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Carlow (Irish: Ceatharlach, meaning "four lakes") is an inland town in the south-east of Ireland in County Carlow, some 85 km (53 miles) from Dublin. The River Barrow flows through the town. The town numbers about 20,000 people - 3,000 of which are students.
History
The Carlow town area has been settled for thousends of years. St. Mullins monastery is believed to have been established in the 7th century in the area. In 1180 with the construction of Carlow Castle by William the Marshall, Earl of Pembroke and Lord of Leinster to guard the vital river crossing. Over the following centuries many other historic buildings were erected - in the 14th century Ballyloughan Castle, Ballymoon Castle, Leighlinbridge Castle and Tower House were all built. Saint Patrick?s College dates from 1793 and the Carlow Courthouse was constructed in the 19th century. There are many old estates and houses still in the surrounding areas, Duckett?s Grove and Dunlecky Manor among them. Today there is a Heritage Centre located at St. Mullin?s.
There is a famous Irish folk song, "Follow me up to Carlow",
Growth
The town lies on the N9 road from Dublin to Waterford. The town is also connected to the national rail network. These transport links have helped Carlow to become a successful satellite town of Dublin in recent years. The establishment of the Institute of Technology, Carlow has also helped drive growth in the area and has encouraged many school leavers to remain in the town.
Economy
Carlow industry has come a long way since the early 20th century - when the town became the center of Ireland's slow process of industrialisation with the creation of the Irish Sugar Company - then the cutting edge of industry in Ireland.
Today the principal employers in Carlow are Braun, which has a large factory producing mostly hair dryers, and Läpple which produces car components. The Irish Sugar Company still has its offices and a large factory near the town on the Athy Road.
See also:
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