'''Carlow''' is a town in Ireland, and is home to 20,000 people. A small town that's easily navigable by foot, it offers an attractive blend of scenery, history and modern attractions.
Get in
With Carlow being the county seat, public transportation to County Carlow tends to be centred around the town itself. This makes the town the most accessible one in the county for those using public transport, making it easily accessible to visitors travelling along the east coast ot who arrive at Dublin Airport.
By plane
Carlow doesn't have a public airport, but can be easily reached from Dublin Airport, the largest in the country - see the '''Get in''' section of the '''Dublin''' article.
The most straightforward way to get to Carlow from Dublin Airport is to travel by mj Kavanagh / Rapid Express Coaches or by Bus Eireann - see the '''By Bus''' section below.
By boat
If you are travelling by car and you arrive at the sea port of Rosslare, Carlow town is about a 60 minute drive away. Those who leave the car behind can get the train to Carlow, however you will have to change services, usually at either Waterford or Dublin. More information and concise timetables are available from the [http://www.irishrail.ie Irish Rail website].
If you arrive at Dublin Port, you can either get the train direct from Dublin Heuston to Carlow, or you can travel by bus. Bus Eireann services depart from Busaras or you can get the JJ Kavanagh service, which leaves from its bus stop on George's Quay. Check out their websites for more.
By Bus
Buses arrive and depart from Carlow's coach park after 7am each morning. This is located within the town centre, at the junction where Kennedy Avenue and Barrack Street meet. Before 7am, some buses will arrive and depart from the bus stop outside Deane's newsagents, which is a short walk away on Barrack Street.
A small fee-paying car park is located at the coach park, although this is rarely full, so finding a space shouldn't be a problem.
'''JJ Kavanagh / Rapid Express Coaches''' [http://www.jjkavanagh.ie]. Carlow is on the Waterford - Dublin route, which starts in Tramore, Co. Waterford and finishes at Dublin Airport. Along the way, it has 18 bus stops, meaning that Carlow town is easily accessible to those travelling from Counties Waterford, Kilkenny, Kildare or Dublin. Eight buses leave the airport daily, serving Carlow along the way, while nine buses make the return journey. At the moment, the last bus to leave the Airport for Carlow departs at 10:30pm, however new overnight services are in the process of being launched. A new 2:30am night-time service is now available to take visitors from Carlow to the airport, while a 4:30am service will launch in September 2007. Note that tickets for the overnight services '''must be bought in advance''' from the office at the coach park, whereas during the day fares are usually collected by the driver. All JJ Kavanagh tickets are valid for one month from the date of purchase, and an adult shouldn't expect to pay more than ?15 for a return ticket.
'''Bus Eireann''' [http://www.buseireann.ie] follows a similar route to the JJ Kavanagh service, starting in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford and finishing at Busaras in Dublin's city centre. A single trip from Dublin Airport costs ?13.50. Note that these aren't direct services, so you'll have to change at Busaras (Dublin city's central bus station near Custom House Quay).
Get around
By car
Travelling by car in Carlow is straightforward enough. Minor traffic jams are common, particularly around Upper Tullow Street. A small section of motorway (M9) opened in June 2008 which serves as a bypass for Carlow town - the previously frequent traffic jams on Barrack Street caused by Dublin-Waterford traffic have almost been completely resolved as a result.
Browne Street, Castle Street, Charlotte Street and Church Street all have a one-way system, as well as the area around the Courthouse. Lower Tullow Street is also one-way, while most of the street is closed to traffic completely from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.
Carlow has over 3,000 car parking spaces, so there's never a shortage. The majority are fee-paying during the day, and most of these must be paid in advance. Unlike other towns and cities where 'parking discs' have to be purchased in shops (Waterford for example), parking tickets in Carlow are purchased from vending machines on the street, which have the time stamped on them.
There are two multi-storey car parks, the largest of which is located at Carlow Shopping Centre. The other is on Dublin Street. Patrons at these car parks are issued with tickets on the way in, which must be 'validated' before you return to your car.
By taxi
Due to recent government legislation, taxi fares are the same in every part of Ireland. Therefore, the price of a taxi will usually depend on the length of the journey, whereas before, a journey within the town boundaries was at a standard fare of ?5. Some companies are exploiting a loophole in this legislation, and charge a minimum fare of ?6 within Carlow town's boundaries,(you must sign a waiver form to allow this to happen otherwise you will not be insured in the taxi), although generally the cost of a taxi from one end of town to the other is about ?5-?8. Customers have the right to have all fares calculated by the taximeter and get a printed receipt at the end of the journey. You will need the receipt if you wish to make a complaint about the Taxi service.
