Blackstairs Mountains
Heather on Blackstairs Mountains, Co. Carlow
A close-up view of heath vegetation on the Blackstairs Mountains, Co. Carlow. Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris) are typically found in this location.
Courtesy of Betsey Hickey, Carlow County Council.Heather on Blackstairs Mountains, Co. Carlow
Courtesy of Betsey Hickey, Carlow County Council.
Courtesy of Betsey Hickey, Carlow County Council.
Heather on Blackstairs Mountains, Co. Carlow
A close-up view of heath vegetation on the Blackstairs Mountains, Co. Carlow. Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) and Ling Heather (Calluna vulgaris) are typically found in this location.
Courtesy of Betsey Hickey, Carlow County Council.Among the most striking physical features of Co. Carlow are the Blackstairs Mountains, situated on the border with Co. Wexford. The well-known peak of Mount Leinster rises here to a height of 735 metres.
The Blackstairs are habitat to many heathers and grasses. The wild goats that roam the mountains feed on this vegetation.
The River Barrow
River Barrow
Scenic view of the River Barrow, which flows through Co. Carlow.
By permission of Carlow County Library.River Barrow
By permission of Carlow County Library.
By permission of Carlow County Library.
River Barrow
Scenic view of the River Barrow, which flows through Co. Carlow.
By permission of Carlow County Library.The River Barrow flows through Carlow town, Bagenalstown (Muinebheag) and onwards through Graiguenamanagh in Co. Kilkenny. It joins the River Nore above New Ross before entering the sea at Waterford Harbour. The Barrow is 192 kilometres long, making it the second-longest river in Ireland. Other rivers in Carlow are the Burrin, which joins the Barrow in Carlow town, and the Slaney, on which the town of Tullow is built.
There are now Irish and European laws to protect some of the habitats and the plants found in wet sites, such as bogs. The Blackstairs Mountains and the River Barrow in Carlow are two such areas. These are called Special Areas of Conservation. This means that it is against the law to damage the plants or habitats that are found in these two locations.