Hacketstown is a hive of busy businesses and friendly locals

Visitors to Hacketstown are often struck by the unique sight of Eagle Hill which appears to keep a gentle watch over the busy, small town.

The hill, just on the outskirts, is so called because its summit is shaped like the head of an hawk. Generations of families in Hacketstown have climbed it and have taken picnics at the top. Depending on which direction you turn, you could be facing Counties Carlow, Wicklow or Wexford.

The wonderful views show just how many businesses there are in the town which is located near the Carlow/Wicklow boarder.

A list of the shops and businesses could include O’Reilly’s Londis service station, the well-stocked chemist owned by Arthur Kennedy, several pubs including The Corner House, a recently-opened cafe called the Buttercup Restaurant, Val’s Take Away, a salon called Hair Affairs and Anne’s Montessori Playschool.

In short, the town has practically everything a family might need on a daily basis.

There’s a strong industrial or engineering element to surrounding businesses, many of which are supplied by the well-known Lambert’s Homevalue hardware store. Other businesses in the area include Mick Smith Haulage & Sons, JC Electrical, Monastill Engineering, Equip Catering Equipment, Liffey Meats, Murphy Body Builders, Smith Groundworks and Donlon Motors.

O'Reilly's Londis service station is where the local people and those passing through will fuel up, both their cars and themselves!

They have a wonderful range of fresh deli and bakery goods as well as great coffee! The shop is packed with freshly-made bread, scones and tarts with a fully stocked hot and cold deli counter daily. You’ll find them on the hill just as you're coming into Hacketstown from the Carlow side.

Families with small children have the convenience and reassurance of being able to send their youngsters to pre-school childcare locally.

Anne's Montessori Playschool is a ECCE sessional service opening from 9.10am to 12.10pm five mornings per week for 38 weeks per year. Anne's Montessori Playschool aims to provide a happy, secure and nurturing environment for every child in our service. They follow a play based curriculum with elements of Montessori which enhance all areas of your child's development. There are four members of qualified and experienced staff Linda, Mandy, Jen and Ciara. They are all supremely well qualified and just adore the children!

Arthur Kennedy Chemist has proudly served Hacketstown and its surrounding areas for over 60 years, becoming a cornerstone of the community. The pharmacy provides a full range of healthcare services including prescription and over-the-counter medications, health advice and expert support tailored to each customer’s needs. Alongside their healthcare services, they offer an extensive selection of cosmetics, skincare and fragrances, ensuring that you find quality products for every need and occasion. Their gift selection includes something special for everyone with options spanning all ages and occasions—from luxurious fragrances to unique items that make ideal gifts for family and friends.

With a focus on community wellness and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, they’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.

The Corner Bar has long been part of the fabric in the town. They’re there over two decades, serving the best food and drink. It’s where the community can come together, have a pint and a chat and always feel welcome!

Another trusted business is Lambert’s Homevalue - trusted builders’ providers, hardware, DIY and agri supplier to Counties Carlow, Wicklow and beyond for nearly four decades.

A family-run establishment since 1986, our 27,000 square foot, one-stop shop is dedicated to delivering expert advice, top-quality products and an unwavering commitment to the community. The management and staff pride themselves in keeping a wide range of stock available at all times, superior customer service and providing the best advice available through their dedicated and experienced staff. When you choose Lamberts, you are choosing more than just a store; you are choosing a business dedicated to helping you make your home, business and farm the best it can be.

Just like Lambert’s, John Connolly Electrical Ltd has been operating for decades. It is a full-service electrical contracting company that has been serving the local areas for over 20 years.

They provide experience and high quality services to residential, commercial and industrial clients. They are licenced, experienced, fully qualified and fully insured. They provide electrical installation, repair and maintenance, electrical inspections, design and emergency electrical services. Their customers can rest assured that they prioritise safety and quality in all their services.

Monastill Engineering are experts in gates and gate automation, steel fabrication, railings, stairs, balconies, fire escapes, automatic barriers and access control.

The company was set up in May 2005 by cousins Gerard and Jaime Doyle and is still a family run business, based in Clonmore. They have four employees including two apprentices, and are coming up on 20 years in business They are a leading supplier of gates and automation along with steel fabrication. They can custom build your gates or steel fabrication project to your exact requirements.

Please don’t hesitate to contact them to discuss your ideas or get inspiration by viewing our completed projects galleries below. If you’ve seen gates that you really like just send them some photos and we’ll work out a specification and quote for you.

M Smith Haulage & Sons Ltd have a substantial fleet of both rigid and artic lorries delivering high-quality, cost-effective haulage and site clearance solutions on time. The company is dedicated to working with individual client requirements and are always on hand with expert experienced advice. They take pride in delivering a reliable service ahead of schedule.

So, Hacketstown is certainly a busy place, bustling with life and business!

Every year, the residents of the town play host to a wonderful Easter Parade which bring the community together to celebrate spring.

They also host another festival in honour of the late, great King of Rock n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Elvis’s great, great, great, great-grandfather, William Presley came from Hacketstown. William emigrated to the United States in 1755 initially settling in New Orleans. Keep an eye out for it in the coming year. You’ll have some craic and you’ll get the meet the locals!