Page 111 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 9: Carlow’s Hidden Treasures 109

Barrow, the second-longest river in The Barrow Way
Ireland. The walk is best enjoyed in The Barrow Way extends from
the early morning or at dusk. Be sure Lowtown near Dublin in the north to
to look out for herons and St Mullins near Wexford in the south.
kingfishers along the tranquil At its southern end it rejoins the
waterway. Follow Barrow Way signs even longer and more mountainous
Wicklow Way (see p135). An easy, well-
north out of Bagenalstown 1. Pass marked walk through the counties
the charming “lifting bridge” linking of Carlow and Kildare in the eastern
the quayside with a wooded island region of Leinster, the Barrow Way
bird sanctuary and ruined watermill. wends its way from start to finish
The river sweeps on round to along the banks of canals and rivers
picturesque Rathellin Lock 2 and, through this largely flat region. Its
charms are both natural – walkers
further along, a brick-arched bridge may well spot hawks and hares as
leads to another island. The path they meander through fields of
then follows the side of the canal daisies, yarrow and mint – and man-
until a weir where the route rejoins made as the towpath skirts pretty Above Typically pretty local granite cottage at
the river. Georgian towns and mansions, Fennagh, between Ballon and Bagenalstown
Approaching Leighlinbridge there Norman castles and Cromwellian
battle sites. Waymarked Ways of
are views of Mount Leinster to the Ireland (www.irishtrails.ie) lists
right. By the splendid seven-arched suggestions for day- and half-day-
bridge in Leighlinbridge, the Black long walks along the route.
Castle 3 is a 14th-century tower, all
that remains of a castle built to river- and canal-side route, and finish
command the river crossing. Return the walk with the finest view of the
to Bagenalstown, along the same Grecian courthouse, along with the
town’s church spire
and tower.
In the fields east EAT AND DRINK
Black Castle
of Bagenalstown
LEIGHLINBRIDGE are the ruins of AROUND ALTAMONT GARDEN
Ballymoon Castle The Forge inexpensive
(a 3-km/2-mile A landmark stone building on the N80
drive along the near the turn-off for Altamont, this is a
R724 towards good place to stop for home-made
Fenagh), thought soup, sandwiches, scones and tea.
Kilbride Cross, Ballon; 059 915 9939;
to have been built www.theforgekilbride.ie; closed Mon
around 1300 by
River Barrow
Roger Bigod, one AROUND BAGENALSTOWN
Rathellin Lock (MUIN BHEAG)
of the 12th–13th-
century Earls of Lord Bagenal Hotel moderate
Norfolk, and later This well-known pub (4.5 km/3 miles
0 kilometres 1 on the R705 from bagenalstown)has
occupied by the expanded into a chic, modern hotel,
0 miles 1 Knights Templar. but retains its original, cosy wood-
Thick granite walls, panelled bar, complete with open fires.
Bagenalstown Hearty pub food is available, but there
two storeys high,
BAGENALSTOWN surround a huge is also a more formal restaurant in a
lovely setting beside the River Barrow.
courtyard 25-m Main Street, Leighlinbridge; 059 977
(80-ft) square. 4000; www.lordbagenal.com
DAY TRIP OPTIONS Altamont is signposted from the N81 From Bunclody, follow the itinerary to
Tullow, Bunclody and Ballon are ideal (left from Tullow, right from Ballon) and Nine Stones, then park and walk.
bases to visit the highlights of this area. the N80 (right from Bunclody).
Derry valley drive
Mount Leinster
Romantic gardens See Bunclody 5, then make the steep The road from Shillelagh 3 to
Explore the delights of Altamont but exhilarating climb to the top of Clonegal 4 runs through gorgeous
Garden 7, with a break for a Mount Leinster for spectacular views of scenery. End the day with a visit to
delicious, home-cooked lunch at the the surrounding mountains, the valleys fascinating Huntington Castle.
nearby Forge (see right). below and the sea in the distance. Follow the directions in the itinerary.
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

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