Route reflects on Grand Canal history

GRAIGUENAMANAGH TO ST MULLINS WALK

DRIVING over the graceful Palladian bridge over the Barrow, we park just beyond and set off on the Carlow bank, walking downriver. Old warehouses above the bridge evidence the town’s history as a port connected to the Grand Canal.

A broad weir on our right divides the flow; the water nearest us is navigable and along our route locks allow the passage of river traffic. The electricity wires above the weir are hung with shiny discs, to alert swans. Houseboats, power boats and even small yachts are moored alongside the path. We shortly pass the ruins of the Butler castle, and then Upper Tinnahinch Lock, the first of three on our route.