Indoor activities in Carlow
The Big Blue Barn Carlow
Catering for children aged 0 to 12 years, The Big Blue Barn’s exciting indoor play frame complies with health and safety standards. They are ROSPA inspected and approved.
The play area is over 4 floors and has a fantastic 7 metre high spiral slide, 4 lane astra slide and a challenging steep slide for the older children. Your little ones will be able to wobble on the rope bridges, have fun in the ball pools and play with the animals to bring the sounds of the farm alive and much, much more.
For more information call 089 262 5739
Graiguecullen Swimming Pool
Open to the public all year round, facilities include a 25m swimming pool, toddler pool and viewing area for parents. For adults, there is also a sauna, steam room, and a coffee dock.
The swimming pool is just a 10 minute drive from our hotel and is currently open during July.
The Chocolate Garden of Ireland
One of guests favourite places to visit, for a great day out. The Chocolate Garden of Ireland is adjacent to Rathwood, and a 30 minute drive from our hotel.
Learn all about cocoa, chocolate making and have a go at being a chocolatier yourself! The Chocolate Workshops are very popular and we recommend booking in advance online. Book in for a chocolate moulding session and bring home your lovely chocolate creation for €12 pp, minimum age is 3 years old.
As our guest, you can also enjoy an exclusive partnership offer:
€40, Admission for 2 adults, including 2 artisan ice creams and 2 regular teas/coffees with cake while the kids are busy.
€20, Admission for 1 adult, including 1 artisan ice cream and 1 regular tea/coffee with cake while the kids are busy.
Become a History Detective at Carlow County Museum
Discover Carlow’s fascinating past with a family visit to the award-winning Carlow County Museum. Located in Carlow Town’s Cultural Quarter, just 10 minutes from the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, it’s a great free activity for curious children and adults alike.
Young visitors can enjoy the Museum Detective Quiz, searching the galleries for clues while discovering Carlow’s history in a fun and interactive way.
Explore four galleries filled with local stories, historic artefacts and fascinating treasures, including the beautifully hand-carved 19th-century pulpit from Carlow Cathedral, recognised as one of the top 100 objects to see in an Irish museum.
Visual Carlow
Add a little art and imagination to your family break with a visit to VISUAL Carlow, one of Ireland’s leading contemporary art centres. Located in the heart of Carlow town and just a 10-minute drive from the hotel, it is a great indoor activity for families to enjoy together.
With four spacious gallery areas, children and adults can explore colourful, creative and thought-provoking exhibitions from Irish and international artists. The changing displays can be a wonderful way to spark conversations, curiosity and young imaginations.
VISUAL is also home to a 335-seat theatre, which hosts a varied programme of family shows, performances and locally produced events throughout the year.
With free admission, VISUAL Carlow is an easy and affordable addition to your family day out in Carlow. Galleries are open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5.30pm and Sundays from 2pm to 5pm.
The National Reptile Zoo
Are you planning a day trip to Kilkenny City while staying in Carlow?
Stop in to meet some of the world’s rarest and most unusual animals! At the National Reptile Zoo, which is dedicated to the conservation of these amazing creatures and their habitats, and want you to experience why they are so passionate about them!
Within a less the 30 minute drive, you can meet these amazing animals. Open Monday to Sunday & Bank Holidays 10am – 6pm.
Enjoy 10% off your entry fee into the reptile zoo for all families who book a stay with us over the summer.
IMC Cinema Carlow / Omniplex Cinema Carlow
Always a popular choice of our guests. Within a 5 minute drive from our hotel arrive at either the IMC Cinema or the Omniplex Cinema Carlow,
The IMC Cinema Carlow has FREE parking, Kids Club and special midweek offers, perfect for relaxing rainy days.
Enjoy an exclusive partnership offer:
Family Pass: €32 (2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children)
Adult Pass: €10
Passes are available to purchase at reception during check-in. Simply present your pass at IMC Carlow—no pre-booking required. Valid for any standard 2D film at IMC Carlow only. Child tickets apply to children aged 12 and under.
Family Breaks in Carlow
Make Woodford Dolmen Hotel your accommodation hub as you explore Carlow together! We’re surrounded by neighbouring counties with many more wonderful attractions and experiences waiting for you to uncover.