Looking to soak up some local history or wander through stunning heritage sites? Carlow is brimming with castles, gardens, ancient monuments and riverside trails just waiting to be explored. From the 13th century Carlow Castle to guided tours on the Huntington Castle & Gardens or the modern Visual Carlow, here are some of our favourite spots to add to your list:
Brownshill Dolmen
Just east of Carlow town stands the unmistakable Brownshill Dolmen — a mighty portal tomb dating back nearly 5,000 years. Its huge granite capstone weighs over 100 tonnes, making it the largest of its kind in Europe.
Set in peaceful meadows along the Hacketstown Road, this ancient monument is thought to have been a site for ritual ceremonies long ago. It’s completely free to visit and only a short 10-minute drive from our hotel.
Duckett’s Grove
Just a short 20-minute drive from the hotel, Duckett’s Grove is a must-see on any trip to Carlow. This striking 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion was once home to the Duckett family, who became major landowners here after settling in 1695. Today, the dramatic ruins of its towers and turrets make Duckett’s Grove one of Ireland’s most photogenic historic spots.
Wander through the beautifully restored walled gardens, filled with a charming mix of historic and modern plantings — a peaceful place to explore at your own pace. For a closer look at its rich history, join a free guided tour, available at 12:30pm and 2:30pm every Friday to Sunday, or by appointment for groups on other days.
Altamont Gardens
Just a 20-minute drive from the hotel, discover Heritage Ireland’s most romantic garden — the stunning Altamont Gardens. Spanning 16 hectares, this beautiful estate is free to visit, with a small €2 charge for parking.
The garden’s unique Robinsonian, or Arts and Craft style, combines formal and informal elements perfectly with the natural surroundings. Wander through the Arboretum, Bog Garden, and the magical Ice Age Glen, all sheltered by ancient oaks and dramatic stone outcrops leading down to the River Slaney. Visit in summer to enjoy the lovely scents of roses and herbaceous plants in full bloom.
When you’re ready to relax, stop by the Altamont Garden Café for delicious home-baked cakes and scones paired with freshly brewed tea or coffee. Takeaway options are available, and light snacks are served in the summer months.
Altamont Gardens is open year-round, seven days a week (including bank holidays). From April to September, the gardens welcome visitors from 9am to 6.30pm.
Carlow Castle
Carlow Castle is one of the most significant Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland, proudly standing beside the Barrow and Burrin rivers right in the centre of Carlow Town. This striking landmark is just a quick 10-minute drive from our hotel and is free to visit on weekdays.
Built between 1207 and 1213 by William de Marshal, the Earl of Pembroke, it once formed part of a powerful fortress guarding the confluence of the rivers. Its design is similar to Ferns Castle in Wexford and for centuries it played a key role in defending the region, holding strong through attacks in 1494 and again in 1641.
Though much of the original structure was lost after a failed attempt to convert it into an asylum in 1814, visitors today can still explore the two sturdy towers and a section of connecting wall that hint at its former might.
The Barrow Way
The Barrow Way is a beautiful long-distance trail that follows the old towpath of the River Barrow, once used by horses pulling barges and boats. Stretching about 114 km from Lowtown in Co. Kildare all the way to St. Mullins in Co. Carlow, it winds through charming towns like Athy, Carlow, Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown and Graiguenamanagh.
This is one of Ireland’s most scenic yet quietly undiscovered walking and cycling routes, offering a mix of gentle riverside paths, old stone bridges, castle ruins, abbeys and even derelict mills along the way. The River Barrow itself is Ireland’s second longest river, just behind the River Shannon.
The trail’s terrain is mostly flat, making it ideal for relaxed walks or cycles, though it can get muddy after rain. While walking the full 114 km takes about four days, we recommend exploring shorter sections around Carlow for a lovely afternoon out.
If you’re near Milford, why not stop off at our friends in Barrow Brew for a fresh coffee and some local treats before continuing your adventure?