The initial fee incurred by passengers is roughly ?4. For the next 14km or 40 minutes, each additional kilometre is about ?1 or 40 cent per minute. The exact fares vary on the time of the day, and a ?2 booking fee may be placed at the driver's discretion where taxis are ordered by phone. Second and additional passengers are ?1 each. An exact breakdown is available on the Taxi Regulator's website [http://www.taxiregulator.ie].
Carlow's sole full-time taxi rank is located on Potato Market. With room for eight taxis, the small size of the rank has been repeatedly criticised, however recent measures have been introduced whereby loading bays are used as taxi ranks between 6pm and 8am, so as to alleviate the pressure on taxi operators and provide extra facilities around the town overnight.
A1 Cabs''', Lismard House, Tullow Street, Cabs +3539142020''* Bridgecabs +35359728555 www.bridgecabscarlow.com
Carlow Cab Service''', 4 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59914000'' *Carlow CO-OP Cabs 1 Haymarket,+353 9182222
Park Cabs Tipp's Cabs''', Tolerton, ''+353'' (0)87 2440621
See
Carlow town is fortunate to have some excellent working examples of architecture from the 1700s and the 1800s, many of which are open to the public. As the town is navigable by foot, the [http://www.carlowtourism.com/wcarlow.html Carlow Tourism website] details a walking tour of the town, which incorporates many of the buildings and monuments included below.
Buildings and monuments
'''Carlow Courthouse''' is generally regarded as one of the finest buildings of its kind in the country. Its Greek revivalist design, with eight Ilyssus style columns, was drawn up in 1830. Traditionally, it's believed that the courthouse was actually intended for Cork, but the plans got mixed up to the benefit of Carlow. It was completed at a cost of __30,000 - a significant amount of money at the time. A Russian cannon sits in front of the building which was captured during the Crimean war in the late 1800s and then donated to Carlow. The building itself was restored in the 1990s, and the refurbished courthouse was officially opened in March 2002. Throughout the decades, the steps of the Courthouse have been used as a focal point for public occasions. An early example was in 1929, when the 100th anniversary for the granting of Catholic Emancipation was celebrated. Ireland hosted the Special Olympics in 2003, and in June that year, the Olympic Flame stopped at the Courthouse where live music and entertainment marked the occasion, before the town bid farewell to local athletes as well as guests from Bolivia, Slovenia, and Ohio, USA. The building is located at the top of Dublin Street.
'''Browneshill Dolmen''' is a portal tomb dating from c. 3,000 BC. Its capstone is the largest in Europe and weighs over 100 tons. Traditionally, dolmens were placed over the burial space of the highest ranking members of society, such as Kings, Chiefs and their next of kin. One of Carlow's best-known landmarks, it is located 3km east of Carlow on the Hacketstown Road.
'''Carlow Town Hall''' was designed in 1884. It is the new home of Carlow Town Council, following extensive refurbishment which was completed in 2006. It is located at Haymarket, which is just off Dublin Street. A theatre was formerly at the rear of the building, and later the County Museum.
'''St. Patrick's College''', College Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9131114, (''e-mail: info@carlowcollege.ie, fax: +353 (0)59 9140258''), [http://www.carlowcollege.ie]. St. Patrick's is one of the oldest educational institutions in the country. It was founded in 1782 and has been open to students since 1793, with around 700 students studying there at the moment. Outside of Carlow, the college is known by its formal name, Carlow College. In December 2006, the college opened a brand new on-campus library in the old college chapel. College records dating back to the 1700s are available.
'''Carlow Cathedral''' is also located on College Street, right beside St. Patrick's College. It was completed in 1833, although its history dates back to the 1780s. At that time, a small chapel existed on the site, however as the decades passed, it emerged that a bigger facility would be needed. After many fundraisers, plans were put in place for the current building in June 1829 by architect Thomas Cobden. In 1833, at a cost of __9,000, the gothic-designed Cathedral was completed. Its interior has been renovated several times over the years - the most recent refurbishment took place in 1997, which proved controversial at the time and even attracted the attention of Pope John Paul II. However, the designs have been generally welcomed since then, with state broadcaster RTE twice airing the Easter services live from the Cathedral. These were relayed across the Eurovision network in 2003.
'''The Liberty Tree''' commemorates the 640 victims of the United Irishmen, who died on May 25th, 1798. During a planned rising against British defenders, 2,000 rebels invaded the town, however the plot was secretly leaked in advance, meaning the plan was destined for failure. The landmark itself was built in the late 1990s ahead of the 200th anniversary of the rising. It is a fountain, which was designed by John Behan and provides a central focal point in the town, around which many people socialise and take a break during the summer months.
'''The Croppies Grave''' was initially a sand pit, where the bodies of the slaughtered United Irishmen were quickly buried. Later, a monument was erected above the site on Chapel Street, west of the River Barrow. The United Irishmen were known as the Croppies due to their habit of cropping their hair, which they did to mark their allegiance.
