Carlow: a day among gardens and old houses

A reason to head for Clonegal

Huntington Castle and Gardens gives a Carlow outing a clear focus. The house and its grounds offer different ways to spend the visit, so check what is available on your date before deciding which part interests you most. If you enjoy looking closely at a garden, leave enough time to do just that.

Another garden, another day

Near Carlow town, Delta Sensory Gardens offers a series of interconnected garden spaces. It is a different proposition from a castle visit and a useful alternative when choosing a day out. Think about the people coming with you: planting, a house tour and a relaxed lunch will appeal in different combinations.

Keep the afternoon local

Clonegal and Carlow town are separate starting points. Choose lunch and any second stop around the garden you select, rather than spending the afternoon travelling between them. Returning in another season can be more rewarding than trying to see every garden on the first visit. For anyone bringing specific access requirements, ask about the parts of the grounds you hope to explore.

Useful links

• Huntington Castle and Gardens
• Delta Sensory Gardens

Before you go

Confirm seasonal opening, house-tour availability and access to the individual garden areas.

Featured image: Altamont Gardens, Co Carlow – flower borders – geograph.org.uk – 5616171 — Colin Park · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP. No scene changes. Image retains the stated source licence.