BAHT. An Authentic Thai Dining Experience In Carlow

 BAHT. An Authentic Thai Dining Experience In Carlow

Superb Thai food and very comfortable chairs!

A wealth of Thai experience lies behind the menu in Carlow town’s BAHT. The new Thai-owned restaurant sees seasoned chefs and fresh talent bring you authentic Thai flavours. Enjoy dishes infused with traditional medicinal herbs, crafted with passion and care. We certainly gave it a big thumbs up on a recent Tuesday evening when the room was close to capacity.

It is a lovely room on Castle Hill in the heart of the town. Lots of Thai memorabilia includes quite a few of these amazingly intricate vases, but the eye-catching piece, which stretches about 3 metres across one wall, is a mesmerisingly detailed depiction of a moving dragon boat packed with crew.

After a warm welcome, we began with an unlisted and delightful surprise: an amuse bouche of Thai Crackers with dip. They were darker in colour than your usual prawn crackers, and I gather that a little extra red chilli in the mix gives them that.

Our shared starter was the Baht Platter (€9.00), which included filo pastry wrapped prawns, Baht-style honey spare ribs, and the most delicious wonton bags made from chicken and prawns, a delicious sample of their small plates. We were up and running!

On to the mains, then. We had our work cut out trying to make a choice, but we both are big fans of Massaman Curry (24.40). The meat here was Lamb, so that swung it, and it didn't disappoint. The last Massaman I enjoyed as much was two years back in Bunnyconnellan’s, where the chef used lamb shank as the meat. It was also very delicious.

Portions here are rather generous, so there was no room for dessert on the night. But two very satisfied customers left Baht, the restaurant's name derived from the Thai currency.

Irish-born Thai Baht owner Nanphun Srakhunthod is currently chef at Uno Mas in Dublin. Nan's previous experiences include a wealth of knowledge from restaurants such as Pichet in Dublin and being a Stagiaire at two-Michelin-starred Gaggan in Bangkok. She is also a contributor to the recently published SOUP, one of the @blastabooks series. 

Founder of Baht, Owee studied hospitality management and has been working in the industry since she was 16. She also has experience working with multiple 5-star hotels in Dublin. She started cooking when she was 7 and is passionate about experimenting with Thai recipes and creating her own version of those dishes.

Noad, an owner of BAHT, moved to Ireland over 30 years ago. Before moving to Ireland, Noad worked as a chef in Bangkok before applying to work in Siam Thai in Monkstown, Dublin, where he was the Executive Chef back in 1997. Noad is well known amongst the Thai people in Ireland for always lending a helping hand to the Thai community.

This trio alone makes Baht one of the most authentic Thai experiences you can have in Ireland. It is Very Highly Recommended and well worth a call, a detour even, if you are in Carlow.

Also on this trip

Arboretum Garden Centre & Cafe

Three lovely riverside towns: Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

BAHT Thai

The Lord Bagenal Inn

Duckett’s Grove

Cafe Mullichain post plus Blackstairs Mountains

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale.

Three lovely riverside towns in Carlow: Leighlinbridge - Bagenalstown - Borris.

Three lovely riverside towns in County Carlow: 

Leighlinbridge - Bagnalstown - Borris.

The Barrow flows under the old 9-arch bridge and past the ruined Black Castle in Leighlinbridge.

The old Norton maltings in Bagenalstown that may yet get a new lease of life.

A walk into history on the banks of The Barrow

The River Barrowis a link between the three small towns of Leighlinbridge (pop. c 1k), Bagenalstown (2.8k) and Borris (0.7k). The Barrow is one of the Three Sisters and runs through much of County Carlow. 

I don't know how long the trip between the three towns would take you by boat but by road it is just 18 minutes. Linger a while, though, and enjoy the history and sites along the banks.

We were based in Leighlinbridge (at the excellent Lord Bagenal’s Inn) and drove off one afternoon in the direction of Bagenalstown. Like the other places, walks from here go in each direction along the side of the river, each signposted the Barrow Way. You’ll also notice that the town has an outdoor swimming pool on the river bank.

Bagenalstown's outdoor swimming pool (heated )

There are quite a few old malthouses scattered around the area and the first one that we saw was quite close to that swimming pool. It has been idle for a long time, but that could change. A notice on the door (whose paint is peeling) indicates that Walsh Whiskey (a local company) is seeking to restore the quite large building and turn it into a working distillery. That would be a shot in the arm for the town.

The trains may be gone but the 1860 viaduct still stands, all 16 arches!

If you‘d like to get on the river, this is an ideal spot. An Bád Keppel, a community boat, operates from here. More info at www.bagenalstowntripboat.com.

