Day 3 Cycling the 32 counties of Ireland - CARLOW
🚴🏾♂️ The Black Paddy Rolls into Carlow: Castles, Scallions & Serious Heart
What’s the craic, Carlow?!
It’s your boy Fabu D, back on the bike and cruising through the second smallest county in Ireland—but don’t let the size fool you. Carlow might be compact, but it’s bursting with history, charm, and more scallions than a stir-fry.
I’m cycling around Ireland to raise awareness for Jigsaw, the incredible charity supporting young people with their mental health. Because let’s be real—life can be heavy, and sometimes you need someone to help carry the load. Jigsaw is that someone.
Now let’s talk Carlow. From ancient dolmens to Hollywood connections, this county’s got layers like a good lasagna.
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🧠 A Word on Jigsaw
Before we dive into the madness, let’s take a moment. Jigsaw is doing powerful work—giving young people across Ireland a safe space to talk, to be heard, and to get the support they need. Mental health isn’t just a buzzword. It’s real, it’s raw, and it affects all of us.
This cycle isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about showing up for those who feel unseen. If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone. There’s help, there’s hope, and there’s healing.
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🏰 First Impressions: Carlow’s Got That Old-School Swagger
I rolled into Carlow Town with the sun on my back and Guinness Zero in my bottle cage. The streets are buzzing, the people are waving, and the castle ruins are standing proud like they’re still waiting for a medieval rave.
Carlow Castle was once the capital of the Lordship of Ireland under King Edward III. That’s right—this little town was basically the boss of Ireland for a hot minute. Then in 1814, a doctor tried to turn the castle into a mental hospital and accidentally blew it up. Only the western wall remains, but it’s still giving Game of Thrones energy.
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😂 Funny Carlow Facts (Because You Know I Love the Banter)
Alright, here’s some mad stuff I learned:
- Carlow’s GAA nickname is “The Scallion Eaters.” I don’t know who started it, but I respect it. I had scallions in my omelette and felt spiritually connected.
- The Brownshill Dolmen in Carlow has the largest capstone in Europe—over 100 tonnes of pure prehistoric flex. It’s like Ireland’s version of Stonehenge, but with more attitude.
- Carlow was once the capital of Ireland. Yep, from 1361 to 1374. Small county, big legacy.
- The oldest working bridge in Europe is in Leighlinbridge, built in 1320. I cycled across it and felt like I should’ve been wearing chainmail.
- Hollywood actress Saoirse Ronan grew up in Carlow. So technically, this county helped raise an Oscar nominee. Respect.
- The song “Follow Me Up to Carlow” was written in 1899 and celebrates a battle where Irish rebels defeated 3,000 English soldiers. That’s some serious rebel energy.
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🎨 VISUAL Centre: Art with a Capital Vibe
I popped into the VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art, and let me tell you—it’s like stepping into a creative spaceship. Massive galleries, bold installations, and a theatre named after George Bernard Shaw. I didn’t expect to find high art in a small town, but Carlow keeps surprising me.
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🗣️ Chatting with Carlow Legends
You know me—I can’t resist a good chat. I met a man named Mick who swears he once saw a UFO over Mount Leinster. I asked if he was sober. He said, “I was drinking tea, swear on me scallions.”
I met a woman who runs a pottery studio and makes mugs shaped like sheep. I bought one. It’s now my official tour mug.
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🚴🏾♂️ Cycling Through Carlow’s Heart
The roads here are gentle, winding, and full of charm. I passed through Tullow, where the River Slaney flows like it’s on a chill holiday. I stopped at Old Leighlin, where a synod in 632 AD helped decide how Easter should be calculated. That’s right—Carlow helped sort out Easter. That’s some divine admin work.
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🧘🏾♂️ Mental Health Moments: Carlow’s Quiet Wisdom
Carlow might be small, but it’s mighty. There’s a calm here—a sense that life doesn’t need to be rushed. I sat by the River Barrow, sipping my Guinness Zero, and just breathed. No noise, no pressure, just peace.
That’s what Jigsaw offers—space to breathe, to talk, to be. If you’re a young person feeling overwhelmed, reach out. You deserve peace.
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🛏️ Carlow Hospitality: Beds, Bants & Breakfasts
I stayed in a guesthouse run by a couple who insisted I try their homemade soda bread. I did. I nearly cried. The man told me he used to be a baker but switched to hosting cyclists because “they always say thank you.” Fair logic.
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💚 Final Thoughts & Shout-Outs
Carlow, you’ve been a gem. From dolmens to scallions, you’ve given me laughs, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for the quiet counties.
To everyone who waved, cheered, or offered directions when I was clearly lost—thank you. To the dog who barked at me from a tractor—respect. To the county itself—keep shining.
And to Jigsaw, the reason behind every mile: thank you for being the light in someone’s dark. You’re changing lives, one conversation at a time.
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💚 Thanks for coming along on the ride!
If you’d like to support the cause, here’s the link:
👉 https://www.idonate.ie/blackpaddytour
Until next time,
Stay strong, stay smiling, and mind your mental health.
— Fabu D, The Black Paddy