'''Carlow Castle''' is located along the banks of the River Barrow. It's construction started in 1210, overseen by William de Marshall. Unfortunately, all that remains today are the ruins of the castle, due to an ill-fated and expensive attempt by Dr. Philip Parry Prince Midleton to turn the building into a lunatic asylum. In 1814, an explosion took place to create an underground passageway, however this also brought down nearly three of the four walls.
'''Graiguecullen Bridge''' is one of the oldest and lowest bridges on the River Barrow, and is located just beside the ruins of Carlow Castle. A five arched stone structure, the bridge was built in 1569, before renovations took place to widen the bridge in 1815.
'''Duckett's Grove''' is a Georgian home formerly located within the 5,000 acre estate which belonged to the Anglo-Irish family of William Duckett. He built the mansion in a Gothic revival style in 1830, and its last occupant departed the house in 1912. In 1930, the estate was divided up, however in April 1933, much of the building was destroyed by a fire, the cause of which is unknown. Fortunately, much of the building still remains in its original form, and in 2007 the County Council finished its refurbishment and opened the grounds surrounding the home to the public.
Parks
'''Oak Park Forest Park''', ''+353 (0)59'' 9136289, (''fax: + 353 (0)59 9141503, e-mail: soneill@carlowcoco.ie''). Features 127 acres of established woodland which opened to the public in June 2006. A part of the Oak Park estate just north of Carlow town, the park is a mature mixed species woodland and has a series of circular trails which extend over 4km. Leisure areas, picnic sites, viewing facilities of the lakes and islands and a panorama of the Barrow Valley are also included, as are a large car park and toilets.
'''Carlow Town Park''' is situated along the banks of the River Barrow. It's a 12.8 acre site, accessible from the footbridge near the Town Hall and also from the main entrance on Sleaty Street. During the summer months, it is open from 8:00am to 8:30pm, otherwise it is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm. It also has a playground. The park won the 2004 All-Ireland Riverside Amenity Award in the Tidy Towns competition and was named Ireland's Best Public Park at the inaugural Local Government, City and County Council Awards in January 2007.
'''Hanover Park''' is located in Carlow town centre in between Kennedy Avenue and Kilkenny Road and has been open for nearly ten years. The park, which is situated on the bank of the River Burrin, also includes a playground. In March 2007, Carlow County Council agreed to sell 1.33 acres of the 2.5 acre park for development, however the ?9.5 million generated from this sale will be used to enhance the remainder and create an improved, albeit smaller, facility.
Museums
'''Carlow County Museum''', Town Hall, Haymarket, ''+353 (0)59'' 9131759, (''e-mail: dmulligan@carlowcoco.ie''). The museum includes many items of local interest from the 18th and 19th centuries. It is currently undergoing extensive renovations, so will remain closed until these are completed.
'''County Carlow Military Museum''', Old Church, St. Dympna's Hospital, Athy Road, (''e-mail: admin@countycarlowmilitarymuseum.com''), [http://www.countycarlowmilitarymuseum.com/]. CCMM has been open since 1995 and moved to its current location in 2001. It has many different artefacts, including uniforms worn by members of the Irish Defence Forces and has also reconstructed a World War I trench. It is open on Sundays from 2pm - 5pm between March and November.
Do
'''Carlow Brewing Company''', The Goods Store, Station Road, ''+353 (0)59'' 9134356, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9140038, e-mail: info@carlowbrewing.com''), [http://www.carlowbrewing.com/]. Carlow Brewing Company was established in 1998 - reviving the practice which had been discontinued locally a century earlier. The award-winning brewery makes O'Hara's, a Celtic Stout, Curim Beer and Molings Red Ale - all of which are available at pubs and off-licences around the county. The brewery itself is open for tours at a cost of ?7 per adult (?5.50 each in groups of ten or more) which includes a glass of beer.
'''Dome Entertainment Complex''', +353 59 9141555. Right beside the Talbot Hotel, 2km outside town. This facility, which opened in December 2004, offers 12 AMF Wooden Bowling lanes along with numerous arcade machines.thumb|250px|The Dome Entertainment Complex with the Talbot Hotel in the background.
'''Carlow Cineplex''', Carlow Shopping Centre, ''+353 (0)59'' 9131140, [http://www.cineplex.ie/sites/carlow.htm]. 3 screen cinema. Film start times usually range from around 5pm - 10pm on weekdays, 2pm - 10pm on weekends. Late screenings on Friday and Saturday, where the films start at around 11pm.
