Barrow Way Heritage Walking Trail - Carlow Section

What to Expect

The Barrow Way is a 114km walking trail following the historic towpaths and riverside roads of the River Barrow from Lowtown in Kildare to St. Mullins in south Carlow. The Carlow section - an unchallenging 11km walk from Carlow Town to Leighlinbridge - passes heritage features including the ruins of Carlow Castle (a 13th-century Norman fortification), historic lock houses, old mills, arched stone bridges, and weirs. The trail offers one of the best ways to experience Carlow’s river heritage on foot. The Black Castle at Leighlinbridge, another Norman ruin, marks the endpoint of this section.

Good to Know

• The Carlow to Leighlinbridge section is approximately 11km, largely flat and suitable for all fitness levels.

• The full Barrow Way runs 114km and can be walked in sections over several days.

• The trail is free and open year-round; best experienced in dry summer and autumn conditions.

• Heritage interpretation panels are placed at key points along the route.

Getting There

Start from Carlow Town centre, near the ruins of Carlow Castle on the banks of the Barrow. Carlow is served by Irish Rail and Bus Eireann from Dublin and Waterford.