Best Landmarks in County Carlow
Planning a trip to County Carlow? Discover the best landmarks in County Carlow with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best landmarks in County Carlow
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- A–Z
23 landmarks
-
Park4.8★1,324 reviews
Altamont Gardens
Discover Altamont Gardens, an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens in County Carlow, Ireland. Explore the romantic 16-hectare estate with its diverse plant life, serene lake, and historic features like the Ice Age Glen.
Daily 9:00–18:30
-
Historical landmark4.6★1,306 reviews
Duckett's Grove
Duckett's Grove, located in County Carlow, is a ruined 19th-century mansion that was once the heart of a vast estate owned by the Duckett family. Destroyed by fire in 1933, its dramatic Gothic revival exterior remains, offering a glimpse into the past. Today, visitors can explore the ruins and wander through the restored walled gardens.
Daily 9:00–20:30
-
Castle4.6★895 reviews
Huntington Castle & Gardens
Huntington Castle, also known as Clonegal Castle, is a historic castle and gardens in County Carlow, Ireland, dating back to 1625. Originally built as a garrison, it evolved into a family home and is now open for guided tours, offering a glimpse into its rich history and beautiful grounds.
Daily 11:00–17:00
-
Garden4.8★769 reviews
Delta Sensory Gardens
Escape to the Delta Sensory Gardens in Carlow, a 2.5-acre oasis designed to stimulate your senses. With 16 interconnecting themed gardens, discover tranquility through water features, sculptures, and diverse flora, all while supporting a center for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00 · Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00
-
Historical landmark4.5★430 reviews
Brownshill Portal Tomb (Dolmen)
The Brownshill Dolmen, located a few kilometers east of Carlow town, is an impressive megalithic portal tomb dating back to around 3000 BC. Its most striking feature is the massive granite capstone, estimated to weigh over 100 tonnes, making it reputedly the largest of its kind in Europe. This ancient structure offers a fascinating glimpse into Ireland's Neolithic past.
Open 24 hours
-
Park4.6★190 reviews
OakPark, Carlow, Co. Carlow
Oak Park, located just outside Carlow Town, is a serene parkland offering a mix of natural beauty and historical significance. With walking trails, diverse wildlife, and remnants of its past as a family estate, it's a perfect spot for a relaxing day out.
-
Museum4.5★110 reviews
Carlow County Museum
Delve into County Carlow's rich history at the Carlow County Museum, located in the town's Cultural Quarter. Explore artifacts from ancient times to the recent past, including items related to local heroes and industries, all within the walls of a beautifully restored Presentation Convent.
-
Castle4.2★109 reviews
Carlow Castle
Carlow Castle, a ruined Norman castle built in the early 13th century by William Marshal, stands on the banks of the River Barrow. Once a formidable rectangular structure with cylindrical corner towers, today only two towers and a connecting wall remain, offering a glimpse into Ireland's medieval past.
Open 24 hours
-
Castle4.5★87 reviews
Shankill Castle
Nestled in the stunning countryside of County Kilkenny, Shankill Castle is a captivating blend of history, artistry, and natural beauty, perfect for a day of exploration or relaxation. With its lush gardens, artistic flair, and welcoming café, this castle offers a unique experience for every visitor.
Sat–Sun 11:00–16:00
-
Tourist attraction4.4★68 reviews
Clonmore Castle
Clonmore Castle, located near Hacketstown in County Carlow, is a 13th-century Anglo-Norman ruin with a turbulent history. Explore the remains of its square enclosure, towers, and interior features, imagining life within its walls centuries ago.
Open 24 hours
Milford Mill
Milford Mill, located in Cloghristick, Co. Carlow, is a beautifully preserved 18th-century watermill on the banks of the River Barrow. Originally a flour mill and malting house, it later generated hydroelectric power, making Carlow the first inland town in Ireland and Britain to receive electric power. Today, it stands as a historical landmark offering a tranquil escape and a unique insight into Ireland's industrial heritage.
Ballymoon Castle
Ballymoon Castle, located near Bagenalstown in County Carlow, is a striking yet mysterious 13th-century ruin. Its massive granite walls and unfinished interior spark the imagination, offering a glimpse into a turbulent period of Irish history and the ambitions of its Anglo-Norman builders.
