If you are looking to do research, we at the Museum are always happy to help however we can. Our contact details can be found here.
The below links may be of help in your research on County Carlow.
Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society
The Carlow Historical & Archaeological Society (CHAS) was formed in 1946 when a small group of local enthusiasts came together to establish a forum through which the study of local history might be encouraged.
The new society set out as it’s objectives the promotion of public interest in the history and antiquities of the town and county of Carlow. The society has pursued these objectives by presenting a series of lectures over the winter months, publishing an annual journal Carloviana and by outings to places of interest.
Recorded Lecture Series
From 2015 CHAS began recording lectures to both preserve them and to make them available for people who were unable to attend at the time. You can access the recorded lectures at by clicking here.
Carloviana
They also publish an annual journal, Carloviana, which has been in print since 1947. The publication collects a variety of diverse and well-researched articles covering all manner of things Carlow historical. Back issues of Carloviana can be found in their archives by clicking here. They have a very helpful index to search through the articles which can be accessed by clicking here.
Carlow County Library Local Studies
Carlow County Library is home to the Carlow County Archives; its job is to collect archival documents relating to County Carlow and to make them freely available to the public for research.
The County Archive is not open to the public but all materials can be consulted in the Local Studies area. Prior appointment is advised to access archival materials. The Archives Page lists archival material available for research including:
- The Carlow County Library Photographic Archive
- The Burton Collection
- Maps and Minute Books
- Archives of Carlow Grand Jury
- Carlow County Library Newspaper Archive
The Local Studies Department also has a wide range of Irish and Local Periodicals which are all available for reference. Find more information by clicking here.
Ask About Ireland
The Ask about Ireland website is full of interesting information from many different public libraries, museums and archives throughout Ireland including Carlow. Many different areas of Irish history and culture have been examined in detail with a strong emphasis on the local history for each area, such as Architecture, Poor Law Union, Transport, Sport, Carlow Artists, Carlow Writers, Folklore and Carlow in 1798. You can visit their website by clicking here.
Genealogy
Carlow County Library also offers a genealogist service on Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment only. Visit their website by clicking here.
Roots Ireland
Roots Ireland has the most extensive and easily searchable database of Catholic Church records anywhere online; very useful for tracing ancestry. See their website here.
National Library of Ireland
The National Library of Ireland provides an online catalogue and database to access newspaper archives, digital photographs and manuscript collections. Visit their website here.
Trails of the Saints
There are at least twenty-two early saints associated with Carlow and its area. Some were born in the county (St. Columbanus) and spent their lives here; others came to be educated (St. Willibrord) or to found monasteries. The Carlow Trails of the Saints consists of three distinct driving trails around county Carlow, and the majority of sites along the routes have associations with one or more of these saints. Download the PDF here and see more on our website here.
Carlow Tourism
Carlow Tourism has several links, articles and PDFs exploring various parts of County Carlow including:
County Carlow Military Museum
County Carlow Military Museum is a museum dedicated to the military history of County Carlow and its people. It is located in the Church on the grounds of St. Dympna’s Hospital in Carlow town. Visit their Facebook page here.
Tullow Museum
Tullow Museum features a splendid collection of artefacts, war memorabilia, photographs and shop items reflecting local Tullow history. Their many displays feature collections of local shop and industry items, photographs, genealogy records, and headstone inscription records.
The National Archives
The National Archives of Ireland’s website has several online digital resources, articles, online exhibitions and guides for researchers locating Irish historical content. It also provides a genealogy section and useful links for Irish genealogy research. Available online here are the 1901 and 1911 census for all 32 counties of Ireland.
Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI)
Access to historical maps of Ireland can be accessed by clicking here.
Archaeology
The Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) is a unit of the National Monuments Service. The ASI was established to compile an inventory of the known archaeological monuments in the State, which you can see by clicking here.
Irish History Podcasts
Access to online podcasts on Irish history. From the Great Famine to the Maamtrasna Murders, the Norman Invasion to Irish Partisans in the Spanish Civil War – these podcasts tell our history like you’ve never heard it before… They have hundreds of free podcasts available online here.
Royal Irish Academy
Irish History Online is the national bibliography of Irish history, with access to many Irish history publications and useful historical links. The list is ever-growing and includes what has been written about Irish history from earliest times to the present. You can visit their website here.
