Barrow Way Locks: Ballyellen and Ballykeenan | Carlow

Overview

Blackstairs Mountains, Co Carlow Courtesy Brian Morrison Photography, ©Tourism Ireland

Ballyellen Upper Lock and Ballykeenan Lock are two of the most picturesque points on the Barrow Way, a 19‑km stretch of canalised River Barrow in County Carlow. Ballyellen sits just north of Goresbridge bridge on the non‑tidal section, raising vessels 8 ft 1 in (2.46 m) between the canal and the natural river. Ballykeenan lies downstream of Graiguenamanagh, framed by flood‑plain woodland and sweeping views of the Blackstairs Mountains. Both locks remain fully operational and form key way‑points for walkers, cyclists and river‑boat tourists.

Historical Context

The Barrow Navigation was first proposed by a parliamentary committee in 1703 and actual construction began in 1761. By 1800 a network of lateral canals and 23 locks linked Carlow, Bagenalstown and Graiguenamanagh to Waterford Harbour. The non‑tidal section, which includes Ballyellen and Ballykeenan, was engineered by Thomas Dadford and officially opened on 1 January 1835. Commercial traffic continued until the late 1950s – the Upper Barrow drainage scheme of 1935 accelerated silting, and the last commercial barges ceased operation in 1959. Today the waterway is a leisure route.

Ballyellen’s original lock‑keeper’s cottage (c.1790) was home to the Brennan family for generations. John Brennan kept the upper lock in the late‑19th century, succeeded by his son Pat and later by Pat’s daughter Mary “Blondie”. The lock‑keeper’s house has since been demolished, but the family story remains part of the local heritage.

Both locks are listed as Protected Structures within a Special Area of Conservation. Recent work by Waterways Ireland (2024) added a 1 km rock‑armour bank‑strengthening between Graiguenamanagh and Ballykeenan to protect the banks from strong currents.

Local Landscape & Heritage

The townlands of Ballyellen and Tomdarragh cover about 1.5 sq mi on the Carlow‑Kilkenny border and belong to the civil parish of Ballyellen. The name likely derives from a 13th‑century landowner, Alan Beg, who granted lands for the nearby Duiske Abbey. Scattered across the landscape are a standing stone, an ancient ringfort, a bawn, remnants of an old field system and the ruins of a medieval church – evidence of a long‑standing settlement.

At the upper lock the lime‑flour mill and its still‑operating quarry stand as a reminder of the 18th‑century industrial activity that once supplied the Barrow Navigation. The quarry remains active and can be viewed from the tow‑path that runs alongside the lock.

Wildlife and Nature

The Barrow’s flood‑plain supports a rich variety of birds and mammals. At Ballykeenan you can spot herons, kingfishers, sandpipers and, on quiet days, otters. The surrounding woodlands host sparrow‑hawks, kestrels and a chorus of songbirds. The river itself is home to brown trout and pike, making it popular with anglers.

Recreational Activities

Watch the lock in action – At Ballyellen, two gates manage the 8 ft 1 in rise; the downstream gate’s sluices open when the lock is full, while the upstream gate’s sluices close to retain water. Raised racks (toothed rods) indicate sluice positions.
Explore the lime works – The old lime‑flour mill and its still‑operating quarry sit beside Ballyellen, offering a tangible link to the 18th‑century industrial landscape.
Stroll the towpaths – The original towpath runs from Goresbridge bridge past Ballyellen and continues along the Barrow Way, providing river, weir and farmland vistas. At Ballykeenan, the Clashganny‑Ballykeenan Loop follows the tow‑path downstream to the lock, then climbs a forest track through native birch woodland, past an old mass rock.
Kayaking and canoeing – The calm back‑waters around Ballykeenan are popular with kayakers. The Barrow offers a mix of gentle stretches and occasional rapids, suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
River‑boat adventures – Riverboat Adventures runs daily open‑boat tours from Graiguenamanagh Quay, stopping at Ballykeenan Lock (and Upper Tinnahinch Lock). Guides explain the lock’s engineering, Barrow biodiversity and the St Columbanus pilgrim trail.
Bird‑watching & angling – Ballykeenan’s quiet backwater attracts herons, sandpipers, kingfishers and otters. Anglers cast for brown trout and pike in the deeper pools.
Cycling – The Barrow Way is a well‑marked cycling route; the flat tow‑path makes for an easy ride between Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh.

Kayaking on the River Barrow Courtesy of Luke Myers

Events & Seasonal Considerations

Adventure Race (May 2025) – A 24‑hour team adventure race organised by Adventure Racing Ireland took place on the Barrow south of Carlow, combining mountain‑biking, paddling, trekking and orienteering. During such events navigation can be restricted; check Waterways Ireland notices for any temporary advisories.
Flood & High‑Flow Alerts (2026) – Waterways Ireland issued severe flood warnings for the Barrow in early 2026, advising boaters, kayakers and swimmers to avoid the waterway until levels recede. High flows also reduce bridge clearance and can make lock approaches hazardous.
General Seasonal Advice – The locks are open year‑round with no formal opening hours. Spring to early autumn offers the best wildlife activity and more reliable water levels. Always check the latest Waterways Ireland marine notices and Met Éireann weather alerts before setting out.

Practical Tips & Safety

Access & parking – Both locks are reachable via the Barrow Way walking and cycling trail. Parking is available at the Clashganny Lock car park (for the Ballykeenan loop) and at the Goresbridge village car park for Ballyellen.
Mooring – Bollards on both sides of Ballyellen provide an unrated mooring spot for boaters awaiting gate operation.
Water levels & flood warnings – The River Barrow can experience high flow rates and localised flooding, especially after heavy rain. Check the latest Waterways Ireland marine notices and Met Éireann alerts before boating, kayaking or swimming.
Facilities – No dedicated visitor centre; basic amenities are available at nearby Graiguenamanagh Quay and Goresbridge village.
Season – Open year‑round; no set opening hours. Wildlife activity and water levels are best from spring to early autumn. Events such as the Adventure Race or flood warnings may temporarily affect access.
Nearby attractions – Combine a visit with the Clashganny Forest and Historic Lock, the medieval town of Graiguenamanagh, or a stroll through Bagenalstown. The 9‑arch Goresbridge bridge, built by Sir Ralph Gore in 1756, bears a stone memorial to the 1798 Battle of Goresbridge.

Practical Information

Location: Ballyellen Upper Lock – north of Goresbridge bridge, County Carlow; Ballykeenan Lock – downstream of Graiguenamanagh, upstream of Clashganny Lock.
Access: Reachable via the Barrow Way walking and cycling trail. Parking at Clashganny Lock car park (Ballykeenan) and Goresbridge village (Ballyellen).
Facilities: No dedicated visitor centre; basic amenities at nearby Graiguenamanagh Quay and Goresbridge village.
Contact for river‑boat tours: +353 85 272 6795, riverboatadventures@gmail.com.
Safety: Observe lock operation procedures, keep a safe distance from moving gates, respect wildlife in the Special Area of Conservation, and check Waterways Ireland notices for flood or high‑flow warnings.
Season: Open year‑round; water levels and wildlife activity are best from spring to early autumn. Check for temporary event or flood advisories.

Enjoy the blend of engineering heritage, industrial archaeology and natural beauty that makes Ballyellen Upper Lock and Ballykeenan Lock essential stops on the Barrow Way.