Sport and leisure
'''Walking''' When the weather's kind, many pleasant hours can be spent whiling away the time within the town and its outskirts. Oak Park Forest Park is a great place to visit, while the entire length of the River Barrow (113km) is open to walkers, and visitors to Carlow town can join the banks at Carlow Castle, the track near the Town Hall or by the staircase at the Ring Road
'''Cycling''' Carlow's hinterland has some of the best cycling terrain in the country. Within a short radius of Carlow town, there is a varied landscape which provides an adequate challenge for different cycling events. Carlow Road Cycling Club [http://www.carlowcycling.org] was founded in 1980 and organise many events for those who want to cycle for leisure to those with a competitve edge.
'''Ivy Rooms Snooker Club''' [http://www.carlowtown.com/bus_ad.asp?BUSID=575&SID=286&CATID=28]. Open to the public until late every evening. With 16 full-sized tournament tables, American pool tables, amusements and a restaurant. Host to many championships and events from local to international, and has twice hosted the World Under-21 Snooker Championship. Admission to these tournaments is free of charge.
'''Graiguecullen Swimming Pool''', ''+353 (0)59'' 9140330. Fully heated 25 metre swimming pool in the Graiguecullen area of Carlow town. Full gymnasium and leisure centre on site. Lessons are available, while the public opening hours are: Monday - Friday 7am - 10am and 7pm - 10pm. Saturday 11am - 6pm. Sunday 11 am - 7 pm Bank Holidays 9 am - 7pm. Additional opening times are sometimes available on request.
'''Carlow Golf Club''', Deerpark, ''+353 (0)59'' 9131695, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9140065, e-mail: carlowgolfclub@eircom.net''), [http://www.carlowgolfclub.com/]. Located at Deerpark to the northeast of Carlow town, Carlow Golf Club has hosted many prestigious tournaments since its inception in May 1899. The club features naturally draining courses, making them playable all year round. The 18-hole Deerpark Course is recognised as one of the finest inland courses in Ireland. The 9-hole Oak Park Course, which opened in 2002, is far less expensive, with green fees of ?20 per person. Both courses are open during daylight hours, while the clubhouse is open from 10am - 11pm daily.
'''Leinster Hills Golf Club''', Graiguealug, Nurney, ''+353 (0)59'' 9148974, (''e-mail: info@leinsterhills.com''), [http://www.leinsterhills.com]. Opened in September 2005, this course is designed to maximise the vistas surrounding it. It is Ireland's first [http://www.golfcross.ie Golf Cross] course, and green fees start at ?25. The course is situated about 10km from Carlow, Tullow and Bagenalstown, on a well-signposted location just off the N80, the road which connects Carlow town with County Wexford.
'''Carlow Golf Range & Shop''', Crossneen, ''+353 (0)59'' 9141683. Modern driving range set in tranquil surroundings at the foot of the Killeshin Hills. The range's resident PGA professional is available for tuition and advice while group lessons are also available. Open from Monday - Friday 10am - 9pm and Saturday - Sunday 9am - 7pm.
'''Quinagh House Par 3''', Quinagh, ''+353 (0)59'' 9142088. 18 hole par 3 golf course with refreshments and light snacks in the clubhouse. Open during daylight hours with clubs available for hire.
Festivals
'''Eigse Arts Festival''', ''+353 (0)59'' 9140491, (''e-mail: info@eigsecarlow.ie''), [http://www.eigsecarlow.ie]. The Eigse Arts Festival is one of the largest of its kind in Ireland, and takes place across Carlow town in June each year. It offers a programme of events including theatre, dance, music, comedy and street entertainment, as well as traditional art exhibtions in locations around the town. Each year, the festival opens with a light show and fireworks display, which is free of charge to the public. The 'Party in the Park' usually takes place on the following day. This is a family-orientated event, where musicians perform in the Carlow town park on the banks of the River Barrow.
'''Carlow African Film Festival''', ''+353'' (0)85 7780789, (''e-mail: info@carlowafricanfilmfestival.com''), [http://www.carlowafricanfilmfestival.com/]. Initiated in 2005, this festival takes place in September and aims to celebrate the artistic and cultural works of African film-makers while promoting social interaction and integration between the various communities in Carlow. Admission to the movies is free and are shown in a "Mobile Cinema", a transportable unit which transforms into a 100-seater cinema.
'''St. Patrick's Day''' March 17th is marked in traditional fashion in Carlow town with the annual parade which takes place each year. It's recently become the norm for this to be followed by live entertainment and musical performances in and around the town.
Buy
Carlow town offers one of the best shopping experiences in the region. Although retail often tends to be centred on the town's two major shopping centres, the town centre, Tullow Street and Dublin Street in particular, offer a wide variety of shops, from locally-owned outlets to larger nationally-recognised businesses.
ATMs are located throughout the town. There are three in the Fairgreen Shopping Centre, one inside Carlow Shopping Centre as well as several others located throughout the town in shops, banks and other establishments. Note that during high peak shopping days, e.g. during the week before Christmas, few ATMs are in working order, simply because many ATMs run out of cash. A Cirrus ATM is located at the Permanent TSB Bank on Upper Tullow Street.
