Visiting the multi award-winning Carlow County Museum is a must. Be wowed by the 340 million year old fossil, the 20ft church pulpit and an exquisite 2mm Iron Age glass bead! Among the displays are exhibitions featuring: the magnificently hand-carved 19th century wooden pulpit from Carlow Cathedral, one of the top 100 objects to view in an Irish museum; the gallows trap door from Carlow Gaol used in 19th century public executions; an exhibition on the Carlow Sugar Factory, Ireland’s largest sugar factory, which was opened in 1926; the wonderful stained glass panel by Peadar Lamb commemorating the 1916 Rising and its Carlow links; archaeological finds from the Carlow M9 bypass including the country’s first ring brooch, courtesy of the National Museum of Ireland and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. See our latest exhibit, the grave effigy of Robert Hartpole, Constable of Carlow Castle and High Sheriff of Carlow, dating from 1594.
Find out about some of Carlow’s personalities; see the remains of Kevin Barry’s last cigarette and his death mask from the poignant new exhibit, with both items dating from the time of his execution in Mountjoy Gaol, Dublin at the age of just 18 for his role in the Irish War Of Independence; the wooden smoking pipe of Captain Myles Keogh of the 7th US Cavalry who was killed in the infamous battle of Little Big Horn along with General Custer in 1876; John Tyndall, Carlow’s prolific 19th century scientist whose discoveries, including the greenhouse effect still have an impact to this day. Carlow County Council in partnership with Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society has developed the museum, which is an “excellent use of an old building”.
Carlow County Museum is part of Carlow’ Town’s Cultural Quarter and admission is free.
Special temporary exhibitions on display:
- Carlow County Museum and 5th Carlow (Town) Scouts present a new exhibition: “On My Honour I Will Try…” Scouting in Carlow, 90 Years Growing. This special temporary exhibition explores the growth, development and evolution of Scouting in Carlow, right through to the present day.
- “Journeys in Time” – The Archaeology of the Carlow By-pass- see many of the archeological objects found along the route of the M9 Carlow By-pass including our smallest object, an Iron Age glass bead. This exhibition is in association with the National Museum of Ireland and the National Roads Authority.
Carlow County Museum is part of Carlow Town’s Cultural Quarter and admission is FREE.
Carlow County Library is located in the same building as Carlow County Museum and Tourist Office. There are library branches in Carlow, Tullow, Muine bheag and Borris, all of which are free and offer welcoming spaces to all. The library in Carlow Town also houses the local history department and genealogy service, providing a rich source of information to visitors.
OPENING HOURS FOR CARLOW COUNTY MUSEUM
1st Feb to 31st May: Monday – Friday; 10am-4.30pm
Saturday; 10am-1pm & 1.30-4.30pm
1st June to 31st August: Monday – Friday; 10am-5pm
Saturday; 10am-1pm & 1.30-5pm
Sundays and Bank Holidays; 2pm-4.30pm
1st Sept to 30th Nov: Monday – Friday; 10am-4.30pm
Saturday; 10am-1pm & 1.30-4.30pm
1st Dec to 31st Jan: Monday – Friday; 10am-4.30pm
Check website for Easter, Christmas and New Year closing times.
The museum is self-guided, but tours for groups (10+) must be pre-booked.
Last admission 30 minutes beforehand.
June and August Bank Holidays as per Sunday opening times.
Visit & see what you’re missing! www.carlowmuseum.ie
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