Carlow Town
Scenic Carlow Town.
[ photo: County Museum. ]
The principal town of the county is Carlow town which is located on the River Barrow and Burrin. In fact the town gives its name to the county. The town development begun in the late twelfth century when a motte and bailey type structure was erected on the site now occupied by Carlow Castle. The construction of the Castle was granted permission by William Marshall, the Earl of Pembroke whose father in law, the previous Earl, Strongbow had led the Norman invasion of Ireland.
The origin and meaning of the name Carlow is still debated. Some say it means Ceathar Lach, that is the Irish for Four Lakes, which were reputed to have been formed by the meeting of the Rivers Barrow and Burrin in Carlow Town. Others say that it means the castle or fort on the lake referring to Carlow Castle and the early fortification being located on high ground beside the meeting of the Rivers Barrow and Burrin.