Carlow - The Celtic Centre of Ireland
Carlow is a thriving market and industrial town located
in the south east of Ireland, approximately 80km from
Dublin. The town is situated at the junction of the Barrow
and Burrin rivers. Irish tradition holds that the confluence
of these two rivers once occupied such as extensive area
of land that a large lake was formed - some believe that
four lakes were formed. This belief is reflected in the
origin of the name. Carlow is an anglicised version of
the ancient Irish 'Ceatharloch', which translates as 'four
lakes'.
Reflecting Carlow's historical pedigree, the county
contains an impressive array of ancient monuments and
historical sites. Sometimes called the "Celtic
centre" of Ireland, a visit to the county's ancient
monuments is a rich and rewarding experience. Interestingly,
pagans left their stamp on the Carlow landscape, in
the form of fascinating pre-Christian tombs (or dolmens,
to be more exact). Experts believe these sacred monuments
were used for religious ceremonies or as communal burial
grounds during the Neolithic and Megalithic periods.
The largest of these dolmens is a Megalithic structure
called Brown's Hill - a monument of impressive proportions
with the capstone believed to be the largest in Europe.
The purpose of this dolmen has been the subject of debate
for centuries. Many believe that the dolmen contains
the burial place for a local king. In a more modern
sense, the county contains numerous Christian religious
building and landmarks worth visiting. These include
Carlow Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Lazerian, St.
Patrick's College, the Adelaide Memorial Church and
St. Mullins religious settlement.
Carlow boasts an interesting and turbulent history
- the county's strategic location ensuring a substantial
position in Irish history. During the Medieval period,
the county formed a stronghold for the Anglo-Normans.
Moving forward to the 1798 rebellion, Theobald Wolfe
Tone led a nationalist uprising against British forces.
At Carlow, over six hundred Irish nationalist rebels
were massacred. Many of those rebels are buried near
Graiguecullen.
Today, Carlow offers a breadth of cultural, shopping
and leisure facilities for the visiting tourist. The
county is situated among an array of impressive scenic
landmarks, with the Blackstairs Mountains to the east
and the Killeshin Hills to the west. Two of Ireland's
most celebrated rivers, the Barrow and the Slaney flow
through the county thus providing a wealth of opportunities
for river cruising and angling. Carlow town offers an
impressive array of shops, boutiques, restaurants and
bars to suit all tastes.
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