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Carlow County - Ireland Genealogical Projects (IGP TM) County Carlow, Ireland History of Carlow Part 3

PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4 Carlow Court House c.1900 County Carlow Carlow is an inland county in the shape of an upside-down triangle. It is surrounded on all sides by five other counties.  In the north there is County Kildare, once known as Kings County. To the east there is County Wicklow and to the south east there is County Wexford. To the west there is County Kilkenny and to the north west is County Laois (Leix) and was also know as Queens County. The River Slaney flows through its eastern part, which is an extension of the granite area of County Wicklow. West of this lies the fertile limestone land of the Barrow Valley, and beyond to the north-west is pleasant upland country. The county has much to offer the sightseer, the sportsman and the climber. 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 4000 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. Carlow is very much a vibrant county, bursting with energy and full of activities to suit all ages - from hand gliding and fishing to scenic walks and the annual Éigse Arts Festival. And of course the nightlife in the major towns would suit any party animal. In the Province of Leinster, Carlow is one of the 12 counties in Ireland that are land-locked. The main town is Carlow, a bustling market town with an ancient history and tradition. Carlow was a Gaelic stronghold, long before it was a Viking and Norman settlement. Nowadays, many castles and monastic ruins attest to rich history of this fertile hinterland. Fiach McHugh, a 12th century chieftain sacked Carlow in an ill-fated uprising, but is memorialised in Christy Moore's/Planxty's song about the event, from which it could be said the current Celtic music revival got its nascence! Famous for its Hurling tradition, Carlow has also produced many wonderful folk singers and musicians. MAP OF CARLOW   Carlow c.13/14th Century. County Carlow lies in the heart of the Sunny South East of Ireland. Carlow town, the county capital, is approximately 1½ hours drive from Rosslare Ferryport, Dublin Airport and Dublin Ferryport.  The Port of Dun Laoghaire Ferryport and Shannon Airport are within the same distance. Cork Airport and Ferryport (Ringaskiddy) are approximately 2½ - 3 hours, while Belfast airports and Larne Ferryport are 4 Hours drive. HISTORY Pre-Christian inhabitants of Carlow left their mark in the form of tomb monuments or dolmens, the largest of which is Browne's Hill Dolmen. These were used as communal burial grounds during the earlier Neolithic period and also for religious rights. Numerous other religious structures have been built including the Cathedral of St. Lazerian, the Adelaide Memorial Church, Carlow Cathedral, St. Patrick's College and the religious settlement at St. Mullins. The first castle in Carlow was built by the invading Normans - by the middle of the 14th century over 150 castles had been built. Some imposing ruins have survived as a reminder of 800 years of Irish history. Constructed between 1207 and 1213, Carlow Castle is thought to have been built by William the Marshall, Earl of Pembroke and Lord of Leinster to guard a vital river crossing. Carlow was once the capital of Ireland Carlow served as capital of the Lordship of Ireland under King Edward III from 1361 – 1374. In 1361 when Lionel, the son of Edward III, arrived in Ireland. He moved the King's Exchequer temporarily to Carlow and built a wall around the town. The Castle was attacked on numerous occasions and survived in reasonable repair until 1814 when Dr. Middleton attempted to convert it into a lunatic asylum. He undermined the foundations so badly that all remains of the Castle are two towers and a wall. In 1998 Carlow commemorated the 1798 United Irishman rebellion of the ill-fated insurgents of Carlow, the remains of 640 lie on the site of an old sandpit. They are remembered by the "Croppies Grave" monument in Graiguecullen, Carlow. Some places of interest to see around the county: Duckett's Grove, near Carlow Town. Originally the Georgian home of noted Anglo-Irish family, which was then rebuilt in Gothic revival style. Although burnt in 1933 the remaining towers and turrets, mostly ivy clad, give this