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.

See the Facebook page for the swimming times programme

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. This destination is Fáilte Ireland Covid Safety Charter approved.

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. 

Booking & events at The Chocolate Garden of Ireland


Visual Carlow

With a mission to enrich, inspire and improve the everyday through art, the VISUAL is a must-see on any visit to Carlow.

VISUAL is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary art spaces situated in the heart of Carlow town, with four world class gallery spaces and a 335 seat performance space.  VISUAL Carlow receives national, international and regional touring productions as well as presenting locally produced work.

A ten minute drive from the hotel, all galleries have FREE admission. Explore thought-provoking and inspiring exhibitions from Tuesday to Sunday weekly, open 11am to 5.30pm.

VISUAL Carlow website


The National Reptile Zoo

Are you planning a day trip to Kilkenny City while staying in Carlow?

Stop in to meet 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. Admission for a family of 3 starts at €34. 

Enjoy 10% off your entry fee into the reptile zoo for all families who book a stay with us over the summer. 

Purchase a ticket online to The National Reptile Zoo

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. 

Check out the times and what’s on at the IMC Cinema website

Explore Carlow

Explore Carlow from The Woodford Dolmen Hotel. A Comfortable stay awaits, after your adventures!