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Barrow Way

62.14 miles (100 km)

Open Streetmap The Barrow Way runs from Robertstown, County Kildare to St Mullin's, County Carlow. The long distance trail covers around 100 kilometres (62 miles), following the River Barrow and the Grand Canal.
On the way you'll pass Rathangan, Monasterevin, Athy, Carlow, Leighlinbridge, Muine Bheag, Goresbridge, Borris and Graiguenamanagh Some of the sections are also suitable for cyclists.
The section between Graiguenamanagh and St Mullins is particularly lovely with views of the Barrow Navigation canal and its pretty locks. See the Graiguenamanagh to St Mullins Walk page for more details on this section.
Scroll down for a detailed map of the route and a gpx file.

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Barrow Way Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To the west of the route is the city of Kilkenny where you can try the Kilkenny River and Canal Walk. The easy waterside walk takes you past the 12th century castle with its lovely grounds and gardens.
You can also pick up the waymarked Nore Valley Walk which starts in the city.
The route links with the South Leinster Way around Borris. The National Waymarked Trail runs for 104km from Kildavin, County Carlow to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary.
Near Stradbally you could take a detour west from the route to visit a local historical highlight at the Rock Of Dunamase. The ancient Celtic fortification provides wonderful views over the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Near there's also Emo Court where you'll find a splendid neo-classical mansion surrounded by lovely woodland, parkland, gardens and a lake.
The Brandon Hill Loop starts in Graiguenamanagh. The circular waymarked trail climbs to the summit of the the highest mountain in County Kilkenny. There are great views over the countryside to the coast from this fine vantage point.

Photos

2021-05-10 Clashganny Lock

Clashganny Lock with Lock Keeper's House and Barrow Way as seen from the Clashganny Loop Walk

Barrow Towpath - geograph.org.uk - 1201066

Barrow Towpath Hikers on the towpath of the River Barrow, now a designated walking route -the 'Barrow Way'.

Duddon Iron Furnace, the barrow-way - geograph.org.uk - 88704

Duddon Iron Furnace, the barrow-way. this bridge is a reconstruction of one over which charcoal and iron ore was conveyed to the charging house, where it was tipped down into the furnace.

Ballyellen Lower Lock

Ballyellen Lower Lock

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Barrow Way.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)