From Elvis to accidental explosions - 10 most interesting things about Carlow

If you're from Carlow you're probably well versed in the unique and interesting things about the county. However, there's no harm in a refresher, and you may just find out something you hadn't heard before! 

Here's our 10 most interesting facts about Carlow: 

1. In 1814, Carlow Castle was accidentally blown up by a doctor who wanted to turn it into an asylum for people with mental illness. 

According to Ask About Ireland, a physician called Dr Middleton accidentally blew it up when he used blasting powder to convert the vaulted interior into additional space. This resulted in the collapse of the eastern half of the castle leaving it in the condition seen now. 

A paper by Lord Walter Fitzgerald published in the Carlow Sentinel in 1904 stated: "…in 1814 the castle suffered to a far greater extent than it did since the year of its erection…" 

2. Brownshill Dolmen situated three kilometres from Carlow Town Centre is believed to be the largest capstone in Europe, weighing 103 tonnes! 

3. Belgians travelled to Carlow in the 1920s to help locals learn the necessary skills for the growing and processing of sugar beet. 

In 1926, Carlow became the location for the first sugar beet factory in Ireland due to its rich tillage area. The Irish Sugar Manufacturing Company thrived for 80 years, with international companies using the county as a site for their industries in the 1960s. 

4. It is widely believed that rocker Elvis Presley's ancestors came from Co Carlow. However according to the Irish Times, an 18th century court document has proven his direct ancestor, William Presley, was from the townland of Stranakelly near Shillelagh in Co Wicklow. 

As Stranakelly is just 15 minutes by car from Hacketstown, it's probably safe to say he and his family likely spent time in the Carlow area. 

In fact, Presley, a farmer, claimed he had been savagely assaulted by a group of men in Hacketstown in neighbouring Carlow before emigrating to America. 

An Elvis festival takes place in the area annually to celebrate the Presley family's connection with the region. 

5. Carlow native, Harry Kehoe, spent a lifetime working in plant breeding and spearheaded the development of more than 35 potato varieties. 

While working at the Teagasc Oak Park Research Centre, he bred the most famous of these called the Rooster which, according to the Irish Examiner, has become the dominant potato in the Irish market since its launch in 1991. 

6. The song 'Follow Me Up to Carlow' was written in 1899 and is believed to have been performed by the pipers of Fiach McHugh O'Byrne, who defeated 3,000 English soldiers at the Battle of Glenmalure in 1580. 

7. Believe it or not, Walt Disney's ancestors are buried in Carlow. 

Clonmelsh Graveyard near Tinryland is the burial place of the famous mouse creator's family, with three Disney headstones viewable. 

8. The oldest working bridge in Europe is the valerian-bearded bridge in Leighlinbridge, built in 1320 by Maurice Jakis the Bishop of Kildare. The bridge was widened to accommodate vehicles in recent times, however it is still the original structure. 

9. Hollywood actress Saoirse Ronan was born in New York City and raised in Carlow. She has gone on to become one of the most successful Irish actresses ever, with four Oscar nominations and and a Golden Globes win under her belt. 

At 25 years and six months of age, Ronan became the second youngest person to achieve four nominations, just behind American actress Jennifer Lawrence. 

10. Carlow is the best county in Ireland. But you already knew that, didn't you?