Top Things to do in County Carlow
Countries
Top 9 Hidden Gems Things to do in County Carlow, Province of Leinster
Discover the best top things to do in County Carlow, Ireland including Royal Oak Distillery, Delta Sensory Gardens, Blackstairs Eco Trails, Brownshill Dolmen, Huntington Castle, Altamont Gardens, The Chocolate Garden of Ireland, Duckett's Grove, Oak Park Forest Park.
Restaurants in County Carlow
1. Royal Oak Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 195 reviews
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.
2. Delta Sensory Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By H2805OMsharonl - Dublin, Ireland
Having read the reviews we thought we'd take a visit. We were a bit confused heading through an industrial park. But the gardens were superb, much bigger than we expected. They were very welcoming and tranquil place. Beautiful fountains, little rest areas, flowers, statues, Waterfall and little rivers. Staff were lovely and it had a little cafe, which we didn't use. Definitely worth a visit at 6 euro each.
3. Blackstairs Eco Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
We give wildlife talks, wildlife photography workshops, kids nature trails and eco treasure hunts! Come and visit The Old Rectory Killedmond where we meet you and provide organic refreshments and talk about the local environment. Afterwards we'll go for a relaxing walk, low hills to no hills, and point out all the amazing flora and fauna we have. Then enjoy afternoon tea in the garden or by the fire and discuss what we've seen. Go wild in the Blackstairs!
Reviewed By 716barry_ - Dublin, Ireland
Mary's cabins are fabulous places to stay with comfort and beauty at their hear. She runs the place with a light touch but a big heart. And her sourdough is fabulous too!
4. Brownshill Dolmen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Megalithic monument thousands of years old.
Reviewed By CazBUk - Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom
We were travelling back to Dublin from Kilkenny at the end of our touring holiday in Ireland, and saw signs to the Brownshill Dolmen.Eventually found the small roadside car park. After reading the information board there we followed the path alongside the field,eventually arriving at a cleared area in the middle of the field, where the dolmen ( portal tomb) was situated. It was certainly a very impressive sight- worth the effort to find. There was more information at the dolmen.
5. Huntington Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By Coastal30457465544
Good guided tour, plenty of history and interesting artefacts. Gardens are also lovely. Basement of the castle for me was a bit weird, you'll see what I mean!
6. Altamont Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
Reviewed By EloRow
A gorgeous escape, whatever the season. A beautiful walk surrounded by natures beauty, lots of meandering paths to take, Easy for all ages.
7. The Chocolate Garden of Ireland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 508aislingf - Leixlip, Ireland
Visited here en route to a short break in mount wolseley. The kids did the chocolate mould making. They all really enjoyed it. We also had various drinks and some mini chocolate fountains with strawberries and marshmallows. Everyone loved those and my 12 year old has told me that the white hot chocolate she had was the best she ever had (and she’s tried lots!) so that’s a real compliment. This is a family business. Everyone we met was very friendly and helpful. Would highly recommend it to anyone visiting this area
8. Duckett's Grove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 273 reviews
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.
Reviewed By michelesB8216TP - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Having been to Ducketts Grove a number of times now I’m always amazed by the beauty of this haunting ruin, Kevin the tour guide is amazing....not only does he have extraordinary knowledge of the buildings history and grounds but is able to bring the tour alive. If your lucky enough to visit Ducketts Grove I would definitely recommend joining one of Kevin’s tour, you won’t be disappointed. Good work Carlow County Council and in particular Kevin your tour guide
9. Oak Park Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By majo56 - Kilkenny, Ireland
This is a lovely walk and takes about 50 mins to complete the whole circuit. Good place to go in winter as the boardwalk type surface keeps you out of the mud! I’d never been here before but it’s a real hidden gem.
