Barrow Way
I walked the Barrow way last weekend, wild camping the whole way. I did 3 very long days and 1 short day for the bus. I was fair tired by the end of each day. I would strongly recommend it - south of Athy is the prettiest Ireland has been.
Day 1
.
I started in Robertstown at around midday. It starts feeling like someone’s backyard. I’m not a big fan of canal walking, would have been better on the bike. I had dinner in Monasterevin, where the canal crosses the Barrow river. I kept going to Fisherstown - there’s a clear camp spot about 4k before. I had a couple pints at the Fisherman’s Thatched Inn then put up the tent by the canal.
Day 2
I kept on going along the canal - past the local parkrun, and had lunch in Athy and joined the river.
.
After Athy the river bank gets softer.
I had dinner in Carlow and kept on going. I had planned to camp at the Clogrennan lock, but there was a lot of “no fishing” signs and I thought best not and kept on going.
Day 3
I crossed the oldest working bridge in europe, below, in Leighnbridge.
I had planned to get lunch in Muine Bheag, but didn’t find anywhere. However, waiting for the train on day 4 I tried the railway pub, was great. The section between Goresbridge and Graiguemanagh is lovely. I had hopes of the toilet at Cournellan lock, but it is shut.
Day 4
This was a short day - ~10 km to the end. I did need to get the bus back.
I finished early, and got the ~1200 bus to Muine Bheag and the train home. The pub doesn’t open before 3pm.