Tullow Street
Carlow's traditional shopping thoroughfare, "the heart of Carlow" has undergone extensive redevelopment over the past decade. Lower Tullow Street, the main shopping area, has been pedestrianised during business hours since 2002.
'''Hadden's Centre'''. It's anchor tenant is the locally-owned clothing retail outlet Hadden's. Among the other businesses inside the centre are the Country Kitchen Restaurant and Paddy Power bookmakers. It is also accessible through its large fee-paying car park on Kennedy Avenue.
'''Shaw's'''. Large department store which opened in Carlow in 1949. The building was demolished in 2005, making way for a brand new store which opened in August 2006 at a cost of ?13 million. It's also accessible from Bridewell Lane, which is adjacent to the post office.
Shopping Centres
'''Fairgreen Shopping Centre''' [http://www.fairgreen.ie]. With over 40 stores to choose from, "The Fairgreen" commenced trading in October 2003 at a cost of ?50 million. It's anchor tenants are Tesco, Next and Heatons. It has well-known high street stores such as River Island, a|wear, Jack & Jones, Planet Auto and GameStop, in addition to local businesses like Jason Farrell Sports, Bramley's "B2" Jewellers and Bosco's Butchers. All tenants are required to trade between 9am - 6pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am - 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 9am - 6pm on Saturdays and 12 noon to 6pm on Sundays. However, Tesco is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 500 people are employed at the complex, which is built on the site of Carlow's former cattle mart. In order to maintain the link with the history of the area, the centre purchased one of the cows from the Dublin Cow Parade and commissioned a local artist to paint "The Fairgreen Cow".
'''Carlow Shopping Centre'''. Carlow's original major shopping centre opened in April 1994, and offers multi-storey car parking. It's anchor tenant is the indigenous grocery retailer Superquinn, while other tenants include Golden Discs, Cafe le Monde, Chartbusters and Sam McCauleys. Carlow's only cinema is located at the centre, which is accessible from Upper Tullow Street and Kennedy Avenue. The Nationalist newspaper was temporarily based upstairs at the centre but relocated in 2007 to their new offices near Carlow Retail Park.
Eat
'''The Bagel Factory''', 1 The Mall, Kennedy Avenue, ''+353 (0)59'' 9134389, [http://www.bagelfactory.ie/]. Small cafe near the Liberty Tree which specialises in bagels.
'''Beams Restaurant''', 59 Dublin Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9131824.
'''Brooks Cafe''', Tullow Street, [http://www.dinnri.com/brooks%20cafe%20bar.htm].
'''Buzz's Bistro''', 7 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9143307.
'''Cafe Bleu''', 29 Dublin Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9182908.
'''Cafe le Monde''', Carlow Shopping Centre, Kennedy Avenue, ''+353 (0)59'' 9130808. Open from 8:30am daily, serving breakfast, lunch and snacks.
'''Cloister's Restaurant''', 29 Dublin Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9140599.
'''Italian Connection''', Kennedy Avenue.
'''Jasmine Chinese Restaurant''', Tullow Road, ''+353 (0)59'' 9139222.
'''Lasrada Restaurant''', 144 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9140366.
'''Lautrec's Brasserie''', 115 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9143455, (''e-mail: lautrecs@ireland.com''), [http://www.lautrecs.com]. Open daily from 5pm, with a full bar and extensive wine list.
'''Lemongrass Restaurant''' Unit 6, Hanover Square, ''+353 (0)59 9139392.
'''Lotus Chinese Restaurant''' Unit 2, Kennedy Avenue, ''+353 (0)59'' 9131986.
'''McDonalds''' Kennedy Avenue, ''+353 (0)59'' 9135460, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135462'').
'''Peking Chinese Restaurant''' 63 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9140951.
'''Picassos Restaurant''' Shamrock Square, ''+353 (0)59'' 9133867.
'''Rattlebag Cafe''' 202 Barrack Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9139568.
'''Reddy's of Carlow''', 67 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9142224. Carvery open daily from 12:15pm, with the restaurant open from 6pm each evening. Full a la carte and full dinner menus, with a variety of fine food.
'''Shapla Tandoori Restaurant''' Hanover Court, Kennedy Avenue, ''+353 (0)59'' 9130037.
'''Subway''' Lower Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9173142, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9173142''), Newly-opened outlet of the international franchise.
'''Supermac's''' Burrin Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9130444, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9130444''). Irish-owned fast food chain.
'''Teach Dolmain and Carlovian Restaurant''', Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9130911. Full a la carte menu and extensive wine list.
'''Toughers Restaurant''' Ballyvergal, Dublin Road, ''+353 (0)59'' 9138010.
