Must See Sights and Landmarks in Carlow Area

"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."

"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."

"By the north bank of the River Nore is a 16th-century tower left over from a Medieval hospital set up around the 13th century. The heavily fortified hospital was positioned outside the centre of Kilkenny and mainly treated lepers. The name “Maudlin” comes from Mary Magdalene, as leprosy was a disease generally associated with prostitution in Medieval times."

"Eddie Rockets in MacDonagh Junction is an American style diner with large red leather booths that fit up to 8 people plus individual jukeboxes on the tables. They serve gourmet hamburgers, subs, salads, nachos and hotdogs. They have a kids’ menu and novelty gifts for kids."

"An excellent choice if you want to be in the heart of Kilkenny, this 200-year-old hotel built in the 1800s still keeps its old-world charm but with updated, modern amenities. With Kilkenny’s top shops on your doorstep and a bar on-site with live music on Saturday’s, there’s no shortage of entertainment in and around this prime hotel."

"Welcome to The Club House Hotel Kilkenny As Kilkenny's oldest hotel, The Club House boasts 220 years of service. Our mission is for your comfort and enjoyment. The Hotel is situated on Patrick's Street in Kilkenny City Centre in a wonderfully restored Georgian building."

"Nestled in the back of Bridie’s Bar and General food store, visitors will find a classy, partly covered beer garden, set in an exotic walled garden!. You will find plenty of seating here, so you can be guaranteed a relaxing evening in a truly unique setting!. Visit :Bridies Bar & General Store | Facebook"

"Bridie’s is part of Langton’s hotel complex – it’s a bar which doesn’t look like a bar from the exterior. Apart from the massive sign that says ‘Bar’, that is.  You’d swear it was a sweet shop otherwise. In fact, when you walk through the doors, it’s like an olde world general store."

"As soon as you enter the Bridie’s Bar you find yourself immersed in another era and, above all, in a place that seems all but a bar. At the entrance, there is a sweets shop but as soon as the last door goes, you enter the real pub, a surprise for everyone."

"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."

"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."

"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."