County Carlow really is a haven for those who enjoy the great outdoors with stunning, unspoilt landscapes, fresh air, stimulation and wide open spaces! is stretch of the Barrow Way covers the route from Borris to St. Mullins (16km).

Join the towpath at Ballytiglea Bridge outside the village of Borris off the R705. Continue on the towpath, with the wooded estate of Borris House on your left – a visit there on your return to Borris is a must. At Bunahowen, the walker can see a small harbour where Arthur McMorrough Kavanagh of Borris House set sail in his small boat to take up his position as an MP for Carlow and Wexford in Westminster. A remarkable nineteenth century member of the family he was born with only rudimentary limbs, but yet learned to ride and shoot and was a world traveller.

Clashganny Lock and Weir is reached some 6km from Borris and provides a beautiful vista of the river and surrounding woodland. It is a popular beauty and picnic spot with anglers and canoeists adding to the attractiveness of this area.

Approaching Tinnahinch and Graiguenamanagh the river begins to cut its way between the hills with attractive tree-lined slopes. Both towns are connected by a beautiful bridge, constructed in 1767 when the canal system was being built. It was once the hub ofthe barge transport business and many families plied that trade. Take time to discover the town of Graiguenamanagh which means the Village of Valley of the Monks. One of Ireland’s largest Cistercian monasteries, Duiske Abbey was founded in 1204 by Norman monks from Stanley Abbey in Wiltshire.

For a different experience of the River Barrow and an activity that the whole family will enjoy, hire a bike at Graiguenamanagh Bike Hire at the Waterside Guesthouse and enjoy the river from a different perspective. As you leave the town you pass the heritage siteof Tinnahinch Castle, a Butler stronghold built to defend the ford. e cycle from here to St. Mullins is approximately 6km but isfull of beauty and drama with frequent weirs and the lofty Brandon Hill rising up to your right.

St. Mullins marks the finishing point of this stretch of your cycle. Relax in the Mullicháin Café where an outside seat with views of the River Barrow coupled with some great food makes for a fitting and comfortable end to this wonderful cycle.ere are a range of light snacks or more substantial options to choose from including home made soups, tasty salads or panini/ciabatta wraps. Open Tuesdayto Sunday, except on Bank Holidays, closed on Tuesday instead.

Don’t leave the village without discovering its unique heritage – discover the Norman Motte, a high, man-made hill fortification. Opposite this are the ruins of the ancient Tigh Moling, an early Christian missionary in Ireland who founded a monastery here in the 7th century. St. Mullins is a very place, well worth discovering. For further information visit www.carlowtourism.com

carlow outdoors – hike and bikeWalk the Barrow Way from Borris to Graiguenamanagh and then bike from Graiguenamanagh to St. Mullins

carlow accommodation offers

SEVEN OAKS HOTEL AND LEISURE CLUBAthy Road, Carlow R93 V4K5 t: 059–9131308 w: www.sevenoakshotel.com

Midweek:2BB&1Dinner €119.00 per person sharing3BB&1Dinner €169.00 per person sharing

Weekend:2BB&1Dinner €129.00 per person sharing3BB&1Dinner €179.00.00 per person sharingPackages include dinner on one evening, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wineChildren under 12 share free but pay for meals. A single supplement of €25.00 per night applies for single occupancy rooms.

MOUNT WOLSELEY HOTEL, SPA AND GOLF RESORTTullow, Co. Carlow R93 C9H0 t: 059–9180100 w: www.mountwolseley.ie

GREAT ESCAPE:Unbeatable value one night special offer package!Overnight stay in a deluxe room with full Irish breakfast and four course dinner inFrederick’s Restaurant. is exceptional offer also includes the following hotel credits:� €5.00 per adult towards Afternoon Tea � €10.00 per adult towards full game of golf� 15% discount on selected Elemis products From €168 – book now

FAMILY STAYCATION:2 or 3 night family staycation exceptional offer� Full Irish breakfast for all the family � Four course dinner for adults on one evening� “Woolie Bear” dinner menu for children on one evening � Access to Woodland Play Park� Free Wi-Fi � Resort country walking trail From €342 – book now

GOLDEN HOLIDAYS OFFER: Two night stay in a deluxe double room – midweek. Full Irish breakfast – free newspaperFour course dinner on both evenings in Frederick’s Restaurant

PLUS � €5.00 per adult towards Afternoon Tea � €10.00 per adult towards full game of golf � 15% discount on selected Elemis products � 10% discount card for RathwoodGarden and Lifestyle Centre � Resort country walking trail Only €294 – book now

SUMMER SALE RESORT HOUSESEnjoy a 20% discount on our luxurious resort houses

As tourism businesses in Carlow re-open their doors, members of the sector are dedicated to ensuring that all safety measuresare in place to ensure the health and safety of all visitors and staff. ey are committed to maintaining the highest safetystandards so you can look forward to an enjoyable and relaxing experience!

