Trails of the Saints - County Carlow Heritage Driving Trails

What to Expect

The Trails of the Saints consists of three self-guided driving routes covering the entire county of Carlow and featuring 51 ecclesiastical heritage attractions. St Patrick’s Trail (77km, north Carlow) includes Carlow Town and Tullow, following the route of Ireland’s patron saint who reputedly baptised the King of Leinster in north Co. Carlow. St Laserian’s Trail (63km, mid-Carlow) centres on St Laserian’s Cathedral in Old Leighlin, a magnificent late 12th-century cathedral with a 7th-century monastic foundation. St Moling’s Trail (70km, south Carlow) takes in the ancient monastic site at St Mullins on the River Barrow, founded by the 7th-century saint St Moling.

Good to Know

• Free, self-guided trails available year-round; no booking required.

• A detailed trail booklet (with GPS coordinates) is available free of charge from Carlow Tourist Office (059-9131554) or to download at carlowtourism.com.

• Trails cover the full county; allow a full day for each trail if exploring all sites.

• St Laserian’s Cathedral in Old Leighlin is open to visitors; check seasonal opening hours.

Getting There

All three trails start from or pass through Carlow Town. A car or bicycle is required; GPS coordinates are included in the trail booklet. Carlow Town is served by Irish Rail and Bus Eireann.