ACTIVITIES
here a a few local activities for your enjoyment
ask about our Golf Package Specials

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Golfing in Carlow

Carlow Golf Club, Deerpark, Carlow

Phone: + 353 (0) 503 31695.

This spectacular 18-hole course near to Carlow town is ranked among the top twenty Championship courses in Ireland. Set in the beautiful green countryside of the South East, Carlow Golf Club is laid out over undulating sandy terrain with several elevated tees, in what was originally a deer park attached to the former Bruen Estate. The course is playable year round due to its links like character and always provides a challenging game.

Type of course: 18-hole parkland. Length: 5974 meters. Par: 70. Open: Daylight hours.
The Clubhouse Bar is open every day from 09.30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
A fully serviced restaurant offers a choice of lunch and dinner menus and is open from 11 a.m. each day.
Breakfast by prior arrangement.

Lessons: By arrangement with P.G.A. professional Mr. Andrew Gilbert.
Hire Services: Club & trolley hire.

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Mount Wolseley Golf & Country Club,

Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Phone: + 353 (0) 503-51674

“This is an incredibly beautiful stretch of land where the addition of water at seven locations, and an expansive tree planting programme will add to the challenge of a round of golf here at any time of year”. Christy O’ Connor Junior.

Once the ancestral home of Frederick York Wolseley who pioneered the Wolseley Car and set against the backdrop of the haunting splendour of the Mountains of East Carlow and Wicklow, this course designed by Christy O’ Connor Junior will offer a formidable challenge to any golfer with its rich population of mature trees, lakes and rolling terrain. There are no easy holes, with wide landing areas the only concession to demanding approach shots to almost every green. A round of golf at Mount Wolseley is always a treat to remember for golfers who enjoy a challenging and exciting game, in what is a memorable and historic location.

Type of course: 18 hole championship parkland.
Length: 6498 metres. Par: 72
Open: Daylight hours. There is a clubhhouse including a bar and restaurant with full bar and dining room facilities available from 10 a.m. - 11.00 p.m.
Lessons: By arrangement with P.G.A. professional Mr. Jimmy Bolger.
Hire Services: Clubs, Caddy Cars and Buggys.

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Borris Golf Club,
Borris. Co. Carlow.
Phone: + 353 (0) 503 73143

In the south of the county the 9-hole course at Borris commands panoramic views of the neighbouring countryside with Mount Leinster and the Blackstairs mountains to the east, and the Barrow Valley to the west. This parkland course is maintained to a very high standard with a modern, automatic watering system and the texture of the greens compare favourably with the best. It would be difficult to find a course in a more picturesque setting, with the stately McMurrough Kavanagh family seat in the background.

Type of course: 9 hole parkland.
Length: 5596 meters.
Par: 70.
Open: Daylight hours. The Clubhouse opens every day offering full bar facilities and light snacks. Full meals available on request.
Lessons: By arrangement with European tour professional Mr. Brian Cullen.
Hire Services: Caddy Cars. Other golfing facilities include:

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Clonmore Golf Course,
Clonmore, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow.
Phone: + 353 (0) 508 71244.

Situated in the scenic north-east corner of Co. Carlow in an area noted for its historical interest and photogenic landscape, this golf course is an 18 hole Par 3 with additional facilities for skittles, meggers and boules.

Opening hours: All year. Daylight hours.
Clubs available for hire.

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County Kilkenny Courses:

• Gowran Park - Tel: 056 7726699
• Mount Juliet - Tel: 056 7773000

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FISHING

One of of Ireland's great visitor attractions is the excellent fishing, be it coarse or fly. The River Barrow offers both. Bagenalstown makes an ideal centre for your next fishing expedition, argues local devotee, Mim Scala.

According to the well respected UK publication where to fish the River Barrow is "A limestone river which has been underrated in its potential, and not heavily fished... the river south of Monasterevin, through Athy down to Carlow has mainly coarse fishing. Plentiful stocks including bream, rudd, eels, pike, and tench"

Bagenalstown: The Fishing Centre for the River Barrow

"Throughout the year Bagenalstown offers easy access to great fishing on the river Barrow. A short scenic drive will take the angler to the surrounding rivers of the south east of Ireland, The Slaney, The Suir and the Nore. B&B accommodation is available along all sections of these rivers.

SALMON AND TROUT

For the fly fisherman , the Barrow offers native wild brown trout in all of the weir races at the 22 locks from Athy to St. Mullins and on many stretches of the river itself. Barrow trout grow to good size and are excellent sport. The Evening rise on many parts of the river has a good hatch of sedge, as the sun goes down the locals fish the brown or grey flag with great success. The Trout and Salmon fishing season on the River Barrow is from 18th of March to the 30th of September.

Salmon are caught on the Barrow from March to September , The Barrow is not noted as a salmon river for the fly fisherman. However spinning a flying C or fishing a bunch of worms in the traditional way often rewards the patient angler with a salmon on the bank.

