outdoor adventures in Carlow
WOODFORD ISLAND
Located on the grounds of our hotel, you won’t have far to travel to experience true tranquillity and relaxation.
Following the gardens at the rear of the hotel, cross the red bridge over the River Barrow and into a natural paradise to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your day. On Woodford Island, you’ll be met with the beautiful sounds and scents that nature has to offer.
The singing birds, the crisp leaves, and the beautiful sound of the River Barrow will be sure to give you that blissful feeling of relaxation you need. You will also find an array of wildlife on the island, such as Heron, Swans, and field butterflies.
Woodford Island is the ideal trail for walking and appreciating what nature has to offer. Read more about Woodford Island and find out how much more it has to offer.
GO WITH THE FLOW RIVER ADVENTURES
Looking for a highly Tripadvisor-rated river adventure in Carlow?
Check out all that Go With The Flow packages have to offer. Located 35 minutes from the hotel in Borris, County Carlow.
Popular tours such as the Valley of the Monks tour (flat water, self guided) and the Guided White Water Spills & Thrills, are both available twice a day for a half day. Both suitable for family outings ( age 7yr +).
Or choose from canoeing options – this includes canoe trails with wild camping. See their website for details with prices, descriptions, times and dates.
BOATTRIPS.IE
Enjoy a boating and canoeing experience along the River Nore.
Discover the local history, the local wildlife and the unspoken wonders that Kilkenny City holds with this boating experience.
Surrounded by nature, water, and history, the team at BoatTrips.ie will make sure to provide a memorable experience for you and your friends or family. With trips that range around 40 minutes duration at several times a day, make sure to bring your camera to take pictures of their regular visitors above the waterline: kingfishers, otters, swans, cormorants, herons and buzzards and below the surface: pike, perch, bream rudd, dace, and occasionally a trout or salmon.
RATHWOOD
Experience Rathwood, the Multi-Award winning exclusive centre within just a 30 minute drive from our hotel. Uniquely combining retail, fashion, garden centre and leisure, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained here.
Take a trip through the woods on the Rathwood Express Train and enture into the Maze of Ireland, when you’ve safely found your way out discover the playgrounds swings and slides. Rathwood also has a Deer Park, kids events, magical walks through the forest and the newly open The Ark Indoor Playcentre.
End the day on a high note by grabbing a bite in The MerryTree Restaurant serving breakfast until the afternoon daily. Enjoy tea/coffee and their famous homemade cakes before hitting the road.
CASTLECOMER DISCOVERY PARK & ADVENTURE
Only a 30-minute drive from our hotel, Castlecomer offers a day of adventures. Castlecomer Discovery Park and Visitor Centre consists of a wonderful 80-acre discovery park in the Castlecomer Demesne, which was once part of the estate farmyard, gardens, stable yard and leisure grounds of the Wandesforde family.
Castlecomer Visitor Centre houses the reception, Coal-Mining Exhibition, and Jarrow Café open daily. The park itself is FREE to visit and perfect for a family day out with different activities choices including the new Skywalk Challenge, Ireland’s longest Zipline, axe throwing, archery, boats & canoeing, the coal mining museum and Elf & Fairy village.
Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
IRISH NATIONAL STUDS & GARDENS
Looking for a captivating blend of nature and heritage near Carlow?
Located just an hour from the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, this iconic attraction in Kildare offers a unique experience for all ages. Explore the stud farm, home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds, and learn about the history and traditions of horse breeding in Ireland.
The Japanese Gardens, renowned for their beauty and tranquillity, provide a serene escape, while St. Fiachra’s Garden offers a tribute to the natural beauty of Ireland. Open seven days a week, the Irish National Stud & Gardens also features guided tours, a horse museum, and a playground for children, ensuring a memorable visit for the whole family. The gift shop and café offer delightful treats and souvenirs to complete your day out.
More information on The Irish National Stud & Gardens Website
KILDARE FARM FOODS
Located just five minutes from the M7 and a 45-minute drive from the hotel, Kildare Farm Foods offers a fantastic day out with free entry and parking.
