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Barrow River 5-Day Walking Tour
Explore the Barrow Way In Ireland's Ancient East
A Self-Guided Walking Tour Along the Picturesque Barrow River
Embark on a 5-day self-guided walking holiday along the Barrow River, one of Ireland's most picturesque inland waterways. As you make your way along the Barrow Way, you'll be treated to breathtaking countryside views and a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and tranquil areas of Ireland.
History and Culture
The Barrow River is one of the three sisters of Ireland and is a significant part of Irish heritage and culture. As you make your way along the Barrow Way, you'll discover a rich and varied history dating back hundreds of years. From ancient monasteries and castles to quaint villages and towns, you'll find something new and interesting around every corner.
Peace and Relaxation
Our 5-day self-guided walking holiday will help you to find peace, relaxation and rejuvenation. Take your time to explore the countryside and appreciate its beauty. As you walk along the Barrow Way, take a moment to understand the local culture and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery. Enjoy this tranquil journey as you discover the hidden gems along the way.
Our Barrow Way Walking Tour Features:
- After booking this walking tour with us you will receive a detailed itinerary outlining your walking tour along the Barrow River, one of Ireland's most scenic inland waterways. This includes guiding digital maps, as well as information on accommodation and transport options throughout your journey.
- Our hospitable B&B and family accommodation hosts will assist during your journey to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Our hosts are knowledgeable about the area, its history and culture, so they can help make your trip even more memorable!
- As you make your way along the riverbanks, you will stop off at various sites of historic significance including monasteries, castles and other monuments that tell the story of Ireland’s past.
The Benefits of Booking this Walking Tour:
- Our self-guided walking tour offers a unique opportunity for travellers to explore the country's stunning natural beauty at their own pace while taking in some of the country's most historic sights along the way. Plus, with Baggage transfers included you can take a weight off your shoulders and let us worry about the logistics during your holiday.
- The Barrow Way trail is perfect for those looking for an active holiday as well as cultural exploration – all while enjoying breathtaking views across stunning Irish landscapes! You'll be able to take in beautiful sunrises over lush green hillsides or watch the sunset over rolling riverside fields every day!
- With our expertise and assistance throughout your trip if needed, as well as detailed route notes provided beforehand via email to help you plan out your journey safely before setting off – we guarantee you an unforgettable experience in one of Ireland's most picturesque routes!
Let's Go!
Join us on the Barrow Way Walking Holiday for an inspiring journey! Explore the second-longest river in Ireland, marvel at its picturesque inland waterways and experience the beauty of nature. Make this 5-day self-guided walking tour from Carlow to St. Mullins a reality - let's go!
Barrow Way Walking Holiday 5 Days Programme
Highlights:
- St. Mullins
- Beautifull River walks
- Ancient sites and architecture
- B&B accommodation
We also offer a 8-day tour on the Barrow.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive in Carlow
Make your way to Carlow and your first accommodation. We will provide you will all the information you need on transfer options with Public Transport.
Carlow staat bekend om zijn rijke voorraad historische en archeologische voorwerpen van heidense vindplaatsen zoals de Brownshill Dolmen en om zijn kerkelijke nederzettingen, waarvan er vele van nationaal belang zijn.
Day 2
Bagenalstown
This stage of the Barrow Walk will take you from Carlow to Bagenalstown. Milford, about 7km south of Carlow, is arguably the most picturesque areas on the Barrow river. Set in a peaceful location with 3 bridges, a large wooded area, and large mill buildings, the town of Milford is a perfect antidote to the fast-paced modern world.
Walk: 17km, 4.5 hours
Day 3
Borris
Leaving Bagenalstown and it’s many historic sites we make our way south to Borris. Here the Barrow Way crosse with the Leinster way which in turn connects to the Wicklow Way.
Walk: 18 km, 5 hours.
Day 4
St. Mullins
The final stage of the Barrow Way leads into the religious settlement of St. Mullins, which is surrounded by a robust ecclesiastical theme and beautiful woodlands. St. Mullins is set on a fabulous stretch of the Barrow Valley. This walk will conclude of your glorious, scenic and picturises Barrow Way Walking Holiday.
Walk: 17 km, 5 hours
Day 5
Departure from St. Mullins
Depart from St. Mullins.
Or if you are not tired, hike back to Dublin via Wicklow Way!
What’s included in our Walking holidays?
- Carefully selected family-run and welcoming B&B accommodation.
