10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in County Carlow That You Shouldn't Miss

Located in Ireland’s ancient east region, Royal Oak Distillery is one of the largest independent manual whiskey distilleries in the country and the first to be developed in Carlow in over 200 years and is the only independent distillery in the world to produce all three types of Irish whiskey in one still house, namely – pot still, malt and grain.

The Devils Menu Boutique Cookery School is based in the beautiful town of Graiguenamangh situated on the Carlow / Kilkenny border Join Chef John Whelan in his home for an intimate social & unique culinary experience. Using local produce, wild flowers and foraging John will bring you on a journey of flavour, colour, aromas and cuisines from around the world and share with you his experience, invaluable kitchen tips. John cooked in the legendary Quaglino's in London where he worked under Head Chef John Torode co-presenter of MasterChef UK. He cooked for celebrities, royalty and foreign dignitaries like the Queen Mother and Princess Diana at some of London's most iconic buildings and restaurants. Working at Michelin standards in Private Restaurants, Merchant and Swiss Banks have allowed John to develop a unique style and flair. Classes are for all levels of experience from Beginner to Master Classes. Private & Corporate Classes available on request. Cookery Demonstrations.

Megalithic monument thousands of years old.

Experience your world in a new way. See thought provoking art in the largest gallery space in Ireland. Watch great theatre.Iconic arts centre in the heart of Carlow town, with four world class gallery spaces and a 320-seat performance space.

PLEASE NOTE: OUR CAFE/VISITOR CENTRE IS NOW OPEN ON THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 12.30-4.30PM. MOULD MAKING SHOULD BE BOOKED ON OUR WEBSITE TO ENSURE PLACES AVAILABLE. YOU CAN PLACE BIRTHDAY, GIFT OR ANY CHOCOLATE GIFT OR COCOONING GIFT OR HAMPER ORDER ON OUR WEBSITE FOR COURIER DELIVERY. Handmade chocolate shop and ice-cream parlour. Visit, and make your own chocolate figure in advance, or just pop in for a tasty coffee with cake or one of our delicious ice-cream sundaes.

This structure was once one of Ireland's finest examples of a thriving Great House and surrounding estates and was home to generations of the Duckett family, who settled here as major landowners in 1695. At the height of it's ascendancy, this unique castellated building was at the heart of a 12,000 acre (4,856 hectares) estate and has dominated the Carlow landscape for over 300 years. Now, even in a completely ruined state, the surviving towers, turrets and architectural oddities of Duckett’s Grove House form a strikingly enigmatic and dramatic profile, thus making it one of the most photogenic buildings anywhere in the country and a must see in Ireland to visit. The site is managed by Carlow County Council and also features carefully and sensitively restored original Walled Gardens.

Rathwood is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Ireland with charming activities that everyone from Grandparents to Grandchildren can enjoy together; free children’s playground, Express train, woodland walks, birds of prey centre and restaurant as well as an array of shops. There is something for everybody. Rathwood, is particularly famous for its Express Train which takes you around the extensive forest grounds, watch out for the deer and sheep along the way and see if you can spot their newly born offspring. It even has a little stop off at the pond to allow you to feed the ducks and geese with food provided by the Train driver. In addition, Rathwood offers attractions such as the Falconry, which is an outdoor educational Bird of Prey Centre where eagles, hawks, falcons and owls from around the world can be seen on display; free Forest walks, with two easy trails that the whole family can enjoy; free children’s playground; cookery classes for both adults and children; deer park and much, much more. Furthermore they house an excellent restaurant which offers an array of delicious lunch dishes and tempting home baking. They are famous for their scrumptious chocolate mud pie and double layered pavlova and all Rathwood's cakes are baked daily by their talented Pastry Chef Margaret, who has been with them for over 18 years. Special diets eg coeliacs are catered for with a delicious selection of gluten free meals and treats. Rathwood hosts a number of special seasonal events throughout the year and advance booking is highly recommended eg The Santa Train - Ireland’s most popular Santa visit with magic and interactive fun with Santa, Mrs Claus and the Elves. The Rathwood Centre in addition to their attraction host an array of shops for you, your family, home and garden. Rathwood has something for the whole family that will make you want to return time and time again.