RegionUsable guide

County Carlow

County in Ireland

Photo: Sarah777, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

County Carlow (Contae Cheatharlach) is in Southeast Ireland, and historically part of Leinster. Its oldest monument is 6000 years old, and its towns have the heritage - and often the scars - of a turbulent history. It's nowadays a pleasant lowland place.

Getting there and around

Getting there

Dublin Airport (DUB) has direct buses to Carlow, see below. Or you could take the airport bus to Dublin Heuston railway station.

Read in the guide

Getting around

See above for the rail link between Carlow and Bagenalstown / Muine Bheag, which takes 15 min.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Dublin Airport

Dublin · International · DUB

Search stays near DUB

Search flights

Read before you go to County Carlow

Articles and travel topics about County Carlow and Ireland.

Travel tips

Cheapest Countries to Fly to from the US and UK (2026)

Find the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.

Oct 18, 20268 min read

Inspiration

Best Places to Visit in March: Cherry Blossoms & Spring Warmth

Explore the best places to visit in March across Japanese cherry blossoms, explosive Spanish fiestas, desert wonders in Jordan, and Irish music sessions.

Oct 17, 20267 min read

Inspiration

Castle and Gothic Hotel Stays in Europe: Top Castles (2026)

Explore the best castle and gothic hotel stays in Europe. Discover historic fortresses, medieval estates, luxury châteaux, and Spanish parador hotels.

Oct 17, 20266 min read

Itineraries

Wicklow Way

The Wicklow Way (Slí Cualann Nua, "New Cuala Way") is a 131 km (81 mi) long-distance trail across the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland.

Wikivoyage

Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

Towns

UnderstandThis area is low-lying, with the River Barrow forming a natural communication route. The bedrock is impervious granite overlain by sand and gravel; not the most fertile of soils but well-drained, and not mired in bog.

Get inDublin Airport (DUB) has direct buses to Carlow, see below. Or you could take the airport bus to Dublin Heuston railway station.

Get aroundSee above for the rail link between Carlow and Bagenalstown / Muine Bheag, which takes 15 min.

See

BuyCarlow town is the county's main retail centre, and Tullow has a few supermarkets. The smaller places may just have a Centra convenience store, often with an ATM.

Eat

Drink

SleepCarlow town has the widest selection, including a couple of mid-price chain hotels, which are uncommon in Ireland. The bulk of accommodation is small independent B&Bs.

Stay safeNatural hazards are few: the hills are low and there are no large bodies of water. So the hazards are man-made: traffic, traffic, traffic! Plus usual care of valuables and avoiding late-night drunks.

Go next

Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "County Carlow" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "County Carlow", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Sarah777, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons

Improve this guide on Wikivoyage