Narraghmore (Irish: An Fhorrach Mhór) is a village and townland in east County Kildare, Ireland. It lies close to the borders with County Wicklow and County Carlow, situated on the regional roads R415 and R418, near the N78 national secondary route.
Etymology
The name derives from the Irish An Fhorrach Mhór, meaning “the great heathy place” or “the large marshy area”.
Geography
Narraghmore is located on the north‑west bank of the River Liffey, approximately 6 km west of the town of Kilcullen and 30 km south‑west of Dublin. The surrounding landscape is primarily agricultural, with a mix of pastureland and small woodlands.
Administrative divisions
The village is part of the civil parish of Narraghmore, which lies within the barony of Narragh and Reins. It falls under the jurisdiction of Kildare County Council.
Demographics
According to the 2016 Central Statistics Office (CSO) census, the settlement of Narraghmore had a population of 527 residents. The area experienced modest growth between the 2011 and 2016 censuses.
History
Narraghmore has historically been a rural settlement serving the surrounding farming community. Records from the 19th century describe it as a small village with a post office, a school, and a few public houses. The area has archaeological interest, with evidence of early medieval settlement patterns in the broader barony, though no major historic structures are directly associated with the village itself.
Education
Narraghmore National School provides primary education for local children. Secondary education is accessed in nearby towns such as Kilcullen, Carlow, and Naas.
Religion
The Roman Catholic Church of St Mary’s serves the local parish community. The church building dates from the early 20th century and is an active place of worship.
Transport
Public transport is limited; Bus Éireann routes connect Narraghmore with Kilcullen, Carlow, and Naas. The nearest railway stations are in Kilcullen (served by the Dublin‑Waterford line) and Naas (future DART expansion under consideration).
Local amenities
The village hosts a GAA club, a community centre, a post office, and a few retail establishments, including a local grocery and a public house. Recreational facilities include a playing field used for Gaelic football and hurling.
Notable people
No individuals of national prominence are recorded as originating from Narraghmore in major biographical sources.
References
- Central Statistics Office, Census 2016, Small Area Population Statistics.
- Placenames Database of Ireland (logainm.ie) entry for “Narraghmore”.
- Kildare County Council, Area Plans and Local Development Framework.
This article presents verified information available from official Irish governmental and geographic sources.
