Activities in our Hotel
Theres no need to leave the hotel to discover memorable family breaks in Carlow. The gardens of the Woodford Dolmen Hotel provide children with plenty of space to play, explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Set within 10 acres of lush green gardens, the hotel is ideal for families looking for a relaxing stay with lots to keep younger guests entertained. Children can explore our enchanting Fairy Garden, follow the hotel’s Garden Trail and run freely through the spacious grounds.
With a range of popular family attractions located nearby, the Woodford Dolmen Hotel is the perfect base for a fun-filled family holiday or short break in Carlow.
Fairy Garden
Step into our magical Draíocht Glen Fairy Garden, a charming little world filled with colourful wooden fairy houses & whimsical toadstools nestled amongst the trees. Children can let their imaginations run free as they create stories, search for fairies and explore the fairy garden at their own pace. Parents can relax, savour a hot takeaway coffee or make the most of the chance of a chat & catch up while the children play or enjoy a snack or ice cream sitting at the toadstool table.
Family Movie Night
There’s nothing quite like a movie on the big screen, and a night in our Writers Suite at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel is always a great surprise for kids young and old.
Bring the family along and settle in with fresh popcorn and beverages and watch a variety of family favourites and all-time classics. There is sure to be something for everyone.
Our Family Movie Nights only run on school holidays, and also subject to numbers.
Woodford Island
At the rear of the gardens, cross the red bridge and step into the peaceful world of Woodford Island. Here, the pace slows down, inviting families to leave the hustle and bustle behind and simply enjoy nature together where also children can wander along the looped pathways.
Follow the paths, listen to the birdsong, feel the crunch of leaves beneath your feet. You’ll come across benches where you pause and take in the beautiful surroundings, enjoy a moment of calm and keep your eyes open, you might spot a graceful swan gliding across the water or butterflies dancing through the trees.
Pack a picnic and relax in the dedicated picnic area or wander into one of the two peaceful woodland glades. These tranquil spaces are perfect for experiencing forest bathing – the Japanese practice of immersing yourself in nature and connecting with your senses.
Woodford Gardens
No one knows how to explore better than children and with 10 acres of gardens along the banks of the River Barrow there’s plenty of exploring to be done in our grounds. With wide-open spaces to run around, burn off energy and enjoy the fresh air, the gardens are a wonderful place for families to enjoy some quality fun time together.
Pick up a children’s scavenger hunt and activity sheet from reception before setting off on the Garden Trail. Along the way, search for hidden insects and flowers, discover the Bug Hotel, visit the chef’s herb garden and stop by the courtyard fountain.
Stop at one of the many benches and seating areas to enjoy the river and hill views, watch the swans glide by or keep an eye out for local kayakers travelling down the River Barrow.
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.