Ireland

Carlow

Discover events, attractions and local deals in Carlow.

104 listings

The Wolseley Spa at the Mount Wolseley Hotel

The Wolseley Spa at the Mount Wolseley Hotel offers the very best of Asian and European rituals including Swedish massage, exotic wraps, steam rooms, floatation's and Hammam. Relax and enjoy world class Elemis products across 14 spacious treatment rooms and an extensive list of specialist services. The Wolseley Spa at the Mount Wolseley Hotel is ideal for spa breaks in Ireland. With each room specifically designed to reawaken guest’s senses, illuminated only by warm candlelight and soft, calming music, The Wolseley Spa at the Mount Wolseley Hotel, in County Carlow has their very own luxurious haven to which guests can escape from the pressures and stresses of everyday life. A full menu is available to order from The Wolseley Spa, along with a selection of special teas and invigorating refreshments.

Mountwolseley, Tullow, Co. CarlowR93 C9H0

St Laserian's Cathedral

Early in the 7th century, St Gobban founded a monastery at Old Leighlin, which once accommodated 1,500 monks. The site was the location of an important church synod in 630AD which influenced the system for establishing the date of Easter each year, a formula still used to this day. St Laserian’s Cathedral replaced the 7th century monastery. The cathedral embraces a fascinating and often violent history of Viking raids, murder and religious turbulence. Its 13th century nave and chancel, and its 15th century tower and Lady Chapel remain largely unchanged. Also to be seen are the four bay sedilia, the 12th and 13th century fonts and the Catherine O’Brien East Window. Nearby is the 7th century Cross of Saint Laserian and his holy well, which continues to be venerated and attracts offerings some 14th centuries after his death. Today, St Laserian’s Cathedral remains an unspoilt and mystical place. It is open to the public daily from May to the end of September. There is no admission charge but voluntary contributions towards the upkeep of the Cathedral are very much appreciated.

Oldleighlin, Co. Carlow

Bahana Forest

Bahana Forest is an old woodland site sloping down to the banks of the Barrow River, between Graiguenamanagh and St Mullins, in County Carlow. It is thought that Bahana derives its name from ‘beith’ the Irish name for birch. There are facilities here for fishing and forest walks along the river bank. The main tree species in the forest include some remnants of old oak woodlands and a nice stand of beech. There is a great variety of conifers including Douglas fir, Scots pine, Norwegian spruce, Japanese larch and western hemlock. Birch and holly abound with some ash and hazel. There is a diverse range of flora, with woodrush and broom being abundant. This is a granite based site comprising of a wide variety of site and soil types, from rock outcrops on the steep slopes to brown earth on the flats. Woodcock and pheasant are the main fauna species present. Because of its proximity to the river there is a variety of bird life in Bahana Forest. Rabbits and red squirrels are frequently seen and occasionally the otter can be glimpsed on the riverbank.

Banaha, St. Mullins, Co. Carlow

County Carlow Military Museum

In a late 19th century Church in Carlow Town you will find the County Carlow Military Museum. The Museum displays artefacts dating from the late 18th century to the present day and details of the history of the Irish Army, Local Reserve Defence Forces, UN Peacekeeping, Carlow Militia, World War 1, War of Independence and much more. Other features focus on Carlow soldiers in armies throughout the world along with armoured vehicle production in Carlow during World War 2.

