Overview
Ballyellen Upper Lock and Ballykeenan Lock are two of the most atmospheric stops on the Barrow Way, a 19-km stretch of canalised River Barrow in County Carlow. Ballyellen sits just north of Goresbridge on the non-tidal section, raising vessels 8 ft 1 in (2.46 m) between the canal pound and the natural river. Ballykeenan lies further downstream, past Graiguenamanagh, where the towpath cuts through flood-plain woodland with sweeping views of the Blackstairs Mountains. Both locks remain fully operational and serve as essential way-points for walkers, cyclists, paddlers and river-boat tourists.
Engineering & Industrial Heritage
The Barrow Navigation was first proposed in 1703, with construction beginning in 1761. By 1800, a network of lateral canals and 23 locks linked Carlow, Bagenalstown and Graiguenamanagh to Waterford Harbour. The non-tidal section containing Ballyellen and Ballykeenan was engineered by Thomas Dadford and officially opened on 1 January 1835. Commercial traffic dominated the waterway until the late 1950s, when silting from the 1935 Upper Barrow drainage scheme and shifting transport routes led to the final commercial barge in 1959.
At Ballyellen Upper Lock, the mechanics of the waterway are still on display. 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. You can read the lock’s status by watching the raised racks – upward-projecting toothed rods that indicate sluice positions.
Adjacent to the upper lock stands the old lime-flour mill and its still-operating quarry. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the canal provided a direct route to transport lime flour to market before the railway arrived. The millrace that once powered the machinery remains visible from the towpath, offering a tangible link to the area’s industrial past.
The Brennan Family & Local History
The locks are more than stone and timber; they’re tied to generations of local families. Ballyellen’s original lock-keeper’s cottage (c. 1790) was home to the Brennan family for decades. John Brennan managed the upper lock in the late-19th century, succeeded by his son Pat. When Pat’s wife passed away, his daughter Mary – known locally as “Blondie” – continued living in the family home. After Pat’s death, Mary moved to Dublin to stay with her sister Ellen’s family, but her stories of life at the lock remain part of the local oral history. The cottage itself was eventually demolished after falling into disuse, but the towpath and lock chambers preserve the family’s legacy.
The surrounding townlands of Ballyellen and Tomdarragh sit on the Carlow–Kilkenny border, likely named after 13th-century landowner Alan Beg, who granted lands for the nearby Duiske Abbey. Scattered across the area are a standing stone, an ancient ringfort, a bawn, old field systems and the ruins of a medieval church, marking centuries of continuous settlement.
Walking, Cycling & Accessibility
The original towpath runs from Goresbridge bridge past Ballyellen and continues south along the Barrow Way. The route is generally firm and well-maintained, making it suitable for walkers, cyclists and mobility equipment over short distances. The surface is mostly packed gravel and earth, with occasional uneven sections near lock gates or bridge crossings. The gradient is gentle, following the river’s natural fall.
At Ballykeenan, the Clashganny-Ballykeenan Loop follows the tow-path downstream to the lock, then climbs a forest track through native birch woodland. The trail passes an old mass rock and offers quiet woodland scenery away from the main river corridor. Cyclists will find the flat tow-path section between Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh straightforward, with clear signage and minimal traffic.
Wildlife, Angling & Paddling
The Barrow’s flood-plain supports a rich variety of birds and mammals. At Ballykeenan, keep an eye out for grey herons, kingfishers, sandpipers and, on quiet mornings, otters. The surrounding woodlands host sparrow-hawks, kestrels and a steady chorus of songbirds.
The calm back-waters around Ballykeenan are popular with kayakers and canoeists. The stretch offers a mix of gentle currents and occasional shallow rapids, suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Anglers also frequent the deeper pools, casting for brown trout and pike. If you prefer a guided experience, Riverboat Adventures runs daily open-boat tours from Graiguenamanagh Quay. The trips stop at Ballykeenan Lock and Upper Tinnahinch Lock, with guides explaining the waterway’s engineering, local biodiversity and the historic St Columbanus pilgrim trail.
Practical Information & Safety
- Access & parking: Both locks are reachable via the Barrow Way walking and cycling trail. Use the Clashganny Lock car park for the Ballykeenan loop, and Goresbridge village car park for Ballyellen.
- Mooring: Bollards on both sides of Ballyellen provide an unrated mooring spot for boaters waiting for gate operation.
- Water levels & flood warnings: The River Barrow can experience high flow rates and localised flooding after heavy rain. Waterways Ireland has issued severe flood warnings during wet periods, advising boaters, kayakers and swimmers to avoid the waterway until levels recede. High flows also reduce bridge clearance and can make lock approaches hazardous. Always check the latest Waterways Ireland marine notices and Met Éireann alerts before setting out.
- Facilities: There is no dedicated visitor centre. Basic amenities, including cafes and public toilets, are available at nearby Graiguenamanagh Quay and Goresbridge village.
- Season & hours: The locks operate year-round with no formal opening hours. Spring to early autumn offers the best wildlife activity and more reliable water levels.
- River-boat tours: Contact Riverboat Adventures at +353 85 272 6795 or riverboatadventures@gmail.com for daily departures from Graiguenamanagh.
Nearby Stops
Combine your visit with the Clashganny Forest and Historic Lock, the medieval streets of Graiguenamanagh, or a stroll through Bagenalstown. In Goresbridge, take time to cross the 9-arch stone bridge built by Sir Ralph Gore in 1756, which bears a memorial to the 1798 Battle of Goresbridge. Further upstream, the Barrow Way passes the 16th-century Black Castle and the ruins of Barrgaghcore Matlings, a vast Gothic mill on the river’s west bank.
Plan your visit around the lock operation schedule or book a guided river tour to hear the full story of the waterway. Check Waterways Ireland’s online navigation notices before heading out, as temporary restrictions can affect towpath access and boat traffic.