Our next stop was Borris, an excellent base for exploring the nearby mountains. Here, the unmissable spectacular 16-arch railway viaduct is a highlight. It is situated at the lower end of the town, turn left at Kelly’s Steelworks and go past the large school on your left, go under that arch of the viaduct and the car park is about 50 metres away on your left. 

It is relatively easy to walk up to the viaduct via a curving path, which you may shorten by taking a series of concrete steps. You might bring a picnic, as there are a few tables at the far end.

View of the Blackstairs Mountains from the viaduct.
The highest point is Mount Leinster, the one with the transmission mast (look closely or enlarge)

The viaduct once carried the now-defunct Great Southern and Western Railway Line between Bagenalstown and Palace East in Co. Wexford. The line's final action came when a group of enthusiasts made a goodbye trip in 1963, just over a hundred years after the viaduct was first used.

Little Leighlinbridge had more than one malthouse.

Today, the passageway (or road) on top has been paved, and you can safely walk there. Enjoy the views of the surrounding countryside, which stretches as far away as Mount Leinster in the Blackstairs Mountains. 

When we had finished our walk, we headed back towards  Leighlinbridge and took a leisurely walk around. By the Valerian Bridge itself, at the side opposite the ruined Black Castle (there's been a castle here since the late 12th century), you’ll find more opportunities to do another stretch of the Barrow Walk. 

Three of the viaduct's 16 arches.

Back then, over the 9-arch bridge, you’ll see where the old Butter Market stood. From here, in the 19th century, butter was conveyed by the river to Waterford for the London and other markets. No small market this, and I’ve seen it claimed as the country’s second-largest (next to Cork). Goods left here also to be sent by river to Carlow, Dublin and intermediate towns.

Enough strolling for the day. Back to the comforts of the Lord Bagenal and a refreshing O’Hara’s Ale in the bar.

Next stop: Baht, the superb Thai restaurant in Carlow town.

Also on this trip

Arboretum Garden Centre & Cafe

Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

BAHT Thai

The Lord Bagenal Inn

Duckett’s Grove

Cafe Mullichain post plus Blackstairs Mountains

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale.

Enjoy The Lifestyle Experience at Arboretum's Flagship Store In Carlow

Escape the Ordinary: 

A Day at Arboretum, Carlow

The first thing that caught my eye was the colourful urinals in the venue’s toilets! San Francisco artist  Clark Sorenson was commissioned to design the sanitary ware with a floral theme. He got it spot-on as will most, if not all, of the male visitors! 

Craving a Refreshing Oasis? Look no further than Arboretum in Leighlinbridge, County Carlow! This haven for all things green and delicious is the perfect escape from the ordinary.

Fuel Your Adventure at Rachel's Café

After your scenic (and perhaps rainy) drive, recharge at Rachel's Café, a champion of seasonal, homemade goodness. From breakfast to late lunch, Rachel's offers a symphony of flavours, all made with love right on-site. With a choice of healthy to hearty, hot to cold, there's something for every palate. Don't forget to leave room for their irresistible homemade sweet treats!

At play in the water (one of the inspirational gardens)

A Garden Center Colossus

While Rachel's (with 600 seats) might be one of Ireland's largest cafes, the true behemoth is the Arboretum Garden Center itself. Prepare to be dazzled by a wonderland of plants, from alpines and rockery wonders to ornamental grasses, climbers, and everything in between. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast, Arboretum, with its ten acres, has everything to transform your outdoor (and indoor!) space.

Enjoyed this Tuna sandwich for lunch!

A Feast for the Senses

Beyond the horticultural haven, explore the Inspirational Gardens, a delightful outdoor space perfect for a leisurely stroll. Test your navigational skills in the maze or unwind by the children's playground. 

More Than Just a Garden Centre

Arboretum is your one-stop shop for all things lifestyle. Browse their extensive collection of tools, pots, clothing, BBQs, pizza ovens, furniture, kitchenware, and delightful gifts. The plant experts on site are always happy to answer your questions and guide you towards garden success.

A Day Out for Everyone

Whether you're a gardening fanatic, a foodie adventurer, or simply seeking a relaxing escape, Arboretum offers something for everyone. Visit their flagship store in Leighlinbridge, or find them in Kilquade, Co. Wicklow, and Parnell St., Dublin. Don't forget, they also deliver!

Find your happy place at Arboretum!

Website: https://www.arboretum.ie/ 

Locations:

• Leighlinbridge: R93 P8P8
• Kilquade: A63 PR80
• Dublin: D01 C3X8

Also on this Carlow trip: 

Three lovely riverside towns in Carlow: Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Borris

O'Hara's Irish Pale Ale

BAHT Thai

The Lord Bagenal Inn

Duckett’s Grove

Cafe Mullichain post plus Blackstairs Mountains