'''Weeping Thaiger Restaurant''' Quinn House, Mill Lane, ''+353 (0)59'' 9137000.
'''Corries Bar & Bistro''', Talbot Hotel Carlow,Portlaoise Road, Carlow ''+353 (0)59'' 9153000, [http://www.talbothotelcarlow.ie/]. Carvery Lunch served Monday to Saturday from 12.00p.m. - 2.30p.m. Carvery Lunch served Sunday from 12.00p.m. - 3.30p.m. Bar Food Menu served Monday to Saturday from 2.30p.m. - 9.30p.m. Bar Food Menu served Sunday from 3.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.
'''The Liberty Tree Restaurant''', Talbot Hotel Carlow,Portlaoise Road, Carlow ''+353 (0)59'' 9153000, [http://www.talbothotelcarlow.ie/]. Breakfast served Monday to Friday from 7.00a.m. - 10.00a.m. Breakfast served Saturday and Sunday from 7.30a.m. - 10.30a.m. Dinner served Monday to Friday from 6.30p.m. - 9.30p.m. Dinner served Saturday and Sunday from 6.30p.m. - 9.30p.m.
Drink
'''Brooks Cafe Bar''', Dinn Ri, Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9133111, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9134697, e-mail: info@dinnri.com''), [http://www.dinnri.com/brooks%20cafe%20bar.htm]. Part of the Dinn Ri complex. Opening hours: Mon - Thurs 10:30am - 11:30pm, Fri - Sat 10:30am - 12:30am, Sunday 12:00pm - 11:00pm.
'''Browne Street Bar''', Browne Street. Located at the corner of Browne Street and College Street, this new establishment is near Carlow Cathedral.
'''Buzzs Bar''', Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9143307, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135515, e-mail: info@buzzs.com''), [http://www.buzzs.com]. Beside Shaw's Department Store, this is a popular place for a pint or a night out. Includes six pool tables and a jukebox upstairs.
'''Carpenter's Bar''', 10 Barrack Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9143059, (''e-mail: carpentersbar@yahoo.co.uk''). Traditional bar and lounge which also caters from groups and functions.
'''Cedar Square''', Dinn Ri, Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9133111, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9130403, e-mail: info@dinnri.com''), [http://www.dinnri.com/cedar%20sq%20terrace.htm]. Al fresco drinking and dining within the Dinn Ri complex. Opened in 2000. Opening hours: Mon - Thurs 10:30am - 11:30pm, Fri - Sat 10:30am - 12:30am, Sunday 12:00pm - 11:00pm.
'''Coppingers Bar''', Kennedy Street, Carlow. Home of the 'Carlow 98 Celtic Supporters Club'. All live matches shown on the Big Screen.
'''Corcoran's Bar''', Castle Street.
'''Dinn Ri''', Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9133111, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9130403, e-mail: info@dinnri.com''), [http://www.dinnri.com]. The main feature of the Dinn Ri complex. Also offers carvery lunch and an extensive bar food menu.
'''Level 1''', 52-54 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9135920. Part of The Music Factory on Tullow Street.
'''Leverett & Frye''', Dublin Street. Popular, modern bar.
'''Mrs. Brown's Bar''', 52-54 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9135920. Also part of The Music Factory.
'''Mulligan's Bar''', Castle Street.
'''O'Loughlin's Bar''', 53 Dublin Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9132205. Popular venue with young and old alike.
'''Racey Byrne's''', Tullow Street. Long established, traditional bar.
'''Reddy's'''. 67 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9142224. Well known bar and restaurant.
'''Scragg's Alley''', 12/13 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9140407 (''fax: +353 (0)59 9130845'').
'''Teach Dolmain''', Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9130911. Cosy venue near Shamrock Square, with outdoor tables for smokers.
'''The Barracks''', 32 Tullow St., ''+353 (0)59'' 9141781 (''e-mail: info@thebarracks.ie''), [http://www.thebarracks.ie]. Ireland's first interactive bar, with networked PS2's, user-activated music systems, free wireless internet access and laptop rental. Neat dress essential. Also accessible from Potato Market.
'''The County Bar'''. GAA themed bar, Formerly known as Cosmo Brown's. Currently undergoing renovations.
'''The John Tyndall''', 70 Tullow Street. On Shamrock Square, named in honour of the Leighlinbridge physicist.
'''The Underground Bar''', 52-54 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9178787, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135922''), [http://www.themusicfactory.ie/]. Nice bar located at the back of The Music Factory complex. Popular with functions and birthdays.
'''The Vinyl Bar''', 52-54 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9178787, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135922''), [http://www.themusicfactory.ie/]. Also part of The Music Factory.
'''Tully's Bar''', 148 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9131862, (''e-mail: tillyltd@iol.ie'').
