Ballon

Ireland

Ballon is a small County Carlow town positioned along the River Barrow valley, connecting the southeast with Ireland's interior. The R418 links it to Carlow city 15 kilometres northeast and continues toward Kilkenny, while the M9 from Dublin provides easy access via Junction 4. The N80 offers another route through Bunclody, about 20 kilometres east. Electric vehicle charging is available in Carlow town and along motorway corridors. The town's most striking feature is its 12th-century Norman motte, a massive earthen mound that dominates the centre and once guarded this strategic river crossing.