The Barrow Experience: an enchanting stop along the Carlow Garden Trail

The thoroughly magical Barrow Experience Garden can be found nestled within the grounds of BEAM Services, Bagenalstown.

Enjoying showstopping views of the River Barrow to the north, The Barrow Experience garden is made up of ten individual spaces: Dinn Righ, Druids’ Wood, Potager Garden, Monastic Courtyard, Convent Garden, Reflective Garden, Water Garden, Co-operation Garden, Mindfulness Garden and the French Garden.

BEAM is a training centre for people with intellectual disabilities, with its service users hailing from Bagenalstown and the greater Carlow area. Its ethos is one of dignity, respect, and offering community members the chance to flourish; values that are mirrored in the garden's design.

Director of Services John Murphy and Maevita, a member of our Xplore Local team, at the Reflective Garden

The Barrow Experience is part of The Carlow Garden Trail. Made up of 21 stops and spanning the entire county, the trail is a wonderful, meditative way to explore the heritage, culture and natural beauty of the county. 

The gardens were first opened in 2011 by former president Mary McAleese. The public is invited to visit on weekends during the months of June, July and August only. 

According to the Carlow Garden Trail Judges Report in 2019, The Barrow Experience 'is a very impressive project. Based on the theme of ‘"The Barrow Experience’" and drawing its inspiration from local folklore, myths, history and archaeology, different elements of the garden’s overall design include the recreation of a beehive hut, monastic ‘ruins’, a druid’s garden, a stone Celtic spiral and sculptural landforms. Equally impressive is the dynamic, progressive, can-do attitude of the centre’s Director of Services, John Murphy, whose drive and determination has clearly been key to its development.'

A bird's eye view of the centre and surrounding gardens

Director of Services, John Murphy, was responsible for bringing the project to fruition. Speaking on how it all began, he says:

'I was asked to design a garden complex by my Board of Directors. The brief was to provide a therapeutic and working environment for our service users. Secondly, the design would have to be interesting (and serve) as a tourist attraction for Bagenalstown.'

He adds that the upkeep of the beautiful gardens is proving to be a challenge:

'While those attending the service can do a little bit of maintenance, the bulk of the work has to be carried out by someone else. 

We were very lucky to have a person on a scheme for the past number of years but this man has now retired and we are not sure if we are going to get a replacement due to present circumstances. It is essential that gardens such as ours are maintained on a regular basis if they are to look their best.'

But John is hopeful that the gardens will continue to have an impact on the wider community and visitors over time:

'I think our gardens enhance the tourism profile of Bagenalstown and will play a greater role as time goes on.'

Check out the Bagenalstown Garden Trail on the Xplore Local app, where you can take a self-guided tour across 4 fantastic gardens along the Carlow Garden Trail - including The Barrow Experience. You can also find inspiration on where to stay, eat, or shop by browsing the other tabs in Bagnealstown on the Xplore Local app.