Enjoy feeding friendly animals, riding the Adventure Railroad, playing indoor crazy golf, and visiting the Tractor Café for delicious meals. Shop fresh and frozen foods at the Farm Shop, and don’t miss the Teddy Bear Factory.
Perfect for family outings, birthday parties, and school tours, Kildare Farm Foods is an inclusive and wheelchair-accessible destination for everyone.
COPPENAGH HOUSE FARMS
Coppenagh House Farm is a recently established business only 25-minute drive from the hotel in Tullow, Co Carlow. Opened by the passionate husband and wife team, Robert and Ciara Stanley, this farm produces and sells on the shop their own reared beef, pork, bacon, and honey from their 8 beehives.
The shop also has its exclusive Ballybar Ireland clothing brand—an Irish-designed country and lifestyle collection and Ardattin Embroidery with embroidered items by Ciara herself.
Visitors can explore an array of local and Irish artisan foods, as well as having a a coffee from Cows & Coffee stand while enjoying the marvellous views of the farm and its cows.
BARROW WAY TRAIL
The Barrow Way is a long-distance trail that follows the original towpath of the River Barrow, making it one of Ireland’s most panoramic yet undiscovered trails. Historically used for pulling barges and boats by horse, the trail starts in Lowtown, Co. Kildare and ends in St. Mullins, Co. Carlow, covering around 114 kilometres.
The route of the Barrow Way offers a flat terrain good for walking and cycling, although the ground might be particularly rough in some areas and might get muddy with frequent rain. While the natural landscape is predominant, the route also includes historical and architectural features such as bridges, castles, abbeys, old bridges and derelict mills.
If you are in Milford, Co.Carlow surrounds, you might want to have a quick break and pop in our partners at Barrow Brew for a quick coffee & local treats.
More information on The Barrow Way
Visit Barrow Brew Facebook
CARLOW GARDEN TRAIL
It should come as no surprise to hear that Carlow is a treasure trove of wonderful gardens. Follow the Carlow Garden Trail, a collection of 16 gardening attractions featuring old gardens lovingly restored and maintained or smaller gardens that are maturing beautifully over time.
Award-winning garden centres and forest parks complement the joy of a visit to the Carlow Garden Trail.
The Carlow Garden Trail can be driven in one day but we recommend you book one of our special offers and give yourself the time to enjoy the remarkable beauty at a more leisurely pace.
The trail can be joined at any gardening attraction and then you just follow the easily identifiable signposts.
QUINAGH HOUSE PAR 3
Quinagh House Par3 is set on 42 acres on the outskirts of Carlow Town, surrounded by mature trees with extensive views of the Killeshin Hills and just 5 minutes away from the hotel. A very well-maintained golf course, it is a perfect place to relax or enjoy a friendly competition with 18 exceptional holes ranging from 130 to 220 yards in length.
Well-positioned trees throughout the course and water hazards serve as challenging obstacles while also enhancing the quality of this spacious course.
A perfect course for both beginners and experienced players.
To prebook games at Quinagh House Par3, call 0894973555
BORRIS GOLF CLUB
Established in 1907, the 9-hole Borris Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs in Ireland, and this is reflected in its mature parkland course.
The breathtaking scenery of the surrounding countryside combined with the strategic design of the course ensure that all who visit always return! Spectacular views of Borris House, Mount Leinster, and the famous Borris Viaduct can be enjoyed during a golfing round.
Borris Golf Club has a rich history, originally founded by the McMurrough Kavanagh family. The course features a variety of challenging holes that utilize the natural landscape, making it both beautiful and demanding. The club has maintained its historic charm while offering modern amenities, including a welcoming clubhouse where golfers can relax after their round.
Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a newcomer, Borris Golf Club promises a memorable experience.
Explore Carlow
Explore Carlow from The Woodford Dolmen Hotel. A Comfortable stay awaits, after your adventures!