COARSE FISHING ON THE BARROW

The Barrow is renowned for its coarse fishing. Schools of large Bream, Roach , and Rudd are found on most stretches of the river. The Barrow is a big river and locating the schools can be difficult, if in doubt ask a local. Ground baiting or the use of a swim feeder is recommended on the faster stretches of the river. Recommended baits are: Worm . Maggots, Bread flake, Sweet-corn.

PIKE FISHING

The Barrow offers some of the best pike fishing in Ireland with plenty of specimen fish of 20lb plus caught annually. Spinning a flying C is a great way to explore the river, or if you find a likely looking spot, a leisurely day with dead bait on a float rig will bring its rewards"

Author: Mim Scala © 2003

• Mim Scala also teaches fly fishing - email him here infotsmpc@eircom.net

OTHER ACTIVITIES

WALKING:

A walker’s paradise, Co. Carlow is home to three of Ireland’s key national walking routes – The South Leinster, The Wicklow and the Barrow Way which links with the Slieve Margy Way in Co. Laois. Enjoy the invigorating challenge of Carlow’s mountain treks or find peace and tranquillity on quiet country routes. Combine this with clean, fresh air, knowledgeable local guides, excellent accommodation and traditional home cooked fare for a revitalising Autumn break.

• Carlow Tourism guides are here

The Barrow Way

113km (70 miles) in length, running beside the beautiful River Barrow

By breaking the journey into several manageable strolls (or even at at different times) you can enjoy one of Europe's most beautiful walks beside the "Goodly Barrow". There is a range of accommodation on offer throughout the length of the Barrow Way and, wherever you stay, your host will generally be delighted to transport you to and from your start or finish point. Although the Barrow Way is uncrowded, you can stop to chat with anglers, canoeists and other river users.

The full length of the Barrow Way, from Lowtown to St. Mullins is 70 miles (113km). You can cover this distance in a single journey in less than a week or explore shorter sections of the walk in a number of easy strolls.

Stage 1

of the Barrow Way starts in Lowtown and a distance of 14 miles (23km) takes you to the town of Monasterevin. The raised banks of the canal offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside with views of the Hill of Allen and the Wicklow Mountains.

Stage 2

takes you from Monasterevin to Athy - 14 miles (23km). This stretch offers the visitor much of architectural interest with many old bridges and houses.

Stage 3

runs from Athy to Carlow - 12 miles (19km). This is the first of four stretches which pass through the county of Carlow. We start off from the heritage town of Athy and pass many interesting lifting bridges and old mills. A break at Maganey bridge is recommended and if it’s liquid refreshment you require the Three Counties pub is located closeby. The counties referred to are Kildare, Laois and Carlow which meet hereabouts.

Stage 4

Carlow to Bagenalstown 10 miles (16km). Milford, approximately 7 km south of Carlow is one of the most attractive stretches along the River Barrow.

Set in an idyllic location with three bridges, large mill buildings and a large wooded area it is famous as an aquatic triangle. Herons and kingfishers are often to be seen here.

This stretch of our walk is rich with historical buildings and castles including the Black Castle at Leighlinbridge and the many architectural gems in the town of Bagenalstown, where our walk ends.

Stage 5

Bagenalstown to Graiguenamanagh - 16 miles (26km).

Today we pass via the small villages of Goresbridge and Borris. On several occasions throughout the year crowds gather from Ireland and abroad for the famous horse fairs held in O’ Donoghues of Goresbridge. This is a great social gathering and should you happen to pass on a sales day make sure to drop in. The village of Borris nestles in the foothills of the Blackstairs mountains and has retained its charms of former days.

Many shops have kept their traditional fronts and the local public houses have earned nation-wide recognition for their friendly, old world atmosphere.

Our walk ends in Graiguenamanagh, a picturesque abbey town.

Stage 6

Graiguenamanagh to St. Mullins - 4 miles (6km).

St. Mullins

This stretch has beautiful woodland surroundings with a strong ecclesiastical theme in the religious settlement at St. Mullins. The complex includes a medieval church ruin, the base of a round tower and the former Church of Ireland church, built in 1811, which now hosts a heritage centre. The lower stretch is set on a glorious stretch of the Barrow Valley and includes a picnic area and restaurant where excellent traditional fare is served.

Maps: Ordnance Survey 1:126,720 Sheets 16 & 19.

We are keen walkers ourselves - ask us for details of other walks in the area

EQUESTRIAN:

• Carrigbeg Riding School - Tel: 059 9721962

HORSE RACING & SALES:

• Gowran Park Racecourse - Tel: 056 7726225
• Goresbridge Sports Horse Sales - World famous horse auctions - website here

GARDENS:

County Carlow offers some of the best public gardens in Ireland - see the website below for full details

• www.CarlowFloralFestival.com
• Carlow Tourism has details of more local activities. Tel: 059 9130411
• An independent guide to the Bagenalstown area is linked here