Discover the best things to do in Carlow. Explore beautiful gardens, visit local attractions, and find great places to eat and drink in this charming county.
We are fortunate to be located in such a beautiful part of the country. Altamont Plants is positioned in Carlow, a county that might not be the first place people think of when planning an outing or trip to Ireland. We’re surrounded by scenic landscapes with the magnificent Backstairs Mountains offering spectacular views and perfect for cycling & hiking. The River Barrow provides fabulous walks and kayaking as does the River Slaney. The county has a rich history and heritage and you can explore all sorts of castles, ruins and historic buildings. In addition, Carlow is well known within the horticultural World for its fabulous gardens. The Gardens here at Altamont its Jewel in the Crown. The Carlow Garden Festival is firmly established as one of Irelands very best horticultural events and a highlight of the gardening calendar. There are wonderful restaurants, cafés & traditional pubs and there is always something to do!
The list below are our staffs favourite things to do & places to see in Carlow!
Gardens
Altamont Gardens
‘The Romantic Garden of Ireland’. One of the most unique and magical gardens that combine fabulous lawns and beds with its beautiful lake and woodland walks down to the River Slaney. Altamont Plants are situated within the Walled Garden as is the Sugar and Spice Café.
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Hardy Mount Gardens
A delightful garden with 2.5acres of lawns and shrubs surrounded by magnificent beech and oak trees.
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Delta Sensory Gardens
An Oasis of Peace and Tranquillity. 16 Interconnecting, award winning gardens arranged over 2.5 acres just outside Carlow Town.
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Places to visit and things to do
Huntingdon Castle
An incredible 17th Century Castle with fabulous formal gardens, tea room & woodland playground. Located in the village of Clonegal.
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Duckett’s Grove
A stunning ruined stately home. Once one of Irelands most impressive private houses the centre piece of a vast country estate, the house was destroyed by fire and what remains is the incredible Gothic exterior, walled gardens, playground a tea room.
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Visual Centre of Contemporary Arts
VISUAL is one of Ireland’s leading contemporary arts centres. Situated in the heart of Carlow in an architecturally stunning and award-winning building and home to many incredible exhibitions, music, theatre, film, workshops, dance and so much more besides.
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Plur Bakery at Joyces, Borris
Friday and Saturday mornings – THE best pastries set in such a pretty pub. A must…
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Borris Farmers Market
Market each Friday morning. A small but lovely selection of stalls selling delicious local produce.
Bunclody Swimming Pool & Tennis Courts
Art Deco, heated outdoor pool. A brilliant place to swim and cool down in the Summer.
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Little Shop Ice creams, Bagenalstown
A Small Independent Shop known to all for its amazing 99 Ice creams!
Walks
Kilbrannish Loop
Blackstairs Mountains. Stunning views and incredible scenery!
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The Barrow Way
Wonderful Riverside walks with our favourite sections being Clashganny to Graiguenamanagh and Grainuenamanagh to St. Mullins.
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Oak Park Forest
A beautiful and popular wood close to Carlow Town.
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Restaurants
Sha Roe Bistro, Clonegal
A real gem. Award-winning bistro known for its fine dining experience and recognised for its culinary excellence. Offering a warm and welcoming ambience, coupled with wonderful service and a menu that showcases the best of Irish and international cuisine.
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Lennons, Carlow
An award winning restaurant and cafe located on the lower ground floor of the VISUAL Arts Centre. Wonderful food using the finest Irish meat and poultry, sustainably caught fish and locally sourced ingredients.
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The Forge Restaurant & Bakehouse, Kilbride Cross
A delightful restaurant located on Kilbride Cross. Fabulous breakfasts and lunches, breads and bakes
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Step House, Borris
Wonderful menu and excellent food can be enjoyed in the restaurant area and the great bar. Located in the pretty town of Borris
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Cafes
The Old Post Office, Bagenalstown
A gem of a Café with delicious breakfast menu, excellent coffee and lots of wonderful baked treats!
Sugar & Spice, Bunclody
Walled Garden, Altamont
Such a lovely setting offering all sorts of delicious cakes.
Goody Barrow, Goresbridge
A lovely café sitting on the banks of the Barrow River. Doubles up as a museum allowing any visitor to immerse themselves in the history of the Irish waterways.
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Barrow Brew, Milford
At Barrow Brew, you will find specialty coffee, delicious homemade treats, acai bowls, pizzas, waffles, and light bites, all served in a welcoming outdoor setting beside the River Barrow. It is the perfect stop for walkers, cyclists, and families exploring the Barrow Way or visiting the nearby Milford Mills.
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Pubs
Osbornes, Rathanna
Positioned on the edge of Mount Leinster, this tiny pub is simply wonderful. No traffic, no noise – just incredible scenery.
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Joyces, Borris
Joyce’s Bar & Grocery is a true taste of old Ireland in a modern world. Step through our doors, and you’ll enjoy the same sort of welcome that generations have had since the pub first opened in 1923.
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O’Shea’s, Borris
A charming rural pub stuffed with old photos and memorabilia
Osbornes, Clonegal
A gem of a pub in the pretty village of Clonegal. Enjoy a lovely pint on the coffin board counter top and wonder how the flowing shelves are still doing their job!