- Comfortable en-suite bedrooms.*
- A full Irish breakfast to keep your engines running.
- Complimentary luggage transfers.
- Detailed maps and route notes so you never get lost.
- Local advice on places to visit and where to eat.**
- Full pre-departure info to allow you to prepare for your walking holiday.
- Waterproof map case to keep your documents dry.
- Extra night(s) accommodation booked on request.
- Need information on local transport options? We’re happy to assist!
- 24/7 local emergency contact.
What’s not included?
- Your flights
- Travel and baggage insurance
- Lunches / Evening meals
* Unless already booked out, we’ll try to secure a private bathroom.
** You will have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches and evening meals each day. If you are staying in a remote location, the B&B owner will prepare a tasty surprise for you upon request.
Accommodation on your walking tour in Ireland.
During your self-guided walking holiday in Ireland, you will be accommodated in local family-run guesthouses (B&Bs) or small family-run hotels. You will encounter a friendly welcome and homely comfort. All our accommodation is approved by Bord Failte, the Irish Tourist Board or the Northern Ireland Tourism Board and are at least three stars. Rooms are twin, double or triple en-suite and single rooms are available on request.
Need anything else?
At Walking Holiday Ireland, we pride ourselves in providing a unique experience where we look after all the details of your trip. This allows you to immerse yourself in the Irish landscape and culture completely.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions, requirements or needs, and we will try to provide these to the best of our ability.
No details found.
Our walks range from easy to moderately challenging. Most of our walks are along signposted routes. the distances vary from 8 to 20 km. We can supply the routes in Viewranger for you to follow on your smartphone.
What’s included in our Walking holidays?
Carefully selected family-run and welcoming B&B accommodation.
Comfortable en-suite bedrooms.*
A full Irish breakfast to keep your engines running.
Complimentary luggage transfers.
Detailed maps and route notes so you never get lost.
Local advice on places to visit and where to eat.**
Full pre-departure info to allow you to prepare for your walking holiday.
Waterproof map case to keep your documents dry.
Extra night(s) accommodation booked on request.
Need information on local transport options? We’re happy to assist!
24/7 local emergency contact.
What’s not included?
Your flights
Travel and baggage insurance
Lunches / Evening meals
* Unless already booked out in which case we’ll try to secure a private bathroom
** You will have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches and evening meals each day. If you are staying in a remote location, the B&B owner will prepare a tasty surprise for you upon request.
Meals – Breakfast is included in your price and packed lunches can be purchased at almost all accommodations. We will have a list of restaurants for you to choose from for your evening and all will be either at your accommodation or within a short walking distance away. Vegetarians (including those that eat fish) will be catered for, but this needs to be acknowledged on your booking form.
No, that’s definitely not the case!The dominant influence on Ireland’s climate is the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitudes. The average annual temperature is about 9 °C. In the middle and east of the country, temperatures tend to be somewhat more extreme than in other parts of the country. For example, the summer means daily maximum is about 19 °C and the winter mean daily minimum is about 2.5 °C in these areas.Have a look at our Irish weather page here for more detailed information about the weather in the region where you will be walking.
There are a lot of places where it would be worthwhile to stay an extra night to explore more in the area. We can also book extra nights for you at the start or the end of your tour. Some of these options can be booked directly on our booking form are please send us an email and we will happily inform you of some of the options available. We will also provide you with information on how to get there and to the starting point of the walk or the airport. Just let us know what you would like and we’ll do our best to help you.
Family Barkhof and Nieuwenhuis.– :
Dear Cliff,
We returned yesterday from our lovely walking holiday in Ireland.
We enjoyed the country and the people again during the walking days.
Sincerely,
Family Barkhof and Nieuwenhuis.
Tim Dalton, New York– :
The Barrow way was an absolute gem! I had such a fantastic time on my self-guided walking tour from Carlow to St Mullins. The scenery was breathtaking and it was so wonderful to explore such a picturesque area of Ireland. Many thanks for this wonderful experience, I will be recommending Walking Holiday Ireland to all my friends!
Paul & Rachel van Beek– :
The Barrow way was an absolute gem!
Many thanks for this wonderful experience. We loved the tranquil walks and friendly B&B on this trip. Everything was arranged perfectly and we loved the recommendations for the restaurants and sights along the way. We will definitely be back to walk the Wicklow Way next year!
Paul & Rachel van Beek
Amersfoort, Netherlands