'''Corries Bar & Bistro''', Talbot Hotel Carlow,Portlaoise Road, Carlow ''+353 (0)59'' 9153000, [http://www.talbothotelcarlow.ie/]. Live music every Friday & Saturday Night.
Sleep
Budget
[http://www.carlowbedandbreakfast.com Avlon House], Green Lane, Carlow Town ''+353 (0)59'' 9174222, (''e-mail: avlonhouse@eircom.net''), A short walk from the town centre, with rates ranging from ?35 to ?50 per night.
'''Barrow Lodge''', The Quay, ''+353 (0)59'' 9141173, (''e-mail: georgepender@eircom.net''), [http://www.barrowlodge.com/] (website currently unavailable). A short walk from the town centre, with rates ranging from ?35 to ?50 per night.
'''Barrowville Town House''', Kilkenny Road, ''+353 (0)59'' 9143324, (''e-mail: barrowvilletownhouse@eircom.net, fax: +353 (0)59 9141953''), [http://www.barrowvillehouse.com/]. Antique setting, 3 minutes from the town centre by foot.
'''Borlum House''', Kilkenny Road, ''+353 (0)59'' 41747, (''e-mail: borlum@eircom.net''). Georgian guesthouse.
'''Carlow Guesthouse''', Green Lane, ''+353 (0)59'' 9136033, (''e-mail: info@carlowguesthouse.com, fax: +353 (0)59 9136034''), [http://www.carlowguesthouse.com/]. 13 ensuite bedrooms, a 5 minute walk from town. Online booking available.
'''Coolanowle House''', Ballickmoyler, ''+353 (0)59'' 8625176, (''e-mail: coolanowle@eircom.net''), [http://www.coolanowle.com/]. Surrounded by three acres of Beechwood gardens, lawn tennis court and eighteenth century flax ponds all on a real working organic farm. In Ballickmoyler, just outside the town.
'''Green Lane B&B''', Green Lane, ''+353 (0)59'' 9142670, [http://www.greenlanebb.com/]. Wheelchair accessible town house, ten minutes from town by foot. Rates from ?35.
'''Quarry Ridge''', Killeshin, ''+353 (0)59'' 9147875, (''e-mail: quarry_ridge7@hotmail.com''), [http://www.quarryridge.ie/]. Family run B&B located in a scenic setting in Killeshin, 5km outside town. Rooms from ?40 per night.
'''Redsetter Guesthouse''', Dublin Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9141848, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9142837''),[http://www.carlowtourism.com/redsetter.htm]. 2 star townhouse with 17 bedrooms. Rates from ?35 per person sharing.
'''Rosbawn''', Kilkenny Road, ''+353 (0)59'' 9131072. Country home with rates from ?30 per night.
'''Tudor Lodge''', Kilmeaney (''take N80 out of town for 3km, take second signposted turn for Tinryland - first house on left''), ''+353 (0)59'' 9142299, [http://www.carlowtourism.com/tudorlodge.html] (website currently unavailable). Peaceful setting 4km outside town.
Mid-Range
'''Talbot Hotel Carlow''', Portlaoise Road, ''+353 59'' 9153000, (''e-mail: sales@talbothotelcarlow.ie, fax: +353 (0)59 9153001''), [http://www.talbotcarlow.ie/]. Opened in 2005, this 4-star hotel is 2km to the west of Carlow town.
'''Seven Oaks Hotel''', Athy Road, ''+353 59'' 9131308, (''e-mail: info@sevenoakshotel.com, fax: +353 (0)59 9132155''), [http://www.sevenoakshotel.com]. A 3 minute walk from Carlow town centre, this 3-star hotel offers 89 bedrooms and an on-site leisure centre.
'''Dolmen Hotel''', Kilkenny Road, ''+353 (0)59'' 9142002, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9142375''), [http://www.dolmenhotel.ie/]. Located on the banks of the River Barrow, this hotel offers 93 bedrooms including 12 self-catering lodges.
'''Dinn Ri Hotel''', Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9133111, (''e-mail: info@dinnri.com, fax: +353 (0)59 9134697''), [http://www.dinnri.com/dinn%20ri%20hotel.htm]. Located at the Dinn Ri entertainment complex in the centre of town, with rates from ?50.
'''McHughs Courthouse Hotel''', Dublin Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9133243, (''e-mail: info@mchughscourthousehotel.com, fax: +353 (0)59 9133430''), [http://www.mchughscourthousehotel.com/]. Right in the heart of Carlow, with rates from ?45 per person sharing.
Splurge
Nightlife
Music and Entertainment
'''Buzz's Bar''', ''+353 (0)59'' 9143307, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135515, e-mail: info@buzzs.com''), [http://www.buzzs.com]. Live music every Thursday and Sunday evenings, DJ on Friday and Saturday.
'''Carlovian Bar''', 76 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9130911, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9130464''). Traditional Irish music sessions every Thursday night from 9:30pm.
