Outdoor Activities Archive

February 13, 2026

Kilbrannish North to Kilbrannish South Trail

The Kilbrannish Trail links both the Kilbrannish North set of trails and the Kilbrannish South set of trails to make one complete circuit. You will encounter different colour waymark arrows on both sides for the various shorter loop walks but note that you will be following the Orange markers throughout.

February 13, 2026

John’s Hill Loop

Start at the car park at Kilbrannish North Forest Recreation Area. Parking here for c. 12 cars & picnic bench. If this is full you can park at the top of the hill at Corrabut Gap and walk back down. The John's Hill Loop follows forest roads for c.4 kilometres to reach the loop proper which is c.3 kilometres. The loop walk around John's Hill is not suitable for buggies. A-B: Follow the path straight up from the car park to reach the forest road above. Turn right and follow a well surfaced forest road as it climbs gently uphill towards a small windfarm

January 21, 2026

Kilbrannish South Forest Looped Walks

Three looped walks in Kilbrannish South Forest offer routes to suit all abilities, rewarding walkers with fantastic views over the Carlow countryside.

December 16, 2025

Gowlin Forest

Two way-marked forest trails of approximately 2 km and 4.2 km give walkers the choice of a short or medium route. Both routes climb through mixed woodland to elevated sections with lovely views over the South Blackstairs and the Barrow Valley. Walkers can opt to start at the forest entrance to enjoy the full 4.2km walk or drive to the alternative start up the forest road at the forest road junction.

October 19, 2024

Bahana Forest

Bahana Forest takes its name from the Irish word for 'Beitheanna', meaning a place of birch trees. This route covers a distance of 4.5km along forest tracks and the River Barrow towpath, one of the great ancient highways of Ireland's Ancient East. From its starting point on the quayside in St. Mullins, take the towpath for approximately 15 minutes, before following a canal away from the river to reach St. Mullins Sea Lock - the river is tidal up to this point.

October 16, 2024

Oak Park Forest Park

Oak Park forest Park is a mature, mixed species woodland of over 120 acres with a predominance of beech, oak, scots pine, silver fir, larch and sycamore. Boasting a rich diversity of wildlife, the lakes and their surrounds provide a habitat for swans and ducks, while the islands shelter many wild and game birds. Extending over four kilometres the walks include Butlers Wood Loop (700 metres), the Lake Path (800 metres), Fox Covert Track (1,100 metres) and Sally Island Trail (1,100 metres).

August 7, 2024

South Leinster Way

Starting in Kildavin in east Carlow and extending to Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary, this trail showcases the Majestic Mount Leinster, the highest peak in the Blackstairs Mountains at 795m. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of Brandon Hill and the Barrow Valley, with rich flora and fauna from Kildavin to Borris and onwards to Graiguenamanagh.

July 17, 2024

Hot Box Sauna @ Graiguenamanagh

Immerse yourself in the wonderful experience of connecting the power of a traditional sauna with the raw beauty of an Irish river. Enjoy 45 minutes in the custom built Finnish sauna situated in a restored old stone shed overlooking the River Barrow.

July 16, 2024

Riverboat Adventures

Experience a charming boat tour with Riverboat Adventures along the River Barrow from Graiguenamanagh. Enjoy an open boat excursion in a 12-seater boat along this meandering, unspoilt and uncrowded waterway.