
The watering holes:
COSMO BROWN @ THE RITZ
BROWNS CLUB, Tullow Street, CarlowCarlows new hotel is located on Tullow St, the towns principal social and shopping street. 19 ensuite bedrooms. Browns Club - Night club 4 nights Thurs - Sun. Café Bar, conference & Meeting rooms, function rooms.
Tel: (059) 9141384
Fax: (059) 9141398
Email: info@cosmobrown.com
Web: www.cosmobrown.com
IRISHMANS, THE
Court Place, Carlow. The Irishmans provides a warm, friendly atmosphere where you can relax in our old style traditional bar and newly renovated lounge. Friendly, welcoming staff and a great sporting venue with satellite to capture all major sporting events from around the world. Private Parties and functions catered for. Car Parking available (caters for up to 60 cars)
Tel: (059) 9131171
NANCY WHISKEYS
The Haymarket, Carlow, your Friendly Neighbourhood pub, comfortable surroundings, friendly attentive staff and loads of parking. Live Music every weekend and live premiership soccer, rugby & GAA. Racing Channel daily.
Tel: (059) 9135588
SHERIFF GUEVARA'S PUBLIC HOUSE & BISTRO BAR
11 Brown Street, Carlow. Full lunch & dinner menu. Only Lazer Juke Box in town. 2 Tournament Pool Tables. Live music every Saturday night. Karoake Tues & Thurs. DJ's every Tues, Thurs & Sun. Poker Nights every Thursday. Function room available for parties & functions and a beer garden. Draft Pints €2.80 every Monday.
Tel: (059) 9142172
Fax: (056) 7723639
Email: info@sheriffguevara.com
Web: www.sheriffguevara.com
BUZZ'S BAR
Tullow Street, Carlow. It's Where The Party's At ! .... Is Yours ? Late Bar Thursday, Friday & Saturday until 1.30am. Late Bar Sunday until 1.00am. Private function area (separate entrance). Carvery Monday - Saturday. Live music Thursday & Sunday evenings. DJ's Friday - Sunday. Hen & Stag parties welcome. 6 full size snooker tables & jukebox upstairs.
Tel: (059) 9143307
Fax: (059) 9135515
Email: info@buzzs.com
Web: www.buzzs.com
CARPENTERS BAR & RESTAURANT
10 Barrack Street, Carlow. Traditional Bar, Lounge & Restaurant. Large Screens for all major sporting events. Functions catered for. Off License, gaming machines and undertakers...
Tel: (059) 9143059
Email: carpentersbar@yahoo.co.uk
CASTLE TAVERN BAR & OFF-LICENSE
Castle Street, Carlow. Carlow's original Rock bar. Juke Box. DJ Fri. Sat & Sun. Our off-license provides a full range of wines and exotic beers from around the world. Parties catered for.
Tel: (059) 9140279 / 9176996
Fax: (0503) 7790851
FINEGAN'S BAR & OFF LICENSE
31 Tullow Street, Carlow. Comfortable & traditional surroundings. Functions & parties of all sizes catered for. Live music every weekend. Large screens for all weekend sporting events. Our off license provides you with a full range of wines and exotic beverages from around the globe.
Tel: (059) 9131233
LENNON'S
121 Tullow Street, Carlow. Modern & warm surroundings. Award winning food service. Lunches served daily 12am-4pm. Live music every weekend. Functions & parties catered for
Tel: (059) 9131575
Fax: (059) 9131579
MCHUGH'S COURTHOUSE HOTEL
38/39 Dublin Street, Carlow. With its central location and close to the River Barrow walkways, town park, shopping areas, other bars, restaurants and nightclubs, McHugh's Courthouse Hotel makes for an ideal place to stay. All rooms En-Suite with bath. Live Entertainment every Friday & Saturday night in McHugh's Bar. Attractive a la carte menu in The Jury Room Restaurant. Conference room available.
Tel: 353 59 91 33243
Fax: 353 59 91 33430
Email: info@mchughscourthousehotel.com
Web: www.mchughscourthousehotel.com
O'LOUGHLINS
Dublin Street, Carlow. Lively comfortable bar with a town center location. Fresh lunches served every day. Pool tables & dartboard. DJ's Thurdsay to Sunday. Student nights every Thursday.
Tel: (059) 9132205
Fax: (059) 9141471
SCRAGGS ALLEY & NEXUS NITECLUB
12/13 Tullow Street, Carlow. Carlow's No.1 Student Venue. Coming Soon-Late Bar Thurs, Fri & Sat. Mon-Thurs, student promotions galore. Live Music every Monday & Sunday night. Function room available for parties & functions. NEXUS Niteclub every Tues, Thurs & Sat. On Tuesday nights NEXUS niteclub is Carlow Towns only late night venue.
Tel: (059) 9140407/9142233
Fax: (059) 9130845