Explore Historic Carlow | The Best Places to Visit

Landlocked in Ireland’s southeast, County Carlow may be the country’s second-smallest county, but it’s filled with historical places that make it well worth a visit. Often overlooked as travellers speed along the motorway from Dublin to medieval Kilkenny or Viking Waterford, Carlow holds a rich history all its own.

Once at the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Leinster, Carlow was three times its current size, stretching all the way to the coast, and was home to some of Ireland’s most powerful families. Today, that legacy lives on, with descendants like the Kavanaghs of Borris House still residing in their ancestral estates, enthusiastically preserving and sharing their heritage with curious visitors.

I was stunned by the beauty and historical sites tucked away in County Carlow, from century-old castles to vast, lush gardens ready to be explored. Located in Ireland’s famed “sunny southeast”, Carlow offers welcoming weather during the summer months, making it ideal for hopping from one historical site to the next.

And because Carlow remains off the main tourist trail, you can experience its charm and history without the crowds, making it a stress-free destination for those willing to venture beyond Ireland’s more famous stops. So, if you find County Carlow intriguing enough, let me introduce you to my top heritage sites to see in this wee part of Ireland.

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The Best Historical Places in County Carlow to Visit

I spent several weekends during the last summer driving around County Carlow, discovering incredible historical sites that hadn’t been on my radar until now. This tiny county has so much to show off.

Duckett’s Grove 

As you venture into North County Carlow, be sure to visit the enchanting yet eerie Duckett’s Grove. From Dublin, the M9 motorway provides easy access, bringing you close to this hidden gem in no time. As you navigate the final narrow lane to the estate, Duckett’s Grove’s towers will suddenly rise from the countryside, a breathtaking silhouette against the sky, surrounded by maize fields. I was so in awe that I did find it hard to keep my eyes on the road.

Originally a Georgian country house, Duckett’s Grove was transformed in the 19th century into an extraordinary Gothic Revival manor as the Duckett family rose in society, bolstered by financially advantageous marriages. Although the estate was tragically destroyed by fire in 1933, the ruins have since taken on an air of mystery and romance, complete with legends of hauntings that make the visit all the more intriguing.

A highlight of Duckett’s Grove is its two walled gardens, lovingly restored by Carlow County Council and open for all to enjoy for free. The Upper Walled Garden dazzles with its vibrant borders of shrubs, roses, and peonies, framing a curved red-brick wall and narrow, winding paths. Meanwhile, the Lower Walled Garden, once an orchard, now brims again with apple trees, and visitors are welcome to pick a fresh apple to enjoy on their stroll.

If you visit on a weekend, make sure to join the free guided tour of the estate. This tour brings Duckett’s Grove to life with captivating stories about the Duckett family, the history of the manor, and of course, the spectral legends that surround these impressive ruins. My tour guide was so much fun to listen to.

If you’re feeling peckish, Duckett’s Grove is the perfect place to pause, stretch your legs, and enjoy a bite. The on-site café offers a tempting selection of lunch dishes and treats, which you can savour al fresco beneath the towering ruins of the old castle—a uniquely magical spot to recharge.

Borris House

Located just 30 minutes from Kilkenny, in the charming village of Borris, the impressive Borris House is another place I recommend visiting in County Carlow. More than just a historic estate, Borris House is a living family home steeped in centuries of history—and even boasts royal connections!

The McMorrough Kavanaghs, who reside here today, are indeed direct descendants of Diarmuid Mac Murchada, the King of Leinster. If you’re a history enthusiast, you might recognize the name: Diarmuid famously married his daughter Aoife to Strongbow, the Anglo-Norman leader, in the 12th century, a move that would alter the course of Irish history forever.

Built in 1731 in the Tudor Revival style, Borris House replaced a castle that once kept a watchful eye over the nearby River Barrow. It’s no doubt one of Ireland’s most beautiful country houses I had the chance to visit, with its grand architecture and sweeping views over the rolling countryside. As you approach through the driveway, the stately facade and manicured lawn bring a touch of Downton Abbey to the Irish landscape.

A guided tour offers a deeper look into the elegance of Borris House, taking you through the refined ground-floor rooms and private chapel. Starting with the stunning round entrance hall, you’ll discover interiors where every detail—from the intricate woodwork to the woven carpets—was crafted by Irish artisans. A unique touch is the Irish-language motto on the house’s facade, an unusual feature in a country where Latin or English were more commonly used at the time.

You’ll hear fascinating stories about the entrepreneurial spirit of the Kavanagh family, especially Lady Harriet Kavanagh, who introduced lace-making in the area to provide work for local women whose livelihoods were impacted by the Great Famine. The venture was so successful that even Queen Victoria and her entourage wore Borris Lace! You can admire samples of this exquisite craft during the guided tour.