Fáilte Ireland, has created a series of guidelines for re-opening tailored to the various sectors of the industry which tourismproviders in Carlow are strictly adhering to. Visitors can be reassured that these recommendations are underpinned by advice made available from the HSA, HSE, HPSC, FSAI, World Health Organisation (WHO) and other relevant bodies.Initiatives being implemented include:

� Clear social distancing signage� Advanced and consistent cleaning regimes� Hand sanitising or hand washing facilities� Frequently ventilated premises� Reassuring and trained welcoming staff

HUNTINGTON CASTLEClonegal, Co. Carlow Y21 K237t: 053–9377160w: www.huntingtoncastle.com

B&B €95 p.p.s. including complimentary house tour and full Irish breakfast.

Ever wondered what’s its like to stay in a 17th Century Castle?

If you like the thought of getting away from it all for a little while then why not come andstay at Huntington Castle.

carlow accommodation offers

WOODFORD DOLMEN HOTELKilkenny Road, Carlow R97 N207t: 059–9142002 w: www.woodforddolmenhotel.ie

B&B with dinner one night getaway from €129

Overnight stay for two in our comfortable and relaxing bedrooms with full Irish breakfast thefollowing morning and a four course evening meal in our Plum Tree Bistro.

Family 2 night staycation – from €260.

Two nights in a family room for two adults and up to two kids (under 11).

Full Irish breakfast each morning for all the family.

Two course family meal on the evening of your choice.

Complimentary Kids movie night with popcorn and juice both nights.

10% discount for great family attractions including Castlecomer Discovery Park, Reptile Zoo and the Chocolate Garden.

Hotel also has a fun fairy garden, nature trail hunt and lots of garden space for kids to play in and enjoy.

ree nights Ancient East Explore – from €330.

Relax on arrival with Tea/Coffee and fresh baked scones on arrival. ree nights in a comfy double room. Full Irish breakfast each morning. Four course evening meal each night.

AVLON HOUSE B&BGreen Lane, Dublin Road, Carlow R93 NT26t: 059–9174222w: www.carlowbedandbreakfast.com

A boutique traditional Irish bed and breakfast where quality meets the personal touch.

Stay and save:7% off 2 night stays10% off 3+ night staysornon refundable

12.5% off advance Purchase bookings more than 5 days in advance10% off last minute bookings within 3 days of arrival.

Book direct on their own website to avail of additional 10% discount on total cost of stay. Use Promo Code “Direct” during checkout process.

For those not ready for communal dining yet Avlon House now offer room only rates inaddition to B&B rates, if your package does not include breakfast this can be purchasedon arrival, full breakfast menu is available for €8.00 per person.

MOUNT BRANDON HOLIDAY COTTAGESTinnahinch, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny R95 P046t: 059–9724789/085–7317501 w: www.mountbrandoncottages.com

Weekly rate (7 nights) 570.00 July/August 2020 27.06.2020 – 29.08.2020 440.00 Late 2020 29.08.2020 – 19.12.2020Weekend rate (2 nights) 340.00 Late 2020 29.08.2020 – 19.12.2020Midweek rate (3 nights) 350.00 Late 2020 29.08.2020 – 19.12.2020Bank Holidays (3 nights) 395.00 October Bank Holiday 23.10.2020 – 26.10.2020 495.00 Christmas 23.12.2020 – 28.12.2020 495.00 New Year 2020/2021 30.12.2020 – 04.01.2021Nightly rate (off season) 200.00Special Event (4 - 7 nights) 570.00 Christmas Break 21.12.2020 – 28.12.2020 570.00 New Year 2020/2021 28.12.2020 – 04.01.2021