As Ireland celebrates the return of our athletes from the record-breaking Paris 2024 Olympics, now is the perfect opportunity to get inspired and adventurous during your vacation in Carlow and nearby. Why not channel that Olympic energy, boost your mood, and make the most of your time here by getting moving and releasing those feel-good endorphins? Explore tree-top adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, the beauty of Carlow through invigorating hikes horse riding to garden strolls at The Irish National Studs & Gardens or water activities at Go With The Flow.
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Only a 30-minute drive from our hotel, Castlecomer offers a day of adventures for the whole family and different “in-training Olympics” from amateurs to highly active activities. Castlecomer Discovery Park and Visitor Centre consists of a wonderful 80-acre discovery park in the Castlecomer Demesne, which was once part of the estate farmyard, gardens, stable yard and leisure grounds of the Wandesforde family.
Castlecomer Visitor Centre houses the reception, Coal-Mining Exhibition, and Jarrow Café open daily. The park itself is FREE to visit and perfect for a family day out with different activities choices including the new Skywalk Challenge, Ireland’s longest Zipline, axe throwing, archery, boats & canoeing, the coal mining museum and Elf & Fairy village. Pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
More information on Castlecomer Discovery Park
The South Leinster Way
The South Leinster Way is a long distance walking route which starts from Kildavin, Co. Carlow to finish in Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary covering 102 kilometres (64 miles) in length and ascending some 1600 metres. FREE to visit and walk. Estimated length of the walk is 5 days.
It is a route that passes through varied terrain, including the heathery flanks of Mount Leinster (796m) and Brandon Hill (515m), a fine riverside stretch on the River Barrow, a large decayed demesne, and coniferous woodlands, but it finishes with a long stretch of 30 km on quiet tarmac roads.
Maps and other information on South Leinster Way
Irish National Studs & Gardens, Co. Kildare
Looking for a captivating blend of nature and heritage near Carlow? Located just an hour from the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, this iconic attraction in Kildare offers a unique experience for all ages. Explore the stud farm, home to some of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds, and learn about the history and traditions of horse breeding in Ireland that you’ll feel like in an equestrian dressage & show in the Olympics 2024.
If horse riding is not your cup of tea, The Japanese Gardens, renowned for their beauty and tranquillity, provide a serene escape, while St. Fiachra’s Garden offers a tribute to the natural beauty of Ireland. Open seven days a week, the Irish National Stud & Gardens also features guided tours, a horse museum, and a playground for children, ensuring a memorable visit for the whole family. The gift shop and café offer delightful treats and souvenirs to complete your day out.
More information on The Irish National Stud & Gardens Website
Go With The Flow River Adventures
Looking for a highly Tripadvisor-rated river adventure in Carlow? You can feel like Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthyyou in the rowing and bring gold home with all packages that Go With The Flow has to offer. Located 35 minutes from the hotel in Borris, County Carlow. Popular tours such as the Valley of the Monks tour (flat water, self guided) and the Guided White Water Spills & Thrills, are both available twice a day for a half day. Both suitable for family outings ( age 7yr +). Or choose from canoeing options – this includes canoe trails with wild camping. See their website for details with prices, descriptions, times and dates.
