Carlow Town Park

Carlow Town Park is situated to the west of Carlow town centre on the west bank of the River Barrow in an area called Graiguecullen. The park provides a strongly defined, high quality riverfront area for the town, which stimulates regeneration of the riverbank and encourages interaction with the river. The park also strengthens links between the two sides of the town.

The design envisaged the river as the nucleus of the space and a grid formation focussing on the river provided the structure for the park. Along the Graiguecullen side of the river Barrow, a high quality river edge with cut stone capping and steel handrail was constructed, with a stepped edge to facilitate access to the river for water sports. A pedestrian bridge links the park with the town centre.

The central area of the park contains a series of intimate display gardens with perennial plant material and a play area. The northern section of the park is configured as an informal parkland area. The intention is to provide a naturalistic counterpoint within a structured framework. A terraced earth configuration of 10m in height gives form and scale to the overall park. This motte is configured as a counterpoint to Carlow Castle, echoing the defensive position which the park has on the river. It also affords views of the town and surrounding countryside to Mount Leinster.