Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Carlow

"Address: Irishtown, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland, IE Tel: +353 056 776 4971 The second-largest cathedral in Ireland, this stunning medieval landmark was constructed 800 years ago, is a major visitor draw, and has been in regular use since its founding. Careful restoration over the years has ensured that the cathedral remains well-preserved. Situated next-door is a 9th-century Round Tower, which measures around 30 metres / 100 feet in height and when climbed, gives magnificent views of the city and surrounding countryside."

"On an ancient spot where there has been a church since the 500s, St Canice’s Cathedral is an Early Gothic monument from the 13th century. At 68 metres it’s the second longest cathedral in Ireland and both its architecture and fittings will keep you rapt for good hour or two. Outside you’ll notice the faux battlements that give the cathedral a fortified air."

"In the 6th century a monastery was built on the site of the cathedral by St Canice, who is Kilkenny’s patron saint. There used to be a wooden church which apparently was burned down in 1087. The round tower is located just outside the cathedral and is the oldest building on the site."

"Rising above the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland's most visited heritage sites. Stronghold of the powerful Butler family, it has a history dating back to the 12th century, though much of its present look dates from Victorian times.During the winter months (November to January) visits are by 40-minute guided tours only, which shift to self-guided tours from February to October. Highlights include the Long Gallery with its painted roof and carved marble fireplace. There's an excellent tearoom in the former castle kitchens."

"Once the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde, Kilkenny Castle, located in the heart of Kilkenny City, is a 12th century castle, remodelled in Victorian times and set in riverside parklands. The magnificent castle overlooks the River Nore and has guarded this important river crossing for more than 900 years. Visitors can explore the castle - including the Butler Art Gallery, with contemporary art exhibitions - at their leisure."

"The impressive Kilkenny Castle dates from the 12th century and awaits visitors with its imposing walls and towers, amid picturesque gardens and parks. The mighty structure was once sold to the Republic of Ireland by the then owners, the Ormondes, in 1967, and renovated in the following years. Stroll through the cultivated gardens, which are free admission, or take a guided tour of the inside of the castle."

"The original house was built between 1594 and 1610 and was the home of landowner and Mayor of Kilkenny City, John Rothe Fitz Piers, his wife and their children. It is the only example of an early 17th-century merchant’s townhouse in Ireland and it’s a gorgeous place to visit and take pictures. They have a perfect recreation of the original Rothe Garden as they discovered the archaeological remains of the gardens original layout and used popular plants and flowers of the time to recreate it."

"Built by John Rothe between 1594 and 1610 Rothe House is one of the finest examples in Ireland of a Tudor era merchant’s house. Now owned by Kilkenny Archaeological Society it houses a collection of Bronze Age artifacts, ogham stones and period costumes. The Garden is a recreation of a historic garden from the 17th century and is the only urban garden of this period which is open to the public."

"Dating to 1225, this Dominican monastery was built outside Kilkenny’s city walls as a way of staying independent from the old Irish and English quarters. The abbey is close to a tributary of the River Nore, and over 800 years has suffered repeated floods. Like all abbeys in Ireland and Britain the Black Abbey was shut down during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, but unlike most, it was preserved as a courthouse."

"Originally home to a group of peaceful Dominican Friars, Black Abbey has been standing since the year 1220 and got its name from the colour the friars wore. While on the outside it may look like any other ancient stone structure, the inside is where you can witness the beauty and character of the church. It is home to the largest and most impressive Rose Window in Ireland depicting the five mysteries of the Rosary."

"This priory of the Dominican Order was founded in 1225 by William Marshal the Younger, son of the above-mentioned William Marshal. The Dominicans were often called “Black Friars” because they used to wear a black cloak. Hence the name Black Abbey."

"These lavish gardens with architectural features, lakes and woodland were landscaped by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll and completed in 1912. The centrepiece is a sunken garden, where circular terraces lead down to an oval pool with a magnificent fountain.The gardens are 7km southeast of Abbeyleix, off the R432 to Ballinakill, in the grounds of Heywood Community School."

"Located in the heart of Kilkenny city, and established in 1943 by George Pennefather, Butler Gallery is a vibrant contemporary art gallery, in the historic Evans’ Home, and offers one of the finest exhibition spaces in Ireland. Butler Gallery is committed to exhibiting the work of Irish and emerging artists, to bringing the work of major international artists to Kilkenny and consistently seeks to promote high artistic standards and the value of visual art to society. Butler Gallery’s collection of Irish and international art dates from the 1800’s and our learning and engagement activities provide our visitors with lots of opportunities to engage with our collection through inspirational and educational events and workshops."

"Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Nore River and a rolling green expanse of fields, Kilkenny Castle is one of the city’s most beautiful attractions. The grounds and gardens are free to enter and there is a small charge to enter the castle for a guided tour. Art fans should make time to visit The Butler Gallery inside, one of Ireland’s finest contemporary art spaces."

"The Butler Gallery in the basement of Kilkenny Castle is one of the country’s most important art galleries outside Dublin. Small exhibitions featuring the work of contemporary artists are held throughout the year. Also in the basement, the castle kitchen houses a popular summertime cafe."

"One of Ireland's most magnificent landscaped gardens, Altamont covers 16 hectares on the banks of the River Slaney, with carefully selected plantings arranged in naturalistic settings where peacocks, swans, squirrels and wild hare abound, surrounding an ornamental water-lily lake. The gardens are off the N80 at Kilbride Cross, 24km southeast of Carlow town."

"When it comes to brunch the key essential is the bread on any plate. Aran Artisan Bakery & Bistro serves delicious brunches served with seasonal local produce and stone baked breads with natural Irish ingredients. Combine that with the very best of local produce from bacon, eggs, freshly made pastries and you have the perfect Brunch compliments of the folk at Aran!"

"Bart Pawlukojc and his wife Nicole Server-Pawlukojc brought a wealth of experience at top restaurants in Europe and beyond when they settled in Kilkenny and opened their superb bakery and daytime restaurant, Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro, in ..."

"This award-winning restaurant has a warm, friendly environment and serves a mix of traditional Irish and international cuisine using the finest locally-sourced ingredients. It is very spacious and has highchairs available for kids."

"Situated in the heart of the city is the iconic Kilkenny Castle. The Castle park offers a relaxing setting against the hustle and bustle of the city with over 50 acres of charming grounds to be explored. The Rose Garden to the front of the castle offers spectacular views over Kilkenny City and it is a firm favourite for both visitors and locals."

"Opened in 1954, Billy Byrnes has undergone refurbishments in recent years and now houses a a secret garden, an outdoor terrace and a bunker beach bar. The beach bar sports bright colours and funky furniture, creating an ocean like atmosphere in the heart of Kilkenny!. In the secret garden area is where you’ll get the opportunity to listen to local and international musicians, including the genres of rock, jazz and folk."

"Bring a touch of the sea and sand to your outdoor drinks gathering at Billy Byrnes Bar on John’s Street. Scattered with rescued sofa’s and hand-made tables, this funky beer garden resembles a beach bar in the middle of the city!. Visit: www.billybyrnesbar.com"

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"These lavish gardens with architectural features, lakes and woodland were landscaped by Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll and completed in 1912. The centrepiece is a sunken garden, where circular terraces lead down to an oval pool with a magnificent fountain.The gardens are 7km southeast of Abbeyleix, off the R432 to Ballinakill, in the grounds of Heywood Community School."