Health Services Complex, Athy Rd, Strawhall, Co. CarlowR93 PK46

St. Mullins Ecclesiastical Village

Nestled between the Blackstairs Mountains and Brandon Hill, St Mullins Village is a tranquil place where St Moling established a monastery in the 7th century. St Moling was born in 614 AD, a prince and during his lifetime he became a poet, artist and craftsman as well as a priest. Under the patronage of Máedóc (Aidan) of Ferns he built his monastery in St Mullins. In 691 AD he was made Archbishop of Ferns. He died in the year 696 AD and is buried in St Mullins along with several ancient kings of Leinster. Today, the remaining ecclesiastical ruins are situated at the back of the graveyard and they include five churches and the remains of a round tower. The churchyard lies in the shadow of an Anglo-Norman motte and contains a fascinating collection of 18th and 19th century gravestones. During penal times, mass was said at the altar in the centre of the graveyard. Over the altar is an aperture through which a warning could be communicated to the priest from a watcher positioned on the motte. The former Church of Ireland Church, situated beside the renowned monastic ruins and cemetery, was originally built in 1811. All aspects of local history including publications, church records, maps, old photographs and artefacts are housed at St Mullins Heritage Centre and provides a fascinating account of village and rural life over the centuries. A genealogy service and guided tours can be provided by appointment. On the outskirts of St Mullins lie the ruins of an early medieval church. This church is said to have been built in thanksgiving to St Moling who freed the area of Ossory from paying a tax in cows, known as the Bóroma Tribute, to the High Kings of Ireland.

Saint Mullins Village, Co. Carlow

Altamont Gardens

The heavenly 16-hectare gardens of Altamont in County Carlow combine formal and informal gardens with a variety of flora. Visitors will have a wonderful experience at any time of the year, as different plants flourish throughout the spring, summer and autumn, and the trees show off their striking silhouettes during the winter. The Robinsonian-style gardens are home to native species as well as exotic ones like Swamp Cypress, Red Oak and Giant Redwood. Strolling through the tranquil area, visitors will also find a lake and a river walk. An unmissable highlight of a visit to Altamont Gardens is the walled garden situated within the grounds of the estate and run privately by gardener and nurseryman Robert Miller. The state took over the operation of the property in 1999, upon the death of its owner and long-time caregiver, Corona North, who frequently travelled in search of plants for the gardens. The area consists of the Corona North Commemorative Border and Altamont Plant Sales and Nursery. The Corona North Commemorative Border took over a year to design, build and plant, and was opened in 2000 to honour Altamont’s late owner. Many of the plants in the border were donated by friends of Corona and fellow great Irish gardeners. These donated plants and thousands of others grown at Robert Miller and then-business partner Assumpta Broomfield’s nursery make up one of the largest borders of its kind in the country, and tell a story of Irish horticulture woven into a seamless living tapestry. A visit is essential for any seasoned or novice gardener looking for inspiration or pure enjoyment of a classic Irish garden.

Tullow, Co. Carlow

Rathvilly Garden Centre

Rathvilly Garden Centre is owned and operated by Dermot Byrne, who prides himself on offering a comprehensive range of home-grown bedding plants and shrubs for the gardening enthusiast. Located near Rathvilly, County Carlow, this country garden centre is set on 2 hectares and also features a large amenity garden with picnic and children’s play area. Trees, shrubs, heathers and roses are sourced in Ireland to ensure top quality. The garden centre features a range of bulbs, seeds, garden tools and a large selection of trees, shrubs, container pots, fruit trees, patio slabs, outdoor pots, moss peat, trellis and fencing. There is a strong emphasis on growing your own and the centre also features a vegetable exhibition area. Trained and experienced staff are happy to give advice on all gardening queries. Additionally, the Terrace Café at Rathvilly Garden Centre is open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in summer. Home baking, traditional cooking and speciality products are provided in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Exclusive bookings for private parties and outdoor catering menus available. For the Garden winter opening times and cafe opening times telephone 059-9161594. Rathvilly Garden Centre is 3.5km from Rathvilly and 6km from Baltinglass on the Rathvilly – Baltinglass N81 road. Facilities at Rathvilly garden centre: Wheelchair accessible | Toilet (wheelchair friendly) |Picnic tables.

Broughillstown, Rathvilly, Co. CarlowR93 D521

Borris Food and Craft Market

Borris Food and Craft Market is a one–stop shop for the best in locally sourced produce such as home baking, savouries, cheese, preserves, pickles, eggs, fruit, vegetables, fish and flowers. The market also houses a good selection of local artists and craftspeople showcasing woodturning, paintings, jewellery, knitting, hand printed children’s wear. A warm welcome is always assured, with freshly brewed tea and coffee served with home baked biscuits and cakes. Borris Food and Craft Market takes place every Friday morning from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30p.m. in Borris Town Hall in the centre of the village.

