BALLON-RATHOE:

The Blackstairs and Wicklow mountains provide a dramatic backdrop to this picturesque village situated on the N80 Carlow - Wexford road. Ballon-Rathoe has a rich and interesting historical past from the earliest times to the present day. There is a strong archaeological presence in the area which includes a motte and bailey at Castlemore and Castlegrace, ringforts, cashels, standing stones and holy wells. Ballon derives its name from Ui Ballein, a tribe of the Fothanta whose headquarters were at Ballykealy. In 177 AD, Cathail Mor, King of Ireland was killed and buried at Enach Ailbhe or Ballon Hill. The village has two pubs which provide good night-time entertainment especially at weekends. St. Patrick's Church provides an excellent example of 19th century craftsmanship with beautiful stained glass windows. Rathoe in the northern part of the parish, is situated between Tullow and Ballon, a small friendly village made famous by Bard Van Vousden who wrote the song The Roads around Rathoe.

VISITOR ACCOMMODATION:

Mrs. Chrissie McGagh
Pheasant's Rise
Ballykealey
Ballon
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 59267
Fax: + 353 (0) 503 59517
Website: www.carlowtourism.com/pheasant.html
Email: mcgagh@gofree.indigo.ie

Teach Aine
Milltown
Kilbride
Ballon
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 59136
Fax: + 353 (0) 503 59136
Website: www.carlowtourism.com/teachaine.html
Email: theforgekilbride@eircom.net

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Malone's Fruit Farm
Ballon
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 59477
Fax: + 353 (0) 503 59478

Malone's Fruit Farm is unique, where the visitor can buy fruit to take home or enjoy on their trip. This farm received the An Bord Glas Quality & Hygiene Award for the soft fruit industry (1998 & 1999) and consists of twelve acres of soft fruit run by the Malone Family. A variety of fruits are grown including strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, tayberries, loganberries and currants. Guided tours provided on request.

Mrs. Stasia O' Neill
Ballon
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 59144

An eye-catching display of trees, shrubs and flowers with rockery and some Bonsai on 3/4 acre - well worth a visit. Ornamental garden with many perennials and semi-mature dwarf conifer. Potted box plants are for sale. Wheelchair friendly. Open: Sundays & Bank Holidays May - August 2.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. Other times by appointment.

VISITOR SERVICES:

The Forge Craft & Coffee Shop
Kilbride Cross
Ballon
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 59939
Fax: + 353 (0) 503 59939
Email: theforgekilbride@eircom.net

Built as a steward's house on the Keogh Estate in the 1700's and later a forge, country shop and post office which was operated by the Murphy family until the 1970's. Built from local granite and oak the building has been restored to a new life as a craft and coffee shop, while still retaining the flag floors, sash windows and replicas of original timber work. Located two miles outside Ballon on the Bunclody Road.

Two squash courts and one badminton court in Rathoe Sports Complex are open to visitors (Tel: + 353 (0) 503 48647). The annual Point to Point races are held in Lisgarvan, Ballon in February and attracts large crowds. St. Patrick's Day (17.03.) is celebrated in Ballon with a parade of local organisations and businesses.

The village of Ballon enjoys easy access to the South Leinster Way, a beautiful walk which starts at Kildavin and leads the walker between some fine lofty summits, follows a towpath along the River Barrow and passes through some of Ireland's mediaeval sites and ancient towns.

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