'''Coppingers Bar''', Kennedy Street. Traditional Irish music sessions every Friday night.
'''McHugh's Courthouse Hotel''', Dublin Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9133243, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9133430'') [http://www.mchughscourthousehotel.com/index.htm]. Entertainment every Friday and Saturday night, plus on Sundays during bank holiday weekends.
'''Mrs. Browns''', 52-54 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9178787, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135922''), [http://www.themusicfactory.ie/]. Traditional Irish music sessions every Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
'''Nancy Whiskeys''', Haymarket, ''+353 (0)59'' 9135588. Live music every Sunday.
'''Seven Oaks Hotel''', Athy Road, ''+353 59'' 9131308, (''e-mail: info@sevenoakshotel.com, fax: +353 (0)59 9132155''), [http://www.sevenoakshotel.com]. Traditional Irish music session every Monday night from 9:30pm.
'''Tao Nightclub''', 52-54 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9178787, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135922''), [http://www.themusicfactory.ie/], [http://www.clubtaocarlow.com/]. Previously known as The Music Factory, Tao regularly attracts well-known musical and comedic performers from home and abroad. Located in the town centre, with VIP packages also available.
'''The Tower Live''' (''e-mail: info@dinnri.com'') [http://www.dinnri.com/tower%20live.htm] Live music venue, with entertainment every Saturday night.
'''The Tavern''', Castle Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9140279. Live music venue in Carlow town.
'''Corries Bar & Bistro''', Talbot Hotel Carlow,Portlaoise Road, Carlow ''+353 (0)59'' 9153000, [http://www.talbothotelcarlow.ie/]. Live music every Friday & Saturday Night.
Nightclubs
'''The Foundry''', Dinn Ri, Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9133111 (''fax: +353 (0)59 9134697, e-mail: info@dinnri.com''), [http://www.dinnri.com/foundry.htm]. Carlow's best known nightclub, which regularly hosts the best local and national DJs along with other special events. Open to the public every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
'''Nexus Nightclub''', 12/13 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9140407 (''fax: +353 (0)59 9130845'') Small venue on Tullow Street, and the only nightclub in Carlow that's open on Tuesday nights.
'''Tao Nightclub''', 52-54 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9178787, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135922''), [http://www.themusicfactory.ie/], [http://www.clubtaocarlow.com/]. Fromerly known as The Music Factory, this present incarnation is well-known for attracting huge crowds and popular DJs and bands such as Aslan, Republic of Loose and Lisa Lashes.
Contact
In 2004, the local area code for Carlow changed from 0503 to 059. Some of out-of-date literature still carries the old area code. For Carlow town, simply dial 059 91XXXXX instead of 0503 XXXXX.
As of April 2007, wireless broadband has been provided for the entire town centre, making Carlow the first town in Ireland to provide such a service. It's available (with varying degrees of success for the moment) at a fee of ?3.50 for each use, or at ?15 for a monthly subscription.
Internet Cafes
'''Web-Talk''', 44 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9139721, [http://www.web-talk.net/]. Internet Cafe which also sells scented candles and has an Agfa Photo Centre and framing service. Accessible through the multi-storey car park at Carlow Shopping Centre or the pathway beside White's Pharmacy on Upper Tullow Street.
'''Enter & Escape''' 91 Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9130345, (''e-mail: info@enterandescape.com''), [http://www.enterandescape.com]. Located on Upper Tullow Street, opposite Tao Nightclub. Open until 10pm on weekdays, Enter & Escape also offers P.C. training and repair.
'''Carlow Internet Cafe''', Castle Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9141020. Reduced rate international phone calls available.
'''Carlow County Library''', Tullow Street, ''+353 (0)59'' 9170094, (''e-mail: library@carlowcoco.ie''), [http://www.askaboutireland.ie/show_place.do?id=4]. Free, time-restrained internet access which usually needs to be booked in advance.
Wireless Hotspots
'''The Barracks''', 32 Tullow St., ''+353 (0)59'' 9141781 (''e-mail: info@thebarracks.ie''), [http://www.thebarracks.ie]. Interactive Bar which gives a free loan of laptops and free wireless internet access.
'''Cafe le Monde''', Carlow Shopping Centre, Kennedy Avenue, ''+353 (0)59'' 9130808. Restaurant located in the middle of Carlow Shopping Centre.
'''McDonalds''', Kennedy Avenue, ''+353 (0)59'' 9135460, (''fax: +353 (0)59 9135462''). Located just across from the Liberty Tree on Kennedy Avenue.
'''Talbot Hotel Carlow''', Portlaoise Road, Carlow ''+353 (0)59'' 9153000, [http://www.talbothotelcarlow.ie/]. Wireless Internet throughout hotel. Internet Point also available on mezzanine floor.