Hike and Bike

Hike and Bike – Carlow

For an activity filled day out, some good family exercise and some stunning natural views we have a great suggestion whilst staying with us!!

Less than half an hour away from The Avlon House is the opportunity to take in some beautiful scenery whilst being nice and active. Walk the Barrow Way from Borris to Graiguenamanagh and then bike from Graiguenamanagh to St. Mullins

Just outside the village of Borris you can join the start of the bath at Ballytiglea Bridge and head along to Borris House on your left – a visit there on your return to Borris is a must. At Bunahowen, the walker can see a small harbour where Arthur McMorrough Kavanagh of Borris House set sail in his small boat to take up his position as an MP for Carlow and Wexford in Westminster. A remarkable nineteenth century member of the family he was born with only rudimentary limbs, but yet learned to ride and shoot and went on to travel the world.

Approaching Graiguenamanagh the river begins to cut its way between the hills with attractive tree-lined slopes. Both towns are connected by a beautiful bridge, constructed in 1767 when the canal system was being built. It was once the hub of the barge transport business and many families plied that trade. Take time to discover the town of Graiguenamanagh which means
the Village of Valley of the Monks. One of Ireland’s largest Cistercian monasteries, Duiske Abbey was founded in 1204 by Norman monks from Stanley Abbey in Wiltshire.

For a magnificent experience of the River Barrow and an activity that the whole family will enjoy, hire a bike at Graiguenamanagh Bike Hire at the Waterside Guesthouse and enjoy the river from a different perspective. As you leave the town you pass the heritage site of Tinnahinch Castle, a Butler stronghold built to defend the ford. Cycle from here to St. Mullins is approximately 6km but is full of beauty and drama with frequent weirs and the lofty Brandon Hill rising up to your right.

St. Mullins marks the finishing point of this stretch of your cycle. Relax in the Mullicháin Café where an outside seat with views of the River Barrow coupled with some great food makes for a fitting and comfortable end to this wonderful cycle.

Don’t leave the village without discovering its unique heritage – discover the Norman Motte, a high, man-made hill fortification. Opposite this are the ruins of the ancient Tigh Moling, an early Christian missionary in Ireland who founded a monastery here in the 7th century.

This history and nature filled day is just sone of the many ways to have a great time when staying with us at Avlon House.