Borris Town Hall, Main St, Knocknagundarragh, Borris, Co. Carlow

Rathvilly Motte

Rathvilly means the "Fort with trees" Near Rathvilly village at a crossroads leading to Lisnavagh in County Carlow The motte must have been built to defend and protect the crossroads. This large motte that was once the residence of the King of Leinster who reigned from 443 to 483 AD.

The Moate, Knockroe, Rathvilly, Co. Carlow

Malone's Fruit Farm

Malone's fruit farm is a 12 acre family run business growing a variety of berries. They started off growing strawberries but now also grow raspberries, blackberries, gologanberries, tayberries, redcurrents, blackcurrents, whitecurrents and rhubarb. Fresh fruit is available in their farm shop in Ballon, County Carlow from mid May to early October. Many of the products are also available in retail outlets and farmers markets.

Closh, Ballon, Co. Carlow

Carlow Cathedral

Carlow Cathedral was the brainchild of Bishop James Doyle, who is regarded as a prominent advocate of Catholic rights. Thomas Cobden designed the cathedral, taking inspiration from European models like the Beftroi Tower in Bruges. The building, which is constructed from lovely grey-blue stone, and local material were used in the construction, the stone coming from a quarry on the Tullow Road, while Colonel Bruen from Oak Park supplied the white granite from his Graiguenaspidogue quarry and oak timbers from his forests at Oak Park, it was completed in 1833 and sits near Saint Patrick’s College in Carlow Town. The structure is dedicated to Bishop Doyle, who died the year after it opened and lies interred in its walls. Inside, there is also a memorial statue to the Bishop, created by John Hogan and considered his greatest achievement.

College Street, Carlow Town, Co. Carlow

Lemongrass Restaurant

The Lemongrass Restaurant situated in the heart of Carlow Town prides itself on the use of fresh ingredients to create the finest Asian cuisine. Their menu consists of a mixture of Thai and Japanese influences with a mixture of old favourites such as Thai green curry and new dishes like tiger prawn Korean noodles. Food is hand prepared by professional cooks, who use no MSG, preservatives or artificial colouring. Their tasty dishes are wok fried, a healthy form of cooking and also coeliac friendly. The Lemongrass Restaurant is a must for food enthusiasts who have a flavour for quality Asian cuisine. enjoy quality and value in their lunch and early bird menus, or a more extensive variety of options from their a la carte menu.

Hanover Square, Kennedy Ave, Graigue, Co. Carlow

VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre

VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow Town, hosts artwork from local, national and international artists in five different gallery spaces. Admission is free of charge to all the gallery spaces. There are also a lot of activities to enjoy with various workshops and classes taking place in the building as part of the Learning and Engagement Programme throughout the year. VISUAL has a theatre which hosts a varied programme of music, comedy, drama, film and dance. The George Bernard Shaw Theatre can seat 335 people, and a full list of events can be viewed on their website or by calling the box office team. VISUAL was designed by Terry Pawson, a British architect with vast experience in designing buildings for the arts and cultural sector after he won an international architectural competition held by the RIAI. The €18m development is a joint project of Carlow Local Authorities and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism under the Access Programme. VISUAL also houses a restaurant, Lennons@Visual.

Old Dublin Rd, Graigue, Co. CarlowR93 A3K1

Borris Golf Club

This parkland course is maintained to a very high standard with a modern, automatic watering system and the texture of the sand based greens compare favourably with the best. It contains many wonderful specimens of trees strategically placed to challenge the seasoned golfer and yet the fairways are a joy to play for all. It would be difficult to find a course in a more picturesque setting, with the stately McMurrough Kavanagh family seat in the background.

