Bagenalstown Fishing Club

17/05/2026

Some response on the last post I made, it seems Waterways are being forced to actually do their jobs and clean up parts of the Barrow.
However, there's still too many paddlers up S**t Creek.

11/05/2026

04/05/2026

Well there you have it. Waterways announcing that navigation of the River Barrow from Carlow to St Mullins is not advised due to low water levels and silt build up between the locks.
They're not going to be dredging any part of the river, so what else can they do?

⚠️MARINE NOTICE⚠️
No. 46 of 2026: River Barrow – Potential Restricted Navigation
Issued: 30 April 2026

Waterways Ireland advises Masters of Vessels intending to navigate the River Barrow of shallow depths due to the build-up of silt. As water levels recede to Ordinary Summer Levels, this may restrict the passage of vessels with a deeper draft.

Masters of Vessels are recommended to contact the local Water Patrollers in advance of navigation for the latest information and guidance.

For assistance with locks and local knowledge, Waterway Patrollers can be contacted on:

• 19th lock (old) to 23rd lock Rathangan +353 (0)87 740 5717
• 24th lock Ballykelly to 26th lock Cardington +353 (0)87 247 3093
• 27th and 28th locks Athy +353 (0)87 951 0777
• Ardreigh, Levitstown, Maganey, +353 (0)87 951 0777
• Bestfield, Carlow, Clogrennan, Milford, Rathvindon, Bagenalstown +353 (0)87 951 1444
• Fenniscourt, Slyguff, Upper Ballyellen, Lower Ballyellen, Ballytiglea, Borris +353 (0)87 951 6333
• Ballingrane, Clashganna, Ballykennan, Upper Tinnahinch, Lower Tinnahinch, Carriglead, St Mullins +353 (0)87 951 6600

Waterways Ireland apologises for any disruption this may cause to boaters using the Navigation.

28/04/2026

It's that time of the year again where the River Barrow through our town becomes a dumping ground for shopping trolleys, household rubbish and everything else.
There's 1 trolley in front of the lock and 4 in behind the lock gates.
Be careful bringing your boat through the locks as the water levels are low and there are branches and pollution in front of the old drawbridge.
I have no way of removing these trolleys and if I did, I still wouldn't do it. I did however, take 4 full bags of plastic rubbish out from underneath the Bog bridge and left it in the hut for Waterways Ireland to pick up. That's it for now.

26/03/2026

Absolutely disgusting sewage/slurry in the river again.
Waterways Ireland EPA Ireland Local Authority Waters Programme

19/03/2026

Mind out if you're out and about fishing along the Barrow Track between Rudkins Mill and the lock as there's 100s of lumps of dogsh*t in the strip of grass all the way along the river. Some people use dog bags and pick up after their dogs but many don't.
Be careful.

10/02/2026

Mind out if you're out and about the Barrow track as it's being eroded away as several points along the river between the lock and Royal Oak Bridge.
And of course, it all goes back to Waterways Ireland and their hedgecutting tractor which destroyed the towpath and all the small tress and bushes holding the bank together.
They've also recently being pushing rubbish through Bagenalstown lock after the floods and it's on it's way downriver.
The red line on the photo shows where the river bank was just a few short years ago.

02/02/2026

Thanks to the lovely ladies in the for the coffees after a dirty litter pick this morning. Filled a black sack of rubbish from along the riverbank. Artist unknown for the painting.

30/01/2026

Just a reminder the water levels have risen over the last few days and still more rain to come downriver. Avoid the Barrow Track at all junctions, especially at the fishing spots by the swimming pool and Bagenalstown lock. Mind yourselves.

27/01/2026

Just a friendly warning that the Barrow has broken it's banks all along the Barrow Track. Please avoid walking between the swimming pool to Rathellen lock and from Bagenalstown lock to the Royal Oak Bridge.