Leighlinbridge is approximately 55 miles South-West of Dublin, along the main route to Waterford, between the towns of Carlow and Kilkenny. It is a pretty little village, rich in history and surrounded by rolling fertile land . The River Barrow runs through the village under it’s beautiful stone bridge dating from the 1400’s.
The River Barrow is part of the Inland Waterways of Ireland and the line-up of riverboats, barges and cruisers is a lovely sight during the summer. The Heritage Boat Association sometimes organises events where flotillas of barges travel along the river stopping at the towns and villages along the way. The cookery school has direct access to the river and canal for peaceful walks along the beautiful old track once used by horses to draw grain from local mills to The Guinness Brewery in Dublin. The complete absence of cars makes this a very tranquil walking route. For people who would like to stay in the area we can recommend some excellent places for accommodation. Bagenalstown is 2km away and is on the Dublin-Waterford train line. We are situated 20 km from Kilkenny City and 16 km from Carlow town.
DIRECTIONS:
We are approximately one hour from the M50 at Red Cow, 2 hours from Cork City, 2.5 hours from Limerick. We are about halfway between Carlow and Kilkenny. From Carlow we are 15 minutes drive, Kilkenny 25 minutes. Location is highlighted with a green arrow on the map below.
APPROACHING FROM DUBLIN: Route from Dublin is along the N7/M7 (Cork/Limerick) until exit for M9 – Waterford/ Kilkenny/ Carlow direction. After exiting Castledermot, take exit onto new M9, (Carlow By-pass) towards Kilkenny for approx 8 miles until the new road merges with the old Carlow-Kilkenny road. Continue for 2 miles towards Kilkenny, and take a left turn for Leighlinbridge. At the end of this road at a T-Junction (with The Lord Bagenal Hotel on your right) turn left towards Bagenalstown. Up a hill you will pass the National School on your left, and after that we are the fourth entrance on the right. You will pass Leighlinbridge Transport, then two small cottages together on the right hand side of a bend and we are the next entrance approx 50m on the right after that. It is approx. 2 km out of Leighlinbridge Village.
APPROACHING FROM KILKENNY: Driving on the Dublin/Carlow road, continue past junction signposted for Bagenalstown. Turn right off the main Dublin road into Leighlinbridge, (there are at least 3 right turns for Leighlinbridge so if you miss one there is no need to turn back, continue on til the next one). Drive down into the village and come over the bridge over the River Barrow. Continue straight on, then up the hill past the National School and follow instructions as before.
