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County Carlow,
the Irish Celtic Centre, is the smallest inland county in Ireland.
Covering an area of 346 square miles of rich pastural land and
scenic mountains, County Carlow is a haven for outdoor and sporting
activities. The Blackstairs Mountains and Killeshin Hills provide
an idyllic backdrop for horse riding, golf, cycling and walking.
The River Barrow offers superb coarse and game angling whereas
the River Slaney is known for trout and salmon fishing. Cruise
and barge holidays can be found throughout County Carlow's extensive
waterways.
Derived from
the irish name 'Ceatharlach', Carlow is steeped in ancient
history with over 800 field monuments from megalithic times.
Browne's Hill Dolmen dating back to 2000BC and weighing a reputed
100 tones, is noted as one of the largest capstones in Europe.
Carlow was invaded by the Vikings and Normans and yet remained
a Gaelic stronghold during and after Cromwell's invasion. County
Carlow has an abundance of magnificent castles, abbeys and monastery
remains.
County Carlow has a significant arts and crafts community highlighted
by the annual Carlow Arts Festival, ranked as one of the top
four festivals in Ireland.
Towns in County Carlow
The county capital is Carlow. Other principle townships are
Tullow, Borris and Bagenalstown. The population of County Carlow
is in excess of 41,500.
Business
Information
The industrial base in County Carlow is made up from a wide
variety of industries ranging from multi-national employers
to small individual enterprises. These sectors include food,
electronics, computers, It and crafts. The German personal care
appliance manufacturer, Braun Ireland Ltd and engineering specialist,
Lapple Ireland Ltd, both have substantial plants in Carlow and
are principle employers in the area. After manufacturing, agriculture
is still the most important sector in Carlow. The fertile soil
in the county gives rise to some of the best crop, cereal and
sugar beet production in Ireland. Dairy, beef and sheep farming
are also well represented.
| Helpful contact details for business enquiries |
Carlow County Enterprise Board |
Tel: (353) 0503 30880 |
| Carlow
County Council |
Tel:
(353) 0503 31126 |
| Enterprise
Ireland Regional Office |
Tel:
(353) 051 372911 |
| IDA
Ireland Regional Office |
Tel:
(353) 051 372911 |
| BNS
Rural Development Ltd |
Tel:
(353) 056 52111 |
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| Sources of finance applicable to business start
up, development and acquisition, and related agencies, are as
follows |
Credit Unions: |
Tel: (353) (0)1 490 8911 |
| National Irish Bank: |
Tel: (353) (0)1
678 5066 |
| Ulster Bank (Small Business Unit): |
Tel: (353) (0)1
677 7623 |
| Bank of Ireland Enterprise Support Unit: |
contact any
branch |
| Smurfit Job Creation Enterprise Fund |
Tel: (353) (0)1 478
4091 |
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The Dept. of
Enterprise, Trade and Employment:
TEL: (353) (0) 1 661
4444; www.irlgov.ie/entemp has extensive and
very helpful advice on all aspects of business and employment
in Ireland, including a business start up information pack
which is superbly put together and includes everything from
planning, funding, locating, employing people and development
businesses. |
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| Travel (see also town
guides) |
Carlow
is ideally located in the south east of Ireland, with major
roads passing through the county and is just a 1 hour drive
from the ferry ports of Rosslare, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin.
The nearest international airport is Aer Rianta Dublin. Bus
Eireann operate an efficient service across the county. Carlow
town is on the main train line to Dublin, providing the county
with links across Ireland.
| Tourism, Leisure
and Accommodation |
| Please see
town guides |
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