County Carlow

Carlow Hunt.
[ photo: County Museum. ]

County Carlow holds a strategic location in the South East of Ireland, being a gateway to the region from Dublin and the Midlands. Over the past number of years significant investment has taken place throughout the county in housing, roads, education and business. There is also significant investment in the preservation and enhancement of the environment, development of tourism promotion and preservation of the uniqueness of Carlow as an historical and cultural area.

Population

County Carlow’s population has grown and is currently in excess of 50,000 persons. Carlow is the capital town of the county and has experienced considerable growth in recent years. Other principal towns of the county that have also grown are Tullow, Muinebheag (Bagenalstown), Hacketstown and Borris.

Landscape

Carlow’s landscape can be defined by the rich agricultural lowlands, running down to the river Barrow on the west and Slaney Rivers on the east of the county. The Blackstairs Mountains and Castlecomer Plateau form a magnificent natural backdrop. This complex landscape has given rise to a wealth of areas of outstanding natural beauty and is home to a variety of fauna and flora.