The Barrow Way - Bagenalstown to Graiguenamanagh

Taking the walker from Bagenalstown to Graiguenamanagh, 26km (16 miles), this section of the Barrow Way passes the small villages of Goresbridge and Borris before ending in Graiguenamanagh, a scenic abbey town and a popular boating and craft hub. Overlooking the River Barrow is Duiske Abbey founded by Norman monks from Stanley Abbey, Wiltshire in 1204. The “Early English design boasts a lofty nave and it is the largest of Irish Cistercian monastery churches. Cycling The flat terrain of the Barrow Way is ideal for cycling, although the ground is rough in areas. Parts of the towpath are grassy which can turn muddy in wet weather. Recently, Waterways Ireland has indicated that they plan to replace the grass path with a hard surface consisting of stone and crushed limestone. There has been some local opposition to such a move.