In Tullow, different records of architectural and religious history sit alongside museums, monuments and leisure facilities. St Columba’s Church, Tullow Bridge and the Courthouse each offer their own architectural insights; churches and collections recall influential people and events. When planning your stay, you can choose between architectural history, religious heritage and leisure in the park.
Church, Courthouse and Bridge
The present-day St Columba’s Church was built in 1830–1831 and is already the third church on this site. The four-bay building is Gothic Revival in style and was designed by Thomas Cobden, who also designed Carlow Cathedral. The church appears to stand on the site of the original Anglo-Norman parish church, which was part of a complex with Tullow Castle. This brings together the building history of the 19th century and the possible earlier use of the site. Inside, monuments commemorate the Wolseley family of Mount Wolseley and members of the Doyne family of Tullow.
The late Georgian Tullow Courthouse was built around 1825. Its courtroom is twice as high as ordinary rooms and has a large, curved segmental-arch window with multiple panes. There is an upstairs gallery on one side. These details give the building a different architectural character from the Gothic Revival church.
Tullow Bridge can also be admired for its construction: its arches are flattened, and the bridge is entirely clad in dressed granite blocks. It is one of two bridges of this type on the River Slaney. Simply and effectively designed piers, together with pointed cutwaters, complete its distinctive structural features.
Religious History and Museums
The Church of the Most Holy Rosary was built by Bishop Daniel Delany and opened and blessed in 1805. His remains are buried in the church. The Bishop Daniel Delany Museum has a distinct focus: it features artefacts relating to the bishop and the work of the Brigidine Sisters and the Patrician Brothers.
Tullow Museum is housed in an attractively restored former Methodist church, built of stone, beside River Slaney Bridge. Its varied collection covers local history. This includes artefacts relating to Fr John Murphy’s connection with Tullow, including items believed to be his last priestly vestments. Admission is free; voluntary contributions are welcome. Opening hours may vary, so check them before your visit.
The Abbey graveyard is on the site of an Augustinian monastery founded by Hugh Talun and Simon Lumbard in 1314. In 1541, the monastery was dissolved as part of the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. Another chapter in the town’s history recalls Fr John Murphy: a monument in Market Square marks the site of his execution on 2 July 1798. The graveyard and monument highlight different aspects of the past: one points to the history of a monastery, the other to a specific event and its location.
Park and Leisure
Tullow Town Park has a children’s playground, outdoor fitness equipment and a modern skate park. It offers a range of leisure activities, from play to using the fitness equipment. Tullow Park also offers a lovely view of the river. These features add opportunities for an outdoor break to the historical themes, without limiting your stay to just one type of sightseeing.
When choosing your destination, you can weigh up the different highlights: Tullow’s architecture ranges from the Gothic Revival church to the late Georgian Courthouse and the granite bridge; religious and local history feature in its churches, museums and memorial sites. The park offers a different focus. Check museum opening hours before your visit, as they may vary.
Discover more destinations
Borris, Leighlinbridge, Ballon, Hacketstown, Bunclody, Killerig, Muine Bheag, Rathvilly
For the broader travel overview: County Carlow.