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Huntington Castle and Gardens

Located in the picturesque village of Clonegall, Huntington Castle is just a half-hour drive from the M9 motorway. However, the castle can be a bit tricky to find, tucked behind a grand gate down a quaint side street. Keep an eye out for the small sign at the corner pointing you in the right direction. Pass through the gate and continue up the narrow road until you reach the visitor car park.

Dating back to the early 1600s, Huntington Castle has also managed to remain in the same family for generations. The current owners are direct descendants of Lord Esmonde, who married Ailish O’Flaherty, the granddaughter of Ireland’s legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley.

Originally a garrison marked by its still-visible tower house, Huntington Castle gradually evolved into an elegant family home by the late 1600s. Over time, various extensions brought style and comfort to this former military stronghold in Southeast Ireland.

Today, Huntington Castle is still a private residence, but visitors can enjoy a lively 45-minute guided tour of the ground floor and basement. Inside, you’ll find an array of fascinating antiques, family portraits, and captivating curiosities adorning the corridors and various reception rooms. The stained-glass window illustrating the remarkable family tree is a highlight, while the gharial crocodile head (and its many teeth!) is sure to impress—along with the story of the lady who killed it.

In the basement lies one of the castle’s quirkiest surprises: the temple of the Fellowship of Isis, a new religion founded by some of the more mystically and spiritually inclined family members in the 1970s, which now has a global following.

The magic doesn’t stop with the castle itself. As the guided tour ends on the pristine lawns, visitors are welcome to explore the grounds by themselves. Take some time to wander through the beautiful gardens, where an awe-inspiring 500-year-old yew tree walk, hidden fish ponds, towering trees, and even some cute resident chickens await.

At the far end of the gardens, you’ll come across one of Ireland’s earliest water turbine houses, which powered the estate as early as 1888. The family is thinking of restoring it in the future, which would allow the castle to generate its own electricity once again.

And if staying in a castle is on your Irish bucket list, Huntington Castle also offers a luxurious B&B experience, along with self-catering options in its charming gate lodges.

Altamont Gardens

Next on my must-visit list of historical sites in County Carlow are the breathtaking Altamont Gardens. Relatively unknown on the typical tourist trail, Altamont dazzles visitors with its spectacular natural beauty and varied landscapes. When I visited at the end of summer, I was pleasantly surprised by the lush, expansive grounds—and I practically had the gardens to myself!

The easiest way to reach Altamont Gardens is via the M9 motorway, exiting at Junction 5. From there, it’s a straightforward 20-minute drive. If you are driving from Dublin to Kilkenny, the gardens are the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature before heading into the bustling medieval city.

Altamont House, an 18th-century building, is off-limits to visitors and isn’t of major historical significance. However, the gardens behind the house are truly magnificent. Designed in the William Robinson style, Altamont’s landscape unfolds like a living tapestry. The paths meander through a seemingly wild, untamed paradise, making it feel more like a natural wonderland than the structured, formal displays typical of gardens à la française.

Plan to spend at least an hour exploring this botanical wonder. Wander around the tranquil ornamental lake, created in the 19th century and surrounded by lush greenery, where statues of children shyly peek out amidst the foliage. Follow the signs to the hidden Bog Garden, accessed by a secluded path leading down to the River Slaney, and enjoy a stroll through the arboretum. In the colourful walled garden, you’ll find a cosy outdoor café—the perfect spot to unwind and recharge, amongst flowers and plants.

A quick tip: wear comfortable walking shoes! The narrow forest path descending to the river has a few rocks and tree roots along the way, but the scenery makes the journey very much worthwhile. Do not miss this part of the gardens!

If you’re looking for budget-friendly things to do in Ireland, Altamont Gardens is a perfect choice! Managed by the Office of Public Works, the gardens offer free admission, with only a small parking fee of a few euros—a fantastic value for such a stunning, nature-filled escape.

County Carlow may be small, but its historical treasures are anything but. From stately homes to lush gardens, the historical places in County Carlow will truly charm you. Exploring Carlow’s heritage sites offers not only a look into Ireland’s medieval past but also a refreshing escape from the more crowded tourist trails, making it a rewarding experience for any history lover or curious traveller.

After immersing yourself in Carlow’s history, consider extending your journey just a short drive down the road to Kilkenny. Known for its streets’ medieval charm and iconic Kilkenny Castle, this lively city offers even more historical sites, vibrant streets, and a welcoming atmosphere. Together, Carlow and Kilkenny make an ideal itinerary for those looking to dive deep into Ireland’s history and enjoy the beauty of the southeast.

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