Excursions

Boating Excursion

Scene at River

Scene taken from the Illustrated London News 1847 showing people enjoying a pleasant day at the river.

Carlow County Library

Scene at River
Carlow County Library

Scene at River

Scene taken from the Illustrated London News 1847 showing people enjoying a pleasant day at the river.

Carlow County Library

Enlarge image

On last Sunday a number of pleasure-seekers from Bagenalstown and Leighlinbridge had a most enjoyable excursion on the Barrow.

Show gave place to pleasure, and a large well-decked boat was substituted for the almost inevitable "Sneezer." The arrangements were all that could be desired, and too much praise cannot be accorded the committee, and stewards for the admirable manner in which they were carried out. The boat, with the Bagenalstown contingent, slipped her cables at 10.30 a.m., arriving at Leighlin at 11 o'clock. Here a stay was made to fit up the commissariat department, the excursionists crossing the memorable old bridge, under a tastefully-erected triumphal arch. After a short delay, the excursionists, now strengthened by the Leighlin contingent, once more embarked. Word had been scarcely given to start, when the quadrilles were in full swing. Mr. Hogan, violinist, assisted by very promising amateurs, performed an excellent selection of dance-music. The boards were kept possession of throughout the whole journey, save during the interval for refreshment.

The party, arriving at its destination at 3 o'clock, landed under the shadow of Shrule Castle – a most picturesque spot. Dinner being served, the excursionists were allowed ample time to wander about admiring the beauties of nature, or the beauties, which, to the masculine mind, always add a charm to the green sward. The retreat being sounded about 5 o'clock, the excursionists were seen hurrying through hazel and fern, and everyone was soon on board. Once more did the music sound, and once more were the measures trod. The dancing propensity of the excursionists was again evidenced. The boards rung, except at the interval for tea, till the temptation for a chat in the gloaming damped the ardour of the dancers, then the party was favoured by a selection of vocal music, of such merit as is not easily found amongst amateurs. Leighlin was reached as the shades of night were falling. The popularity of the proceedings was evidenced by the splendid "welcome home" accorded the excursionists as they reached Leighlin. A torchlight procession was organised, and the boat steered into harbour amidst the glare of torches and the cheers of hundreds. Cheers were given for Father Tynan, Mr. Butler, and the promoters of the excursion.

Excursions on the Barrow

Advertisement taken from the Carlow Sentinel 19 July 1884.

Carlow County Library

Excursions on the Barrow
Carlow County Library

Excursions on the Barrow

Advertisement taken from the Carlow Sentinel 19 July 1884.

Carlow County Library

Enlarge image

But, although the enjoyments of the day were such as to satisfy the most ardent, the most important part of the programme, perhaps, in the shape of an undress, ball had yet to be gone through. Mr. Butler had kindly placed at the disposal of the committee a suite of rooms. These were admirably laid out. The ball-room, which was beautifully decorated, was hung with festoons, scrolls, flags and evergreens, arranged with such taste and precision as called forth the greatest admiration of the excursionists. The supper and smoking rooms were all that could be desired, and those that longed to whisper those little nothings which are never meant vulgare per aures, had ample accommodation in a spacious promenade. Dancing was kept up till far beyond the small hours, when the excursionists separated, asking each other, "when shall we all meet again?" at the same time anxiously hoping it would be in "the sweet bye and bye"