Carlow is a historic market town in Leinster, in the south-east of Ireland. It is the county town of County Carlow, and its character comes from its age and its setting: a compact town centre, traditional streets and the ruins of a castle that stand as a reminder of its long past. The Irish name for the town is Ceatharlach.
What to see
- The castle ruins. Carlow's best-known landmark is its castle, which survives as a ruin and gives the town a strong sense of its history. It is the natural starting point for a walk through the centre.
- The market town itself. Wandering the streets is one of the pleasures of a visit, with the feel of a place that has long served the farming communities around it.
Getting out of town
Carlow sits close to the Wicklow Mountains, so the scenery of the hills is never far away. For visitors who enjoy fresh air and open country, this makes the town a practical base for day trips into the mountains, rather than a destination to be seen in isolation.
Carlow suits a relaxed visit: an afternoon to see the castle, a stroll through the market town, and time to plan a trip into the surrounding countryside. It is a good choice for anyone who wants Irish history and rural landscape in one easy outing.
