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Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow

Leighlinbridge (Irish: Leithghlinn an Droichid) is a village in County Carlow that is almost equi-distant between Carlow Town (10 minutes drive) and Kilkenny City. It is pleasantly situated by the River Barrow and the river is spanned here by a fine stone bridge - the Valerian bridge, built in the 1300's. It is thought to be one of the oldest functioning bridges - with Black Castle on its eastern side. This was one of the earliest Narman castles in Ireland and was erected in 1181. Black Castle withstood many sieges by the MacMurrough Kavanaghs. The first Carmelite priory in Ireland was founded here in 1270 by the Norman family of Carew.

In recent times the village has excelled in the achievement of environmental awards. Of particular note was the winning of The Entente Floral in 2001. This is a major European Environmental competition in which the village came out on top. The villages many awards have installed a great sense of pride in the locals. Great efforts are made every day to ensure the village's appearance is of an excellent standard.

The village's location on the River Barrow which makes it ideal for cruising or fishing breaks.

Featured Establishment

Drink

Lord Bagenal Hotel, The

Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow

Bar / Hotel / Restaurant

The Lord Bagenal is beautifully situated on the River Barrow, with a fine harbour and ...

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Featured Establishment

Buy

Rachels Garden Café

Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow

Café

While it continues to grow - and is now very large - the ethos of this pleasant restau ...

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Gardens

Newtownbarry House Gardens

Bunclody, Co. Wexford

The restoration of the gardens at Newtownbarry House has all the excitement of memories brought back to life. After 50 years of neglect, sturdy saplings and rampant brambles had to be cleared to reveal the layout of the historic sunken garden.&r ...

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Golf

Castlecomer Golf Club

Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
Course Type: Parkland

Set in a 200 year old forest, Castlecomer's course provides a great test of golf combined with breath taking views of the local terrain. With the development of this course completed in 2003, it is clear to everyone at Castlecomer Golf Club that ...

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Self Catering

The Coachyard & Gardener's Cottage at Blanchville House

Maddoxtown, Co. Kilkenny

The delightful Victorian Coach House in the grounds of Blanchville House has been sensitively converted to provide three very comfortable self-catering units. Situated five miles (8km), 10 minute's drive from the Medieval City of Kilkenny and ...

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What's On

Athy Farmers Market - County Kildare - Sundays

Athy Farmers Market - Emily Square, Athy, Co Kildare

Sunday, 10am - 3pm

Contact: 087 215 3332; www.kildare.ie/athyfarmersmarket

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Tourist Attractions

Jerpoint Abbey

Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny

An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century that is notable for its stone carvings, including one at the tomb of Felix O'Dulany, Bishop of the Diocese of Ossory. The church with its Romanesque details dates from ...

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Wedding Venues

Mount Juliet

Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny

Lying amongst 1500 acres of unspoilt woodland, pasture and formal gardens in a walled estate beside the River Nore, this Georgian Manor is an 18th century gem - a charming and graceful house, very traditional in style with beautifully restored or ...

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