Leighlinbridge

Explore grassy banks, rustling hedgerows, local history and rich farmlands on this moderate section of trail between Leighlinbridge and Goresbridge measuring approximately 14.5 km. 

Heading south from Leighlinbridge, the Barrow Way crosses from the right to the left bank of the river. Look out for a sign here dedicated to the mountaineer and physicist John Tyndall, who was born and raised in Leighlinbridge. Tyndall was known to walk to school along the Barrow with his teacher, discussing mathematics on the way. 

As you leave the village behind, you’ll see the 16th century Black Castle, which was fought over by British settlers and local Irish chieftains, passing back and forth between the two factions. Soon, the towpath will take you down the wooded Rathlin Cut, where you’ll pass along vibrant hedgerows of ash, willow, hawthorn, alder and holly. The towpath then rejoins the river, and you’ll continue past a fine stone house with a front garden full of apple trees. 

Before long, you’ll pass an outdoor swimming pool, a long weir and a chain of islands, bringing you to Bagenalstown, where you’ll see impressive old mill buildings on the river. Originally named for local landowner Walter Bagenal, Bagenalstown officially changed its name to Muine Bheag in the 1930s, but the original name is still most commonly used.

The Barrow Way stays on the left bank as you leave the town heading south, passing another lock on the way. The towpath then passes under the Royal Oak road bridge, followed by an imposing railway viaduct. Soon, the towpath takes you down another side channel to Fenniscourt Lock, before joining the river again through rich pasture. 

Later you’ll come to Slyguff weir, the oldest on the Barrow, before another side channel leads you down to Ballyellen Lock. Barrgaghcore Matlings, a vast, ruined gothic mill, is on the west bank of the river, and back on the towpath you’ll pass the Ballyellen Lime Works. Soon, you’ll see the buildings of Goresbridge ahead as you rejoin the river, and a large pet food factory on the other side of the banks. 

Goresbridge is on the river’s west bank in County Kilkenny – take care climbing up to the bridge, as the steps are old and worn. This was the site of a successful insurgency against crown forces during the 1789 rebellion, and Goresbridge itself is famous for producing world-class racehorses – stop to explore the tiny village before continuing your Barrow Way adventure.