Carlow has always had a strong history in food – the historic big houses of Carlow which thrived from the 17th to the 19th centuries all had flourishing walled gardens providing a bountiful supply of fruit, vegetables and herbs to the houses themselves, and their employees. The establishment of Ireland’s first sugar factory in 1926 is another milestone in the county’s agricultural history. In more recent times, the Rooster potato developed by Teagasc in Oak Park, Carlow has become synonymous with the county’s rich culinary identity. This versatile potato has found its way into traditional dishes and contemporary cuisines alike, across the island of Ireland and abroad.
Nature has also played its part in this culinary story – it helps that a perfect blend of climate, mild temperatures and nutrient rich soil create the optimal growing conditions. A stunning natural landscape which includes the Rivers Barrow and Slaney and the soaring outlines of the Blackstairs Mountains complete the recipe of Carlow’s food narative.
Generations of people have thrived on the land of Carlow and it is this legacy that shapes our love and appreciation of food today. From our farmers markets to food manufacturers, local distilleries and brewers, we are proud of our achievements in agriculture but also of the creativity of our food and drink producers, our restaurants and our cafés who create gastronomic adventures for visitors and locals alike to enjoy and savour. Passion unites all of us working in food in Carlow along with a real desire to provide accessible, healthy, excellent food, local where possible that we are happy to stand over.
In Carlow we love our food – it’s a celebration of the history, innovation and natural landscape that surrounds and defines us.
Browse Carlow Food Network
An Bhearú Bar & Bistro
An Bhearú is Carlow’s newest Bar & Bistro, located in the Talbot Hotel Carlow. The ambience of the Bistro exudes warmth and comfort, offering a traditional Irish experience in a contemporary atmosphere.
Café de Mode Restaurant
Family-run with tasteful decór, Café de Mode offers customers a relaxing environment in which to enjoy a varied menu from gourmet sandwiches to lite bites, baked potatoes, homemade pancakes, scones, sweet treats and award-winning coffee.
Carlow Farmers Market
Carlow Farmers’ Market, founded in 2004, is one of the largest farmers’ markets in the South East and prides itself as one of the few authentic farmers’ markets where the producers are all local, produce their own goods and sell mainly their own produce.
Generations – A Carlow Story of Family & Food
Embark on a journey through Carlow’s rich history, where family after family has thrived on the land and forged unbreakable community bonds. Each has cultivated their own precious and unique food traditions, now brought to life in “Generations” – a showcase of the creativity, passion and dedication of Carlow’s chefs, bakers, makers and business owners.
Goodly Barrow Museum and Café
Goodly Barrow Café and Waterways Museum has something for everyone, specializing in soups and salads, where you can step into the lives, hardships and joys, of the people who worked the waterways in the restored canal store on the banks of the Barrow .
New Moon Indian Restaurant
Indian food is characterised by a great variety of foods, spices, and cooking techniques. At New Moon, they cook everything after the order is made, allowing them to customise each dish upon request.
Plum Tree Bistro & Bar
Awarded Carlow’s Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Casual Dining by the Restaurant Association of Ireland, the Plum Tree Bistro is highly renowned for its fabulous traditional Irish and international cuisine. Head chef Caolan, along with his dedicated team, carefully design seasonal menus emphasising the taste and freshness from the vast range of local produce.
Rachel’s Garden Café
The award-winning Rachel’s Garden Café at Arboretum is a self- and assisted-service restaurant which champions Irish and preferably locally sourced produce; a particular favourite is the beef braised in O’Hara’s Stout which is brewed by the Carlow Brewing Company only 5 km down the road. Enjoy breakfast (including ‘the full Irish’) from 9 a.m. and lunch including soups (gluten free), salads, daily specials and a roast of the day from 12 noon.
Reddy’s Bar & Restaurant
Reddy’s of Carlow is all about the traditional Irish pub and they celebrate their heritage with a warm welcome and a home away from home atmosphere in the centre of Carlow.
Renowned for their home cooked food the chefs start early to prepare fresh food including roast joints, homemade soups and delicious desserts. All produce is high quality and sourced locally.
T.D. Molloy’s Restaurant
TD Molloy’s Restaurant, offers intimate surroundings in which to enjoy the very best of Irish and International Cuisine.
The Head Chef and her highly trained team carefully plan menus to suit the needs and requirements of guests using only the finest and freshest local produce.
Teach Dolmain
Teach Dolmain has built up a firm reputation for great food and fantastic service in a relaxed setting. Food is served from 9.30 a.m. for the breakfast and coffee menu, lunch is served from 12 – 3 p.m. while an extensive evening, à la carte and value menu is available from 3 – 9.30 p.m. daily.
The Lazy River Café
The Lazy River Café set on the banks of the River Barrow along the Barrow Way walk specialises in delicious and reasonably priced cuisine, including sandwiches, low cal and lite bite options. Traditional home baking includes home-made scones, muffins, fresh breads, desserts, wraps and full dinners served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.