Things to do near Carlow Castle

Carlow is compact, so most of the town's sights are within a short walk or drive of the castle.

In the town centre

Carlow County Museum

On College Street, with four galleries covering local history and objects from Carlow's past, including the original gallows vault from Carlow Gaol.

Cathedral of the Assumption

A Gothic Revival cathedral with a spire about 151 feet high. The foundation stone was laid in 1828 and the building was completed in 1833.

VISUAL and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre

A contemporary art gallery and theatre that opened in 2009, with a large gallery space, a theatre and a restaurant.

Carlow Town Park

A green space by the River Barrow, with riverside walking. River boat trips also depart from the park jetty.

Carlow Farmers' Market

Held in the Potato Market on Saturday mornings. Local sources give the hours as 9am to 2pm, so check before you go.

Croppies Grave and the Liberty Tree

In Graiguecullen, a memorial to the 640 men who died in the 1798 Rebellion, and a bronze sculpture by John Behan.

A short drive away

Brownshill Dolmen

A 5,000 to 6,000 year old portal tomb just outside town. Its capstone is reputed to be among the heaviest in Europe, at around 100 tonnes, and it earns Carlow the nickname "the Dolmen County".

Oak Park Forest Park

Woodland walking with a nature trail and colour-coded circular routes, on the edge of town.

Delta Sensory Gardens

A multi-sensory garden covering about a hectare, designed to engage all the senses.

Duckett's Grove

The ruin of a Gothic-style country house, with restored walled gardens.

Further out in County Carlow

Altamont Gardens, a well-known garden near Tullow.
Huntington Castle, in Clonegal.
The Barrow Way, a long walking route that follows the river past locks and villages such as Leighlinbridge, Borris and St Mullins.

Check before you go

Opening hours and admission change, and seasonal sights often shorten their hours in winter. Check each attraction's own information first. The local tourism office can point you to more listings.