County Carlow lies on the south eastern region of Ireland. The river Barrow flows beside it. This county has a rich history and its history can be traced back thousands of years. Here are some historical facts you should know about County Carlow.
Settlements
Early Christian settlements are still evident in County Carlow. The St. Mullin’s monastery was developed in the 7th century and you will still find the ruins today which indicate that Christians lived here even back in the 7th century.
The castle
The Carlow Castle is a beautiful castle and is visited by lots of tourists every year. It was constructed to guard the river crossing. From 1361 to 1374, it served as the capital of Lordship of Ireland. In 1814, an attempt was taken to convert the castle into a lunatic asylum and that’s when the major structure of the castle got destroyed. You can still see the ruins though.
Barrow
In 1703, a bill was passed to make Barrow navigable. In 1800, the Barrow track was completed which was between St. Mullin’s and Athy. This established a link to the Grand Canal between Dublin and Shannon. Billions of tons of goods were transported through the Barrow Navigation.
Economy
The first sugar beet factory was built in Carlow in 1926. It was there for eighty years and contributed significantly to the economy of the county. Several international companies like Braun and Lappel had their industries here in Carlow. This county is also rich in agriculture and this sector contributes to the economy of the country.
Sports
County Carlow has a rich sporting history. Horseracing, handball, football, golf and other sports were popular since the 18th century. Today, golf is considered the most popular sport here.
Writers and artists
The famous children’s book writer David Donohue is from Carlow. Artist Val Vousdenhas contributed profoundly to the artistic scene in Carlow.
If you are thinking of visiting County Carlow, then it’s worth knowing about its history. This will help you to make your trip to County Carlow more meaningful and enjoyable.