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Barrow Way 8-Day Self guided Hiking Tour
8-days, including baggage transfers, B&B accommodation, detailed walking notes and maps
The Barrow River is considered one of Ireland's most beautiful and scenic rivers. At 192 km in length the second longest river in Ireland. The river, together with the Nore and the Suír de rivers, forms three sisters (The Three Sisters) of Ireland. This beautiful walking tour runs through Ireland's most idyllic countryside and is a real pleasure for tourists. The Barrow starts in County Laois and flows through Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford.
This fabulous walking holiday runs downstream from north to south along the Barrow river and canals. Starting in Robertstown in County Kildare and ending in St. Mullins in Co. Carlow. The walks are considered easy to moderate as they are flat and are on average 20km per day over the 6 walking days. This Walking Tour is great for those new to walking in Ireland and can be combined with a few lovely extra days exploring Dublin city at the start or end of the tour.
In a competition organised by Irish Times and Discover Ireland in 2015, Barrow Way made the shortlist in the top 5 best days out in Ireland category. This is “a place to share and to create treasured memories.” Barrow Way will give you the experience of being in the South of France on a hot summer day. The ‘Barrow Way’ is a walking trail that is long-distance, it follows the original towpath of the river. Many have not discovered it is one of Ireland’s most scenic and iconic trails. Why not explore an undiscovered piece of Ireland by walking the barrow-way trail? This glorious walking trail promises to take your breath away and fill you with peace and calm.
Barrow Way 8-day Walking Tour
Including baggage transfers and B&B accommodation.
Options:
- Add a day (or two ) in Dublin
- Airport transfers
Please also check our 5-day trek along the Barrow river and canal.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Naas, Co. Kildare
After arriving in Ireland make your way to your first accommodation in Naas.
Day 2
Robertstown / Lowtown to Monasterevin
The Barrow Way walk starts from Lowtown in County Kildare just west of Dublin. The first stage of the walk is leading you into the town of Monasterevin. The trail follows the raised banks of the Barrow Canal and offers you picturesque views of the Irish countryside. The first stretch covers the historic ruins of the fortress of Dunamase, the scenic countryside views of Hill of Allen, and the Wicklow Mountains. Overnight near Monasterevin.
Walk: 24 kms. 5.5 hours
Day 3
Monasterevin to Athy
Stage two of the trail will take you from Monasterevin to the heritage town of Athy. Athy was developed in the 13th-century by the Anglo-Normans to secure the river crossing and has a number of interesting heritage walks. The walking trail also covers many points of architectural interest like quaint bridges and traditional houses along the way.
Walk: 22 km, 5 hours.
Day 4
Athy to Carlow
From Athy, we will join the Barrow river and this track will pass through the county of Carlow Along this stretch you will pass many interesting old mills and lifting bridges before you reach the historic town of Carlow. Carlow is the largest town on River Barrow, make sure you check out the Castle and Cathedrale while in town. Overnight in Carlow.
Walk: 21 km, 4.5 hours
Day 5
Carlow 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. Overnight in Bagenalstown
Walk: 17km, 4.5 hours
Day 6
Bagenalstown to Borris
Leaving Bagenalstown and it’s many historic sites we make our way south to Borris which also lies on the distance trail; The Leinster way. At Ballytiglea Bridge we leave the Barrow Way to reach your accommodation in Borris 2 km). Overnight in Borris.
Walk: 18 km, 5 hours.
Day 7
Borris to 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 8
Departure from St. Mullins
Departure from St. Mullins
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.
Accommodation
During your self-guided walking holiday in Ireland, you will be accommodated in local family-run guesthouses (B&Bs) or small family-run hotels, where 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 3 stars. Rooms are twin, double or triple en-suite and single rooms are also 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 completely immerse yourself in the Irish landscape and culture.
Please do not hesitate to contacts us should you have any additional requirements or needs and we will endeavour to provide these to our best ability.
The Barrow Way Walking Details:
Walk 1 (Day 2) From Robertstown/Lowtown to Monasterevin
- Distance: 24.2
- Duration: 6-7 hours
Walk 2 (Day 3) From Robertstown/Lowtown to Monasterevin
- Distance: 24.2
- Duration: 6-7 hours
Walk 3 (Day 4) From Athy to Carlow
- Distance: 19
- Duration: 6 hours
Walk 4 (Day 5) From Carlow Bagenalstown
- Distance: 17.5
- Duration: 5.5-6 hours
Walk 5 (Day 6) From Robertstown/Lowtown to Monasterevin
- Distance: 15.5
- Duration: 5 hours
Walk 6 (Day 7) From Robertstown/Lowtown to Monasterevin
- Distance: 17.5
- Duration: 5.5-6 hours
We have listed a few essentials that you will have to bring along and when you make your booking we will send you out a full list of essentials.
- Comfortable waterproof walking Boots
- Waterproof jacket & over trousers
- Waterproof map case
- Backpack, lined with plastic bag
- Gaiters
- Walking poles (It may be possible to provide these locally if requested)
- Thick socks / hat / gloves
- Water bottle & lunch box
- Small torch
- First aid
- Sunscreen / Insect repellent
- Compass / GPS device
- and for that special moment, your camera
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 your tour's start or end. Some of these options can be booked directly on our booking form. Please email us, and we will happily inform you of some available options.
When you book your holiday with us we will send you a full document with all the necessities, and more! Good hiking boots and clothes that can withstand the odd shower are necessary. We hope to have a document for you to download directly available shortly.
We have listed a few essentials that you will have to bring along and when you make your booking we will send you out a full list of essentials.
Comfortable waterproof walking Boots
Waterproof jacket & over trousers
Waterproof map case
Backpack, lined with plastic bag
Gaiters
Walking poles (It may be possible to provide these locally if requested)
Thick socks / hat / gloves
Water bottle & lunch box
Small torch
First aid
Sunscreen / Insect repellent
Compass / GPS device
and for that special moment, your camera
You will be accommodated in family-run guesthouses (B&Bs) or small family-run hotels, where you will encounter a friendly welcome and homely comfort. All our accommodations are approved by Bord Failte and the Irish Tourist Board or the Northern Ireland Tourism Board and are at least 3 stars. Rooms are twin, double or triple en-suite and single rooms are available on request. If an en-suite room is unavailable, you will be advised beforehand.
You are strongly advised to obtain insurance coverage for personal accidents, cancellation charges, medical expenses, loss of money or baggage, travel and personal liability when participating in any of our tours. Walking Holiday Ireland or its servants or agents cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to your baggage, or any illness or injury while on our tours. We also cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from circumstances beyond our control.
Pick the tour you want to join and fill out the online booking form. Within a few days, you will receive confirmation of your booking. When we receive a deposit of 15% to secure the booking we will start putting everything together for you. The final payment is due six weeks before the start of the tour, and you will receive all information on your tour no less than 2 weeks before arrival.
No, that’s 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 the daily maximum is about 19 °C, and the winter means the daily minimum is about 2.5 °C in these areas. Look at our Irish weather page for more detailed information about the weather in the region where you will be walking.
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