BARROW
& NORE VALLEYS
FLOATING INVITATIONS TO RELAX ON THE TRANQUIL WATERS.
Both
the Nore and Barrow rivers have flowed life through the region from
early beginnings. Acting in the past as medieval passageways the rivers
brought trade and prosperity to the countryside.
Now they lend a special ambiance as their lazy flow meanders down wide,
verdant valleys and past wooded slopes — all of which adds so much
to the senses.
Flowing south the rivers cut a giant V out of the lush countryside and
dotted along their path are little towns; tranquil havens along the
way. The longer of the two rivers, the River Barrow begins its
life north of Athy and flows north/south.
NEWROSS
At the mouth of the River Barrow is New Ross (Ros mhic Thriúin)
a small, bustling town that perches up a steep slope on the eastern
banks of the river.
At Quay Street is The Tholsel, the old medieval centre of collecting
taxes (tolls) from merchants, now the home of the local council.
Backing up the steep slope at the rear of the town, near the summit,
is the ruins of New Ross Abbey (13th c.) with its distinctive
Early English gothic windows. Situated beside St Mary's Church of which
by its construction it appears to be part of.
Just a few miles upstream is the confluence of the River Nore
with the Barrow. And south of the town is the expansive J. F. Kennedy
Arboretum, known more for its arboretum and thousands of plants
and tree species. (Admission charge). Open daily May-Aug. 10am - 8.00pm,
April and Sept. 10am - 6.30pm. Oct-Mar 10am-5pm.
During the first week of August the town embarks on its Jazz Festival
where a Jazz Trail is put together and whose venues (pubs and hotels)
criss-cross the town.
