Callan

Callan (Irish: Callainn) is a town in south-east County Kilkenny. It is located on the banks of the Kings River. It was founded in 1207 by William the Marshall, and in 2007 celebrated its 800 birthday. It has a fine wide main street which rises up from the river and plateaux just past the Roman Catholic Church. There is branch of both Allied Irish Bank and the Bank of Ireland on the main street. Since the turn of the millennium it has grown considerably with many new housing estates coming on stream. Callan is the birthplace of Edmund Ignatius Rice who set up the Christian Brother's Schools found throughout the Country. James Hoban designer of the White House in Washington and Leinster House in Dublin. Also the renowned painter Tony O'Malley. Last but not least descendants of Asa Candler, who left Callan in the late 18th century, made Coca-Cola Company into an international global name starting from Atlanta, Georgia.

Childhood home of Edmund Rice

The dark comedy film Breakfast on Pluto (Neil Jordan, 2005) was filmed in Callan.

Get in

Callan is 16 km south of Kilkenny on the N76 road, the main road between Kilkenny and Clonmel.It is 32 km from Clonmel. The town itself is by-passed but there are four exits off by which to access the town.

Get around

Callan is not to large a town, and it is easy to get around by foot.

See

• The Moat, Moat Lane (off Bridge St). A great example of a Motte-and-bailey. 
• Edmund Rice House. Visit the childhood home of Edmund Rice, the founder of the Irish Christian Brothers. 
• Callan Augustinian Friary (Abbey Meadow) (North east of town on banks of Kings River). The ruins of a church with choir and bell town, build after 1467. It was closed by Henry VIII in his campaign against the church. There is also the remains of a well on the grounds. 

Do

• Play golf (Callan Golf Club), Geraldine, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. An 18-hole course established in 1929. €25-30 per round. 

Buy

Eat

• Cafe L'Arche, Green St, ☎ [phone]. 
• Peppermill Restaurant, Green St, ☎ [phone]. 

Drink

Sleep

Connect

Go next

• Kilkenny - The capital city of County Kilkenny is an attractive medieval town. It is home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.
• The towns of Carrick-On-Suir and Clonmel are just across the border is County Tipperary.