Bagenalstown Activity Trail

Lord Walter Bagenal (1670–1745) was a member of the prominent Bagenal family, who resided in Dunleckney Manor in County Carlow, Ireland. Bagenal founded the town of Bagenalstown on the River Barrow, modelling it on Versailles, France. Bagenalstown has a rich and varied past and this tour starts at the neo-classical railway station, which is one of the finest in Ireland. It was much admired following its opening in the mid nineteenth century, and still retains its charm in a largely unaltered state. In 1911 the town became the first in Ireland to install dual language street signs, which remain in place today. This is a 30 to 40-minute walk of the town with plenty to learn about Bagenalstown along the way.

This activity trail is a fun packed day for all the family! First stop is Bagenalstown Pitch & Putt Club - the club composes of 18 holes with various lengths from 32 metres to 70 metres and various altitudes which provides a challenge for even the top senior players. The course will reward those who are accurate off the tee. The course is 853 metres long spread out across 5 acres so there is plenty of room even if the odd shot does go astray. The club is situated in the McGrath Park Sports Complex which also houses the local football, hurling, camogie, cricket, tennis and soccer clubs, located on the outskirts of the town in the townland of Dunleckney. Next stop is Bagenalstown town centre where there are lots of dining options to choose from - all listed in the Food & Drink section of the App and the shopping is good too! What better way to finish off the day than in the Bagenalstown outdoor heated swimming pool - only 10 of these located in Ireland!! Bagenalstown Swimming Club is a 25m outdoor heated swimming pool and kids paddling pool which opens its doors to the public (both members and non-members) from June - September each year and well worth a visit.

Bagenalstown, otherwise known in its Gaelic version as Muine Bheag is situated on a pleasant stretch of the River Barrow and derives its name from Walter Bagenal, who, in founding the town, had visions of mirroring the city of Versailles, in northern France. This tour will take you from the town centre to Ballymoon Castle then on to Ballyloughan Castle, both National Monuments. This is a 1.5 - 2 hour walk or a 10 minute drive from the town centre. This tour is ideal for anyone looking to uncover a little move about Bagenalstown's history.

This wonderful Garden Trail is part of the Carlow Garden Trail and not to be missed! The trail begins at Borris House, of the most picturesque country houses in Ireland. A walk through the gardens of Borris House will take in the breathtaking views of Mount Leinster, the Blackstairs Mountains and the Barrow Valley. The newly-established Lace Garden takes inspiration from Borris Lace, using symbols and shapes from the lace as well as a white colour palette of plants. The next stop is in Bagenalstown town centre at the The Barrow Experience Garden which is a unique series of ten interconnecting gardens which bring to life the history, folklore and heritage of the beautiful Barrow Valley. There are ten individual gardens within the Barrow Experience – Dinn Righ, Druids’ Wood, Potager Garden, Monastic Courtyard, Convent Garden, Reflective Garden, Water Garden, Co-operation Garden, Mindfulness Garden and the French Garden. Why not stop at one of the many dining options available in Bagenalstown for lunch before heading off to explore the next stop on the trail which is in Leighlinbridge? Leighlinbridge is 4km from Bagenalstown and home to The Millennium Garden or Garden Village consists of seven small gardens, each with its own theme represented by trees, shrubs and stones. Together the gardens represent the story of life. To finish off the day, we recommend visiting the award winning Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven - they have created an exciting display garden to inspire the modern day customer. Helping visitors create their own dreams while showing them that gardening is both stylish and fun; this showpiece allows people to see that gardening can be enjoyed even with a busy lifestyle. This tour is a total of 19km, best carried out by car.