enchanting structure a fairy tale air. Ducketts Grove House Leighlinbridge Castle, Leighlinbridge. The village of Leighlinbridge developed at this strategic crossing on the River Barrow, defended by the Black Castle. In 1180, the Norman, Hugh de Lacy built the first castle here to defend the crossing. All that remains today is the west half of a 14th century round tower and part of the bawn. LEIGHLINBRIDGE Rathgall Stone Fort, Tullow. An extensive hillside fortification with 8th century outer walls and later medieval inner walls. Evidence from excavations carried out at Rathgall suggest that hill forts were constructed from the late Bronze Age into the Iron Age and continued to be used into post medieval times. Rathgall BROWNE'S HILL DOLMEN The Browne’s Hill Dolmen is a portal tomb dating from c.3300 – 2900 B.C. It has a very large granite capstone measuring 4.7 metres x 6.1 metres x 2 metres. The capstone rests on two portal stones, a door stone and a prostrate slab. The dolmen or cromlech is a type of pagan sepulchral monument. The capstone is the largest to be found in Europe. It has been calculated to weigh over 100 tons. BROWNESHILL DOLMEN Ardattin: Near Tullow. Is a handsome estate town set in a fertile valley of the River Barrow below the gentle curve of the Blackstairs Mountains. The Cottage Collection, in the village boasts a unique display of domestic appliances, gramophones and radios, many dating back to the 1900's. Open: Sundays 14.00 - 18.00hrs. Other times by appointment. Tel: + 353 (0) 503 55639. The Coach House in the village opens every Wednesday & Sunday during the Summer months offering a wide variety of locally produced crafts. Ballintemple House (nearby), was the birthplace of Pierce Butler, signatory of the American Constitution. An extensive tree nursery tended by the state forestry service, Coillte, occupies the Ballintemple Estate. The beautiful viewing spot over the River Slaney at nearby Aghade Bridge should not be missed. Ardattin Borris A beautiful untouched picturesque Georgian village, full of charm and heritage nestling in the foothills of the Blackstairs mountains. It is situated in the woods surrounding Borris House, residence of the Kavanagh family, lineal representatives of the McMurrough-Kavanaghs - ancient Kings of Leinster. Handsome stone cut buildings and traditional shop and pub fronts add to the appeal of the town. Many original shop fronts remain, and O’Shea’s, a great old-time bar cum grocery cum hardware store! BORRIS Borris House Hidden in the wooded Barrow Valley stands this magnificent house which was built in 1731 by Morgan Kavanagh, a descendant of the former Kings of Leinster. It is surrounded by the Blackstairs Mountains. Mount Leinster dominates the landscape and the River itself bounds the Estate. There are 600 acres of rolling parkland and ancient oak Woodlandss. One of the country's oldest and best known golf courses lies within the demesne walls. Borris House has remained in the ownership of the Kavanagh family ever since and it was built and is steeped in McMurrough-Kavanagh history. There is 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 enthusiasts Borris Golf club, a nine-hole course is a must. Borris House CARLOW CATHEDRAL Carlow town Carlow Cathedral - located immediately beside St. Patrick's College. The Cathedral, started in 1828 and completed in 1833, at a cost of £9,000.00, was the brain-child of the energetic Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, James Doyle - J.K.L., the prominent champion of Catholic emancipation. The design of the Cathedral is attributed largely to Thomas Cobden, who drew his inspiration for the Carlow building from European models, particularly the Beftroi tower in Bruges, Belgium. Its magnificent tower and lantern, in all its 150 feet, lift it above the ordinary. Local granite and limestone were used in its construction. It is a monument to the unflinching faith and courage of JKL who died the year after the Cathedral was opened and who lies interred in its walls. The Cathedral also houses an acclaimed statue by John Hogan to Bishop Doyle, considered to be his greatest achievement. CATHEDRAL Thanks to the Irish Heritage group, and to George, for this contribution. Special Sessions at Carlow 1829/1830 PART 1 PART 2 PART 3 PART 4

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