Rothar Routes

Cycle routes & pilgrim journeys in Ireland and Europe …..

Posts tagged ‘cycling Carlow’

Barrow Track – in June 2012!!

With the date for submissions for the Barrow Blueway to be in by Jan 5th , I think this might be appropriate but hopefully not a portent of what’s ahead this summer!

This was the scene on the Barrow track after two days of heavy rain in June 2012.

Anywhere there are hard surfaces at present on the Barrow Track are potholed and most unattractive to walk on; yet the grassy surfaces tend to be perfect (apart from during floods!) – except where it has been damaged by heavy vehicles and badly repaired.

This is a great resource with great potential and there is an economic dividend to be had. But we need to progress carefully and ensure the Barrow can be enjoyed for what it is – a vast ribbon of untamed greenway, full of wildlife, colour, tranquility and peace. There is plenty of room for more traffic but I fear that any attempt to touch the surface will have the opposite effect.

Anyway here was the track in June – and the first time a trout passed me on the track!

Please share this post; we need to get the right development not something that simply looks good on paper.

Worth a ramble!

Had a great day down around Rathanna and Rathgeran.

Finding the recorded examples of rock art is nearly impossible without local help. This particular one should really be signposted as it is magnificent and the views from the location are beautiful.

There’s an awful lot to see spread across this area and it’s great walking and cycling country too.

With a new hostel opening in Rathanna soon, the area will have accommodation to cater for visitors, from near and far.

Rathgeran

Rathgeran Rock Art

 

Rathgeran Rock Art

Rathgeran Rock Art

 

St Fortunes Church, Bell Tower, Rathanna

St Fortunes Church, Bell Tower, Rathanna

 

Bridge on Mountain River

Bridge on Mountain River

 

Standing Stone Rathgeran

Standing Stone Rathgeran

 

Big Sky, Blackstairs

Big Sky, Blackstairs

Dranagh Rock Art

I was fortunate enough today to run into the man who found the original piece of Dranagh Rock Art that now is displayed in the museum in St Mullins. Michael Clarke was changing a wheel on his jeep when I called in to ask about a second piece that exists locally.

He was kind enough to leave the jeep and led me in his car to the site of the second rock. Unfortunately at this stage it was getting dark so my photos doesn’t do it justice.I will have to call another day.

After he discovered the first rock, his father took a photo to the National Museum and they sent some experts down to inspect. Suitably impressed they told him it was likely that there were more examples dotted around in the stone walls of the area. Lo and behold but didn’t he find this second one in 2008.