Blackstairs Eco-centre
Nestled in the Blackstairs Mountains of County Carlow, the Blackstairs Eco-Centre offers an immersive experience in sustainable tourism. Explore eco-friendly trails, engage in conservation projects, and discover the region's rich biodiversity. It's a tranquil escape promoting environmental education and appreciation.
Daily 6:30–22:30
County Carlow Military Museum
Delve into Carlow's military past at this museum housed in a 19th-century church. Explore exhibits ranging from medieval armor to modern peacekeeping displays, showcasing the contributions of local soldiers across the ages.
Croppies Grave
Croppies Grave in Graiguecullen, Carlow, is a poignant memorial to over 600 United Irishmen who died fighting for Irish independence in 1798. The site serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the rebellion and offers a place for reflection on Ireland's tumultuous history.
Open 24 hours
Ballyloughan Castle
Ballyloughan Castle, a ruined 13th-century Norman castle in County Carlow, offers a captivating glimpse into Ireland's medieval past. The striking twin-towered gatehouse, along with remnants of the curtain wall and corner towers, stands as a testament to the castle's original grandeur, evoking images of powerful families and strategic defenses in a picturesque rural setting.
Open 24 hours
Haroldstown Dolmen
The Haroldstown Dolmen, located in County Carlow, is a well-preserved portal tomb dating back to the Neolithic period (circa 2500 BC). It features a massive capstone supported by upright stones, creating a striking monument in a peaceful, rural setting. The dolmen offers a glimpse into Ireland's ancient past and the burial practices of its early inhabitants.
Open 24 hours
Hardymount House and Gardens
Hardymount House and Gardens, nestled in County Carlow, is a serene escape offering a blend of architectural history and natural beauty. The meticulously maintained gardens provide a picturesque setting for leisurely exploration, showcasing diverse flora and reflecting the region's rich heritage.
The Bull Ring
The Bull Ring, located in Ballyhacket Lower, Co. Carlow, is a historical landmark offering a glimpse into Ireland's past. This quiet crossroads in rural Ireland invites contemplation and a connection to the area's heritage.
The Black Castle
Nestled in the charming village of Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow, the Black Castle stands as a stunning relic of Ireland's rich history. This historical landmark, with its striking architecture and scenic views, invites tourists to step back in time and experience the tales of the past. Surrounded by lush greenery, the castle serves as a picturesque backdrop for photography and exploration, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual travelers alike.
1916 Monument
The 1916 Monument in Dunleckny, Co. Carlow, is a serene park commemorating the 1916 Easter Rising, a pivotal event in Ireland's journey to independence. It offers visitors a tranquil space for reflection amidst lush greenery.
Open 24 hours
Talbot Tower
Talbot Tower, the only complete surviving defensive tower from Kilkenny's medieval city walls, offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Restored in 2018, this historic structure stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and the strategic importance of its fortifications.
Castlemore Moat
Castlemore Moat, located in Raheenkillane, Co. Carlow, is the remains of a 12th-century motte-and-bailey castle built by Raymond FitzGerald, a commander in the Norman invasion of Ireland. Today, visitors can see the artificial hill (motte) and a standing stone with a Latin cross, offering a glimpse into Ireland's Norman past.
Explore County Carlow on the map
A handpicked selection of must-see spots in County Carlow, mapped for you.
More about County Carlow
County Carlow travel guide
Explore County Carlow for Barrow Valley walks, ancient monuments, historic castles, country gardens and the wooded Blackstairs landscape of Ireland.
Tell me more about County CarlowMore to explore in County Carlow
Best attractions in County Carlow
Best shops in County Carlow
Best bars in County Carlow
Best restaurants in County Carlow
Best nightclubs in County Carlow
Best experiences in County Carlow
Best hotels in County CarlowExplore more
Explore more of Ireland
Discover Ireland: A land of enchanting landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, where every corner tells a story and every visit feels like coming home.
Explore Ireland
Getting your guide ready…
We are putting together a fresh copy of the County Carlow guide. This can take up to a minute.
This can take a few moments. If your browser asks, choose Allow so the download can start. You'll find the guide in your Downloads folder.
Nothing happened? Download it again
Sorry, the guide is taking longer than usual. Please try again in a minute, or get it by email instead.
