along the barrow navigation

There are 17.7 kilometres (11 miles) of canals with 22 locks on the navigation. Athy: Athy, the ford of Ae, has been an important river crossing from early times and is full of historical interest. Levitstown: The canals which bypass the river rapids or weirs are tranquil oases compared to the swirling waters of the open river. There is a marked difference in the vegetation of the slow-moving canals and the deep, fast-flowing Barrow. At the Levitstown canal, which is the longest on the river, Duckweed and Yellow Water-lilies are plentiful. Carlow: The bridge in Carlow is one of the oldest and the lowest on the river. It was built in 1569 and widened in 1815. Carlow to milford Lock: There is a lovely walk along the grassy towpath to Clogrennan. The boundary hedgerow supports a diversity of species inlcuding Guelder-rose, Spindle and Hazel, all of which produce an autumn fruit crop for birds and animals. Milford is one of the more attractive stretches along the Barrow Navigation. The three bridges, large mill buildings, fast-flowing river, weir, slow moving canal and the large wooded area surrounding Milford make this a picturesque location with much wildlife interest. Leighlinbridge Leignlinbridge is an attractive small settlement. The bridge of seven arches, built in 1320 and widened in 1789, is the oldest on the river. Bagenalstown: The town lies on the east bank of the river and on the west bank large meadows slope down to the water. The canal here was constructed by the mill owners and is separated from the river by a long, narrow island which is a bird sanctuary. Goresbridge: The river now passes through very fertile country with cultivated fields and pastureland. The blackstairs Mountains with Mount Leinster rise away to the east and Brandon Hill dominates the view to the west. Borris to Graiguenamanagh: This is a very attractive wooded stretch of river with Borris Demesne on the east bank. Graiguenamanagh to St. Mullins: There are seven arches on Graiguenamanagh Bridge which was built in the 1760s. Carriglead Lock south of Graiguenamanagh is the oldest on the system.