Borris, Co. Carlow

Teach Dolmain

Teach Dolmain's restaurant serves sumptuous food sourced though local suppliers.The management are conscientious in promoting local produced food which is reflected on the menu. There is a strong emphasis on quality, using 100 percent Irish beef and Feile Bia approved suppliers. Located in Carlow Town, Teach Dolmain is a restaurant and bar called after the Browneshill Dolmen. Teach Dolmain strives continually to portray this dolmen period of Carlow's history and heritage in the pottery and artefacts on display throughout the bar and restaurant. Teach Dolmain’s interior is decorated with old-world artefacts, comfortable seating and large tables, but it is the warm and friendly welcome that captivates guests immediately. The atmosphere is inviting, ideally suited for families during the day while at night it livens up with live music sessions. Food is served though out the day with breakfast from 9.30am followed by lunch at 12.15pm and offering extensive A la Carte menu from 3pm until late.

76 Tullow St, Co. CarlowR93 NY70

Lennons @ Visual

Lennons @ Visual is a café and restaurant located in the heart of Carlow Town providing good honest food produced with passion and attention to detail. Lennons @ Visual are committed to using the finest of Irish meat sourced locally to ensure quality and freshness. Their mission is to ensure that all visitors preferences and dietary needs are met through a carefully chosen menu that includes a choice of gluten free, vegetarian, and healthy options. The restaurant setting is eye catching with full wall to wall, floor to ceiling windows allowing full views of Carlow cathedral. The interior walls are decorated with an ever changing array of works from locally based artists. There is an outside seating area available to visitors.

Old Dublin Rd, Graigue, Co. Carlow

Clonmore Castle

Clonmore Castle is a twelfth century fortress but there was no mention of it until the 14th Century when it was repaired by Sir Anthony de Lucy in 1332. In the 15th Century it was one of several castles granted to the Earl of Ormond. Typical of the late 13th century, the castle is nearly square in plan, with rectangular towers at the two southern corners, and smaller turrets at the other two corners. Remains of the main interior buildings can be seen on the eastern side of the courtyard. There are several interesting features remaining such as windows, stairway, chambers and narrow passages. Clonmore was captured by the Earl of Kildare in 1516 and by the Earl of Ormond in 1598. It changed hands several times in the Confederate War, and was finally taken by Cromwell's forces under Colonel Hewson in 1650. Clonmore Monastic Site In the village graveyard, 300 yards to the east, there is one plain High Cross in the churchyard on the north side of the road, and considerable fragments of another, along with many slabs bearing a cross in relief, in the graveyard on the south side of the road. The road, cuts through the site of an old monastery founded by St. Mogue in the 6th century.

1, Glebe, Hacketstown, Co. Carlow

Leighlinbridge - Garden Village

The Leighlinbridge district is rich in history, favoured with fertile land and enhanced by the River Barrow which meanders slowly through the County Carlow village. The foundation for its beauty lies directly with the residents, who demonstrate a sense of pride and work tirelessly to preserve and enhance this unique area. This pride is evident by a range of gardens, built and designed by the local community to commemorate various aspects of village life over the years. The Millennium Garden or Garden Village consists of seven small, individual gardens, each with its own theme represented by trees, shrubs and stones. Using materials indigenous to the local area, the garden tells the story of life through a series of themes, including peace and tranquility, happiness, friendship, reconciliation, hope, harmony and eternity. Facilities in Leighlinbridge include the award-winning Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre, a restaurant, hotel, pubs, castle, historic buildings, angling, walking routes and picnic site.

Ballyknockan, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow

The Weavers Cottages

The Weavers Cottages are full of charm and character. The cottages were a 17th century construction for local weavers. Originally there was a row of six cottages which comprised of a pair of semi detached, two bay, single storey dormer cottages with attic conversion. The cottages would have been part of the cottage industry prior to the mechanisation of the craft. The cottages were used for weaving when the trade was at its height. The cottages now feature many articles and pictures from those times. From time to time the cottages are used for spinning, bread making and crochet demonstrations. They are also used for evenings of story telling, music, song and dance. There is a beautiful heritage garden at the back. Why not call in and explore these beautifully restored Weavers Cottages.

