Resting in the basin of the River Barrow, is a scattering of small towns and villages, full of character and curiosities. They catch you unawares as you drive the network undulating secondary roads that drift out, almost aimlessly, from the M7 into County Carlow.
Catching you out as you negotiate their offset streets and medieval contours, they have a special charm, accented by architectural mayhem and old world shopfronts.
Drift into Leighlin Bridge, roam as far as Bagnelstown and on to Borris if you can find the way. Eventually at the top of the hill turn left into a long and lazy main street to find one of the true hidden charms
”…offset streets and medieval contours, they have a special charm, accented by architectural mayhem…”
– not only of the county but of the whole of Ireland.
The Step House Hotel has a cared for look to it, a promise of warmth and welcome that does not disappoint. It aligns itself with the slope of the street just opposite the imposing castle entrance.
There is an easy formality to its bar that might be a restaurant or its restaurant that might be a bar. It envelops you inconspicuously like a favourite cosy sweater. This place has class.
Old friends come here for conversation, celebration and friendly service. Even the most consciously dressed up look like ‘regulars’. The food is tasty, hearty . Try the tomato soup. Savour its robust garlicky flavour, served with real butter and a choice of breads. There is good coffee too. The imaginative menu has the swagger of a confident kitchen about it.
After lunch take a walk. Downhill is the architectural curiosity of ‘The Old School’. On the edge of the town, a 16 arch viaduct, towers wondrously across the valley.
Carlow is a charmed county with more to offer than is often expected.