The St Mullins River Ferry

Did you know?

The St Mullins Ferry

A ferry crossed the Barrow river at St Mullins down through the centuries from the flour mills to the banks of the river on the Kilkenny side .Todays ordinance survey maps still show the ferry crossing even though the ferry ceased to run after the closure of the Odlums mills in 1967.The rowing boat was moored at the steps just below The Mullicháin Café and the Ferry Man was summoned by a bell that hung from a tree by the traveller.

To put the importance of the ferry in context we have to remember that it was only in the 1960’s that cars became common place so people walked everywhere or used their bicycle .Those living on both sides of the river Ballavarra, Rower, St Mullins were close friends, courted and intermarried.  They came across the river to visit Blanchfield’s pub which was also the local shop and post office and to attend mass and services.

Pattern day was the busiest day of the year at the end of July when the ferry man earned his keep for a few pennies bringing the worshipers and carnival attenders across the river, many not to return for a day or two

The demise of the ferry has led to a split in a community that was one for centuries. There are now proposals by Kilkenny Leader to join the two sides with a foot bridge joining the Barrow Blueway to the Rower Greenway, let’s hope it happens soon.

On misty nights the slap of the ferryman’s oars can still be heard as he turns the bow of his boat to the far shore.