County Carlow

Exploring County Carlow

County Carlow lies in south-east Ireland, bordered by County Laois to the north-west, County Kildare to the north-east, County Wicklow to the east, County Wexford to the south-east and County Kilkenny to the west. One of Ireland's smallest counties, Carlow brings together the upland landscapes of the Blackstairs Mountains, the River Barrow valley, rolling farmland, woodland and historic settlements, with walking routes connecting mountain slopes, riverside paths, villages and countryside.

The Blackstairs Mountains rise along the eastern side of County Carlow, forming a natural boundary with County Wexford. Their open slopes, ridgelines and upland grassland provide some of the county's most distinctive walking landscapes. Mount Leinster, the highest summit in the range, offers extensive views across the surrounding countryside, while the Blackstairs Mountain range provides opportunities for more demanding hillwalking through exposed upland terrain.

The South Leinster Way crosses the Blackstairs Mountains and the countryside of County Carlow as part of a longer walking route through south-east Ireland. The trail connects upland paths, forest tracks, rural roads and villages, passing through landscapes around Borris, Mount Leinster and the Barrow Valley. Shorter sections provide opportunities to explore the mountain foothills and surrounding countryside without completing the entire route.

The River Barrow is another defining feature of County Carlow, flowing through the county and passing Carlow town, Leighlinbridge and Bagenalstown, with Borris situated nearby in the surrounding countryside. The Barrow Way follows the river and its historic navigation towpaths, connecting waterside villages, locks, bridges and agricultural landscapes. Much of the route offers relatively level walking, with opportunities to explore the river valley over shorter distances or as part of a longer journey.

Carlow town, situated beside the River Barrow, provides a starting point for exploring the northern part of the county. Its historic streets, riverside setting and surrounding countryside connect with walking routes along the Barrow and nearby rural paths. Further south, Leighlinbridge and Bagenalstown, also known as Muine Bheag, offer access to the river, historic bridges and quiet countryside.

The village of Borris lies beneath the Blackstairs Mountains, surrounded by farmland, woodland and the wooded slopes of the Barrow Valley. Its historic estate landscapes and proximity to both the mountains and river make it a useful base for walking. Nearby, the countryside around St Mullins includes riverside paths, historic remains and the southern reaches of the Barrow Way, where the river passes through a more wooded valley landscape.

Beyond the main walking routes, County Carlow offers a network of local paths, forest walks and rural lanes. The countryside around Clonegal, Myshall and Rathvilly includes wooded hills, farmland and historic villages, while the foothills of Mount Leinster provide access to more elevated walking. Altamont Gardens, near Tullow, adds landscaped gardens, woodland and lakeside paths to the county's quieter walking opportunities.

From the open ridges of the Blackstairs Mountains and the slopes of Mount Leinster to the riverside paths of the Barrow Valley, County Carlow can be explored through mountain walks, woodland trails and longer routes, with accommodation in Carlow town, Borris, riverside villages and countryside locations across the county.