Places near here
Photo credits
- Sarah777, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
- Irlandahijo, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Willow, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5
- Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0
- Smirkybec, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- liam murphy, Geograph · Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0
- Elliot Tucker, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Catholic Church of Saint John the BaptistChurch/chapel · 1447 ydExplorer Tom Saint John the Baptist in Slaneyquarter has a bellcote that probably rings for no one but the sheep. It was renovated in 1980 because it got tired of looking old and decided to freshen up. Bring biscuits, every good story needs biscuits.
Site of CastleCastle, unclassified · 1642 ydExplorer Tom Site of Castle in Downings, Carlow, makes no visible trace at all. I bet it sounds like a polite cough when the wind blows. Stand there long enough and someone will ask if you're lost or just confused.
Church (in Ruins), GraveyardChurch · 1643 ydExplorer Tom Church, Graveyard in Killerrig has an east gable and some foundations, which is about as exciting as watching paint dry. It’s roughly north of centre, so if you’re lost, just go left. Stand still and listen, the wind tells it better than me.
CastleCastle, unclassified · 1.1 miExplorer Tom Castle in Straboe confused the map makers so badly they ended up drawing it in two different directions at once. It’s only visible as crop marks now, which is basically the earth winking at you. Go before the tourists find out.
Church (in ruins), Cross, GraveyardChurch · 1.6 miExplorer Tom Church, Cross, Graveyard in Ballycook would handle a nosey neighbour by growing moss faster than their questions can be asked. It's got a whole strategy for ignoring you effectively. Best enjoyed with a bag of chips and no plans, just vibes and history.
Rathmore HouseDemesne walls/gates/railings · 1.6 miExplorer Tom Rathmore House walls are doing that thing where granite piers pretend to be fancy while actually just blocking the road. Spot the oldest stone and name it after your least favourite uncle, he'll love it.
Duckett's GroveHeritage attraction · 2.0 miExplorer Tom Duckett's Grove looks like a castle that spent too long reading Gothic novels and started copying the pictures. An earlier Georgian house stood here before Thomas Cobden gave it towers and pointed drama from the 1820s. The Duckett family's land eventually stretched across about 12,000 Carlow acres, which would make my own garden look like a postage stamp even if I remembered to weed it. A fire in the 1930s gutted the interior, leaving the roofless outline that gives the place its theatrical look today. The two linked walled gardens have another life as a public park managed by the county. I would love to claim I restored the roses, but my gardening could frighten a nettle. Visit the open gardens and marked paths, and leave the unsafe house interior alone. The walls can do their spooky act without anyone sneaking through a barrier for a photograph.
European ash2.3 miExplorer Tom European ash tree has a name that sounds like a bad hair dye brand called Fraxinus Excelsior. I think 'ash' really means 'sad but stylish' in ancient tree language. Go on, count the windows and get it wrong like I did for fun.
Cork oak2.9 miExplorer Tom Cork oak tree is basically a giant sponge wearing a suit and tie. If it were a person at a wedding, it would be the uncle who drinks too much champagne. Tell it a joke, it’s been a long time since anyone did and it needs the laugh.
Ladys Well (covered)Holy well · 3.0 miExplorer Tom Ladys Well in Tullowphelim is neatly kept with a concrete surround, looking very tidy for a place that used to host big events. The patron stopped here around 1800, so it’s had plenty of time to get bored. Tell it a joke, it's been a long time since anyone did.
Graveyard4.3 miExplorer Tom Graveyard in Ardristan is square-shaped and has a church right in the middle, like it's trying to hold everything together. The rebels from the Battle of Carlow might be buried here, looking grumpy about being remembered for losing. Bring a camera and your most suspicious face, they love that energy.
Brownshill Portal TombVisitor information · 4.5 miExplorer Tom Brownshill Portal Tomb in County Carlow would rate its visitors two stars for lack of imagination and too many selfie sticks. It’s seen it all over the millennia and isn’t impressed by your new shoes. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.
More archaeology and monuments in County Carlow · All of County Carlow
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