Welcome to the website of Carlow County Museum. This site has been developed as part of the Cultural Xchange project, which is a joint initiative between Carlow County Museum, Ireland and the Pembrokeshire Museum Service in Wales.

This site gives a flavour of the rich heritage of the county by using images from the Museum’s collection, along with images of important and historical sites from around the county. Many of the images are panoramic views or in 3D format. There are articles submitted by participants on our training courses held during the duration of the Cultural Xchange project. The site is divided into two main areas, Carlow and Topics. Carlow is subdivided into Carlow Town and County, which look at a variety of places and locations in each area. Topics is subdivided into several sections from sport, industry, to transport, archaeology and events.  Don’t forget to check back and view the regular updates.

This project has been funded through the European Union’s Interreg IIIA Programme with further funding for the project coming from Carlow Town Council, and Carlow County Council.

The Interreg IIIA Programme is a community initiative which promotes cross-border, transnational and inter-regional co-operation in the European Union and its border regions. Interreg IIIA supports joint Irish/Welsh projects with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of the cross-border region through an integrated approach to economic, social and environmental development.

Carlow County Museum is operated by Carlow Town Council and Carlow County Council in association with the Carlow Historical & Archaeological Society. Currently Carlow County Museum is under going an upgrade and major renovations and is therefore until further notice closed to the public.

For further information on Carlow County Museum and any queries contact the Museum Curator at dmulligan@carlowcoco.ie

For further information on Carlow Tourism including accommodation, activities, gardens, walks, festivals and events go to www.carlowtourism.com

For further information on Carlow County and Town’s Councils go to www.carlow.ie

For further information on the Interreg IIIA Programme go to www.interreg.ie

County Carlow is an important urban centre of economic activity and holds a strategic location in the South East of Ireland, being a gateway to the region from Dublin and the Midlands. Over the past number of years significant investment has taken place throughout the county in housing, roads, education and business. There is also significant investment in the preservation and enhancement of the environment, development of tourism promotion and preservation of the uniqueness of Carlow as an historical and cultural area.

County Carlow’s population has grown and is currently in excess of 50,000 persons. Carlow is the capital town of the county and it is experiencing considerable growth. Other principal towns of the county that have also grown are Tullow, Muinebheag (Bagenalstown), Hacketstown and Borris.

The principal town of County Carlow is the town of Carlow. In fact the town gives its name to the county. The town development begun in the late twelfth century when a fortification was erected on the site now occupied by Carlow Castle. The construction of the Castle was granted permission by William Marshall, the Earl of Pembroke whose father in law, the previous Earl, Strongbow had led the Norman invasion of Ireland.

The origin and meaning of the name Carlow is still debated. Some say it means Ceathar Lach, that is the Irish for Four Lakes, which were reputed to have been formed by the meeting of the Rivers Barrow and Burrin in Carlow Town. Others say that it means the castle/ fort or town/city on the river/lake referring to Carlow Castle and the early fortification being located on high ground beside the meeting of the Rivers Barrow and Burrin.

There are two major roads passing through both Carlow town and county, the N9 national primary route serves Dublin to Waterford, which is to be upgraded to Euroroute status and the national secondary route, N80 serving Rosslare to the midlands. The national secondary route N81 services Dublin to Tullow via Blessington and Baltinglass. Carlow is approximately 90kms from the ferry ports of Rosslare, Waterford, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin. Carlow is located almost equal distance between Dublin Airport and Waterford Regional Airport. Bus Eireann and private operators provide daily services within the county and to main destinations in surrounding counties and nationally. Both Carlow town and Muine Bheag are served by the main railway line of Dublin to Waterford.

Carlow town is home to two third level institutions, I.T. Carlow and Carlow College.

I.T. Carlow founded in 1970 and was among the first 3rd level colleges of its kind in Ireland which provides a broad range of academic programmes in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and business management. Carlow College was founded in 1782 as Ireland’s first Catholic third level institution. The college promotes humanities and social studies through the provision of certified courses in philosophy, theology, literature and education & social care up to and including post graduate level.

Tegasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, which is responsible for the provision of research, training and advisory services to the agricultural sector operates a large research facility on the outskirts of the town at the impressive estate of Oak Park.

 
Carlow’s landscape can be defined by the rich agricultural lowlands, running down to the river Barrow on the west and Slaney Rivers on the east of the county. The Blackstairs Mountains and Castlecomer Plateau form a magnificent natural backdrop. This complex landscape has given rise to a wealth of areas of outstanding natural beauty.