Carlow
Carlow - A county of ancient beauty and mystical charm
Carlow it is the second smallest county in Ireland and to the south and south east, the dramatic Blackstairs Mountains frame the county. Carlow Town is a bustling centre with great shopping, fine restaurants and accommodation, it has a well-earned reputation for lively festivals throughout the year, including the internationally renowned Eigse Arts Festival, an 8-day extravaganza in June each year, featuring visual arts, theatre, comedy, dance, literary events, film, music, crafts and street entertainment.
What's On -There is an excellent Walking Festival in October and a Floral Festival in August. Carlow boasts a long tradition in river sports and boating activity, with Carlow Regatta, one of the oldest rowing festivals in the country, which takes place in May. Carlow has many listed river walks, including the National Way Marked Barrow Way.
Carlow is also home to Duckett’s Grove, originally the 18th and early 19th century home of the Duckett family, whose walled gardens and wooded pleasure grounds are now open to the public. Tullow is located on the River Slaney and is the nearby home of Altamont Gardens – one of the country’s most celebrated gardens. Bagenalstown is a charming town, with riverside walks and a picturesque lock close to the fine estate house of Dunleckney Manor.
The pretty town of Leighlinbridge is dominated by the medieval ruin of the Black Castle standing sentinel over a 14th century, nine-arched bridge – reputedly one of the oldest functioning bridges in Europe. Rathvilly is a picturesque village to the north east of Carlow. Its name derives from a series of ancient raths or forts built along the River Barrow. St Mullins originally the site of a 7th century monastery built by St Moling, whom the village is named after, an Abbey was later built here. The ruins of a 10th century round tower and high cross exist to this day, these are but a few of the towns in county Carlow.
A bite to Eat - Choose from a diverse array of places to eat, including award winning restaurants serving fresh local produce and fusing the best of Irish, Continental and Asian cuisine for a truly international flavour.
A dynamic and vibrant nightlife kicks off in the evenings with live music and entertainment in Co. Carlow's pubs, bars and clubs. Throughout the county you will find genuine Irish culture in its music and traditions. Experience the excitement of a traditional Irish music session, or relax as storytellers recall ancient tales of battles won and love lost.
Why not stay - From the moment you step in to your accommodation in county Carlow you will enjoy the warmest of welcomes from the friendly staff and home owner who will attend to your every need and will ensure that you will want to return again and again to the county.
Huntington Castle & Gardens - Carlow
These gardens were mainly laid out in the 17th century by the Esmondes who built Huntington Castle in 1625. This includes the French limes on the Avenue, the - parterre- or lawns to the side of the house, the fish ponds on either side of the centre walk through the wilderness and the majority of Yew trees which comprise the Yew Walk.
Duckett's Grove Walled Gardens - Carlow
Ducketts Grove was designed in a castellated Gothic revival style, by Thomas A. Cobden for John Davidson Duckett circa 1825. The 18th, 19th and early 20th century home of the Duckett family, was formerly at the centre of a twelve thousand acre estate that has dominated the Carlow landscape for over three hundred years.
Altamont Gardens - Carlow
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 nursery man, Robert Miller. The area consists of the Corona North Commemorative Border and Altamont Plant Sales and Nursery.
Brownshill Dolmen - Carlow
One very unmistakable monument dating back to pre - historical times is the great dolmen at Browneshill to the east of Carlow Town. The magnificent capstone has excited the interest of many antiquarians and tourists down through the years.
Saint Mullins - Carlow
The picturesque village of St. Mullins in South Carlow is situated on the River Barrow, nestling between the Blackstairs Mountains on one side and Brandon Hill on the other.