Learn more about The Barrow Way
Visit Barrow Brew on Facebook
Huntington Castle & Gardens
Experience the Huntington Castle, a stunning 17th-century treasure just a 30-minute drive from our hotel. Built in 1625 as a garrison along the key Wexford to Dublin route, it was transformed into a family home about fifty years later — and it’s still lovingly restored by the family today.
A guided tour of the castle lasts around 40 minutes and brings centuries of stories to life, from grand halls to the truly unique Temple of the Goddess hidden deep in the basement. Tours run daily from May to September at 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm, with tickets at €12 for adults and €6 for children. Family discounts are also available.
Be sure to wander through the beautiful gardens laid out in the 1680s by the Esmonde family. Highlights include the world-famous yew walk, thought to be over 500 years old. Garden entry is €6 per adult and €3 per child (which also covers the playground), and they’re open daily from 10am to 5pm, May through September.
After exploring, treat yourself to something delicious in the tearooms, offering locally baked goodies, gifts, and even pocket-money toys for the kids.
Carlow County Museum
Visit the award-winning Carlow County Museum and uncover some of the fascinating stories that make Carlow unique. Located on College Street in the town’s Cultural Quarter, it’s just a quick 10-minute drive from our hotel — and even better, admission is completely free.
Explore four galleries filled with a rich collection of local artefacts, from ancient treasures to quirky curiosities. Carlow County Museum is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 12.30pm (last entry at 12 noon), and again from 2pm to 4.30pm (last entry at 4pm). Please note pre-booking is essential, with group sizes currently limited to six people. To book your visit, call 059-9131554 or email [email protected].
While you’re in the area, why not also pop over to VISUAL Carlow? Ireland’s home for contemporary art is only a short 210-metre stroll from the museum.
VISUAL & George Bernard Shaw Theatre
Just a 10-minute drive from our hotel, VISUAL Carlow is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary art spaces and a must-see while exploring Carlow. This striking gallery is perfect for a cultural day out with family or friends. Inside, you’ll find large-scale exhibitions that are colourful, interactive, and thought-provoking—captivating children and adults alike.
Beyond the exhibitions, VISUAL also houses the George Bernard Shaw Theatre, hosting a vibrant mix of live performances throughout the year. Whether you’re admiring sculptures, digital installations, or enjoying a show, it’s a wonderful spot to spend a sunny or rainy afternoon. Afterwards, relax with something sweet at the on-site café or stroll through the nearby park.
VISUAL Carlow is free to visit, open Tuesday to Sunday, with four galleries waiting to be explored.
Check out their current exhibitions here
County Carlow Military Museum
Discover County Carlow Military Museum, a hidden gem just a short drive from our hotel. Housed in a charming 19th-century church, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Carlow’s rich military history. With over 4,500 artefacts donated by local families, including antiquities from the 1798 Rebellion to both World Wars and UN peacekeeping missions in Congo, Lebanon, and Somalia. Highlights include a full-scale replica of a World War I trench, uniforms from the Irish Defence Forces, and displays on the Carlow Militia and armoured vehicle production during World War II.
Open Sundays from 2–5pm and Wednesdays & Fridays from 12–4pm (March–November). Admission is €4 for adults, €3.50 for teens and €2.50 for seniors. Group tours can be arranged outside regular hours by contacting Paul at 087–6904242 or emailing [email protected].
The Nine Stones Viewing Point
Looking for a breathtaking panorama with the opportunity to spot 8 Irish counties? Head up to The Nine Stones Viewing Point on Mount Leinster—a scenic 32-minute drive from Woodford Dolmen Hotel.
Perched just outside the village of Borris, this lookout treats you to sweeping views over eight Irish counties—Carlow, Laois, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, and Tipperary’s mountains—and on a clear day, even the Welsh coast peeks through.
A line of nine small standing stones marks the site, said to honour shepherds lost in a winter storm—hence the name.
Walkers can extend the experience by taking the excellent Gordon to Kildavin (G‑K) trail. This route travels down forest trails and quiet country roads through Kilbrannish Forest, winding past lush wildlife and offering unmatched views for about 8 km.
Whether you’re up for a rewarding walk or just want a peaceful picnic with a view, this spot is perfect for taking in Ireland’s rolling landscapes.
