BAGENALSTOWN:

Bagenalstown, otherwise known as Muine Bheag, is sited on a pleasant reach of the River Barrow and derives its name from Walter Bagenal, who founded the town in the 18th century. Had Bagenal's vision for the town materialised we might today be looking at a mirror image of a town in northern France. His original plan was based on Versailles, which had its genesis in the palace of Louis XIV, with fine streetscapes and classical buildings. Shortly after he had made an impressive start by building an imposing courthouse, modelled on the Parthenon in Athens, his efforts became frustrated. However, the arrival of the railway in 1846 rejuvenated the town, and its fine neo-classical railway station is almost as impressive as the Courthouse. Nowadays, one of the finest views of the Courthouse may be had on the approach road from Leighlinbridge and includes the spire of St. Andrew's Catholic church and the fine tower of St. Mary's Church of Ireland church.

Today Bagenalstown is a pretty town with riverside walks, picnic tables and a picturesque lock. There is an outdoor pool on the approach road from Leighlinbridge, open during the Summer months. The McGrath complex offers excellent sporting facilities including cricket, hurling, soccer and football fields and a tennis court.

BED & BREAKFAST

Mrs. Mairead Heffernan
"Orchard Grove"
Wells
Bagenalstown
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 22140
Website: www.carlowtourism.com/orchard.html
Email: orchardgrove@eircom.net
Web: www.orchardgrovebb.com

Mrs. Kathleen Tallon
Knockrigg House
Wells
Bagenalstown
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 22555
Fax: + 353 (0) 503 22555
Website: www.knockrigghouse.com
Email: knockrigghse@eircom.net

Kilgraney Country House
Kilgraney
Bagenalstown
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 75283
Fax: + 353 (0) 503 75595
Website: www.kilgraneyhouse.com
Email: kilgrany@indigo.ie

Lorum Old Rectory
Bagenalstown
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 75282
Fax: + 353 (0) 503 75455
Website: www.lorum.com
Email: lorum@indigo.ie

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Dunleckney Manor is probably Carlow's most magnificent country house. Situated 2km north-east of Bagenalstown it dates to the 17th century and was seat of the Bagenal family for three centuries.

One of their most famous ancestors was Beauchamp (1735 - 1802) whose fun-loving lifestyle forced him to sell most of his 30,000 acre estate to defray an ever increasing burden of debt. He was a politician, a landlord and a libertian thus becoming a legend in his own time. Designed in Tudor Gothic style with oriel windows it is now restored to its former glory and open to the public.
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 21932.

Dunleckney Manor Opening times are as follows:

June 14th – 20th & 23rd – 27th
July: 7th – 13th & 21st – 27th
August: 4th – 10th & 16th – 22nd
1.0 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Tour on the hour
Last tour 4.00 p.m.
Admission charges: €7, accompanied children are free. In aid of charity.

Ballymoon Castle is located near Bagenalstown and dates to the early 14th century when it was a fortress. The castle was occupied by the Knights Templar, an armed religious order of the time. There is a square shaped high walled bawn within which is thought to have been internal buildings which surrounded the inner courtyard on all four sides.

Ballyloughan Castle also to be found near Bagenalstown consists of a twin-towered gatehouse, a hall and foundations of one of the corner towers of a large castle of circa 1300. Occupied in late mediaeval times by the Kavanaghs, who controlled all but two of Carlow's 150 castles.

West of Bagenalstown is Wells Church, the preserved ruins of a church dating back to 1262. The church was built from limestone rubble and granite ashlar and the present remains consist of the east and part of the south wall. It is surrounded by a beautifully well kept graveyard which dates back to the 1700's. Shankill Castle is located near to Wells Church in Paulstown, set in beautiful parkland. The interior of the castle is late 18th century and features a Georgian staircase, Gothic plasterwork in the dining room and a Victorian drawing room. Guided tours of the house are available. Tel: Elizabeth Cope at + 353 (0) 503 26145.

Shean Garden
Shean
Garryhill
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 57652

A wandering farmhouse garden on one acre nestling under the foothills of Mount Leinster, the farmhouse has been lived in by the Smyth family since it was built 400 years ago. Wide variety of many rare plants, shrubs and trees. Plants and cuttings for sale with helpful advice on garden plans and ideas available. Wheelchair friendly, teas served to groups with prior notice.

HORSE RIDING:

Carrigbeg Riding Stables
Carrigbeg
Bagenalstown
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 21962

VISITOR SERVICES:

The Bank of Ireland offers an ATM and bureau de change facilities. Tel: + 353 (0) 503 21262.

Mr. A. McCullagh, Market Square, Bagenalstown supplies tackle and angling permits to angling enthusiasts. Tel: + 353 (0) 503 21381.

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