Weavers Cottages, Main Street, Clonegall, Co. Carlow

Carlow Food Trail

Why not take time and sample the delights on the Carlow Food Trail. Carlow is a wonderful county to explore, where the scenery is spectacular, and combine that with gorgeous and quaint hotels, restaurants and cafes, serving an array of delicacies of the sweetest, freshest, imaginable food. Whether it is a visit to the chocolatier, or food and crafts, brewing beer, whiskey distilling, organic farms to farmers markets, it’s about free range produce fresh from the farm, artisan cheese, local apples or home bakery. The trail will to take you off the beaten path where you can sample the delights. The Carlow Food Trail catalogue brings this great food story together and is waiting to be explored.

College Street, Carlow, Co. Carlow

Cloch an Phoill

The Cloch an Phoill is a huge pillarstone with a circular hole pierced through it, in Tullow County Carlow. It is believed the stone was used as a seal or blocking stone for a megalithic tomb some four thousand years ago and the hole was used to pass food through to the dead after the tomb had been closed. The hole is around 30 cms in diameter and as late as the eighteenth century sick children were passed through the hole as a cure. According to legend the stone is also associated with Niall of the Nine Hostages. The Stone can be found in Aghade about three and a half kilometres south of Tullow on the Eastern side of the N81. The Stone is well sign posted and lies in a field, just to the north of a large gateway there is a gap in the hedge to allow access to visitors.

Aghade, Co. Carlow

Carlow Farmers Market

Carlow Farmers Market is a food based market that has proven hugely popular as customers embrace the wide variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, juices and home baking on offer. The market provides an outlet for local farm based food, while also allowing visitors and locals the opportunity to meet local farmers and growers. Visitors can purchase top quality Carlow foods in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Foodstuffs available at the market include organic and conventional meats and vegetables, hand crafted chocolates, cheeses, olives, fish, fruit in season, juices, jams, chutneys, free range and organic eggs, crepes, beverages, ready prepared meals and deserts. A huge array of home baking and cottage garden plants and flowers are also on sale. The market is held every Saturday morning between 9am and 2pm.

7 Potato Market, Co. CarlowR93 VX84

Herb Garden at Kilgraney House

Kilgraney takes it’s name from the Irish “cill gréine,” which means “sunny hill” or “sunny wood”. These wooded and secluded grounds overlook the tranquil Barrow Valley and are situated halfway between Carlow Town and Kilkenny City. Kilgraney comprises a series of interconnecting herbal gardens, a large kitchen garden, tea walk, medicinal herb courtyard, mediaeval monastic herb garden, and a garden of aromatic and fragrant herbs. The enclosed kitchen garden supplies the guesthouse with fruit, vegetables and herbs and has been run on organic lines for more than 10 years. Next to the kitchen garden is the tea walk, a short gravel path lined on one side with plants suitable for infusions and herbal teas. The medicinal garden, set in a granite courtyard, consists of nine raised beds in Irish oak timber. Each bed is planted with herbs suitable for treating a particular part of the body. In a lower courtyard there is an aromatic garden planted with herbs for fragrance and also for their usefulness in cosmetic preparations. In an adjoining courtyard there is a modern interpretation of a medieval monastic herb garden with four oak-raised beds surrounded on two sides by an oak timber cloister. Finally, a circular cosmic garden helps to explain and facilitate our understanding of the ancient belief that there is a connection between people, plants, planets and constellations. The main house is not open to garden visitors.

Kilgraney, Co. Carlow

Killoughternane

Also known as the White Church, the oratory at Killoughternane was established in the 10th century on the land where St Fortchern founded a church 500 years earlier. The ruin is simple and roofless and is located just 7km from Bagenalstown in County Carlow. The oratory is small, measuring 5.5m long and 3.5m wide. It features a rectangular baptismal font in the northeast corner. Close by is Killoughternane Well.

Unnamed Road, Killoughternane, Co. Carlow