County Carlow

Carlow Hunt.
[ photo: County Museum. ]

Waterways winding gently through the rolling valleys of this county have carried people from 6,000 years ago until now. Their legacy can be seen in the County's mystical ancient pagan sites, its early Christian settlements and magnificent Georgian country homes and gardens.

With its thriving merchant towns at the heart of rich agricultural land, Carlow became the most gentrified county in Ireland. Over 60 grand country homes and gardens were built throughout the county, and although revolution and abandonment caused the fall of many of these into ruin, they remain an evocative reminder of a belle époque.

Others survive as living, breathing examples of times gone by and a small number are open to visitors.

Ancient monuments

Dolmens, standing stones, stone forts and burial chambers from 2,500 BC; Carlow's ancient monuments continue to intrigue. Discover these ancient sites, tucked away in green valleys or up high on open countryside surrounded by an expanse of sky. Perhaps a moment of quiet contemplation here will provide insights into the secrets and mysteries contained within. At Brownshill, close to Carlow town you will find Europe’s largest portal dolmen, its capstone weighing more than 100 tonnes.