Discover the hidden gems of County Carlow this summer, from the enchanting Carlow Garden Trail with its 16 unique gardens and forest parks, to the scenic Barrow Way, a historic 114 km trail along the River Barrow and our own Woodford Island, a natural paradise perfect for leisurely and mindful walks.
Carlow Garden Trail
The Carlow Garden Trail currently features 16 different gardening attractions including great old gardens that have been lovingly restored and maintained throughout the years, and smaller gardens which are maturing beautifully with time.
Award winning garden centres and forest parks complement the joy of a visit here. The Carlow Garden Trail ranges from small to very large gardens, garden centres and forest parks and from old to new, so there is something to stimulate both the novice and experienced gardener. Known for its mild and temperate climate, County Carlow in Ireland’s sunny Southeast is the ideal destination for your gardening trip. Identifiable road signs make the Carlow Garden Trail an easy-to-follow tour through one of the most beautiful inland counties of Ireland offering a unique insight into the plants and plants people that make each premise so individual.
The trail can be driven in a day if so desired but naturally we encourage you to relax and enjoy the remarkable beauty of these gardens, garden centres and forest parks at a more leisurely pace.
Situated in the Southeast of Ireland, approximately 90km from the ferry and airports of Dublin, Rosslare and Waterford, Carlow is the ideal location for a gardening break. Its central location also offers the perfect base to explore the bordering counties of Wexford, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Kildare, and Laois.
Learn more about Carlow Garden Trail
The Barrow Way
The Barrow Way is a long-distance trail that follows the original towpath of the River Barrow, making it one of Ireland’s most panoramic yet undiscovered trails. Historically used for pulling barges and boats by horse, the trail starts in Lowtown, Co. Kildare and ends in St. Mullins, Co. Carlow, covering around 114 kilometres and passing through towns Monasterevin, Athy, Carlow, Leighlinbridge, Bagenalstown, Goresbridge, and Graiguenamanagh. A fun fact is that the River Barrow is Ireland’s second longest river, losing in length just to River Shannon with 360.5 kilometres.
The route of the Barrow Way offers a flat terrain good for walking and cycling, although the ground might be particularly rough in some areas and might get muddy with frequent rain. While the natural landscape is predominant, the route also includes historical and architectural features such as bridges, castles, abbeys, old bridges and derelict mills.
While the complete 114 kilometres of The Barrow Way will take you four days, we recommend you do small stretches of the path in Carlow.
If you are in Milford, Co.Carlow surrounds, you might want to have a quick break and pop in our partners at Barrow Brew for a quick coffee & local treats.
Woodford Island
If you’re looking for a short garden trail, why not visit our Woodford Island during your stay?
Located on the grounds of our hotel, you won’t have far to travel to experience true tranquillity and relaxation.
Following the gardens at the rear of the hotel, cross the red bridge over the River Barrow and into the natural paradise to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your day. On Woodford Island, you’ll be met with the beautiful sounds and scents that nature has to offer.
The singing birds, the crisp leaves, and the beautiful sound of the River Barrow will be sure to give you that blissful feeling of relaxation you need. You will also find an array of wildlife on the island, such as Heron, Swans and Field Butterflies.
Woodford Island is the ideal trail for walking and appreciating what nature has to offer.
Read more about Woodford Island
