As the vast majority of us are driving rather than flying and staying rather than leaving for our much-needed holidays this year, we have come to understand the value in choosing a top-notch base location while we make the most of the counties on our doorstep and the places we always wanted to visit, but never got around to making the time to just go. While Carlow has activities, foodie havens and historical houses to capture the imagination, it is also within easy reach of the beaches of Wexford, the cobbled streets of Kilkenny, the treasures of Waterford and the bright lights of Dublin.
South East Itineraries from Carlow
1. On Kilkenny’s Doorstep
There is no other city as eclectic as Kilkenny in the South-East. Kilkenny is home to one of the most recognisable and awe-inspiring landmarks in Ireland, the 12th century Kilkenny Castle. Travel back in time and explore Ireland’s Medieval Mile, a discovery trail running through Kilkenny city linking the 13th century St. Canice’s Cathedral to the Anglo-Norman Castle and everything in between from Rothe House and Gardens, the Medieval Mile Museum to Butler House. As you would expect in a city both historic and cosmopolitan, the Medieval Mile trails between shops and eateries, bars and gastro pubs so you’ll be spoiled for choice as you see the sights!
2. Castlecomer Discovery Park
This astounding 80-acre woodland park is the perfect blend of both indoor and outdoor experiences including a treetop adventure walk, climbing wall, woodland trails, zipline and octagon, canoeing, archery and a Coal Mining Museum. Castlecomer also has a craft yard, where you can watch how local groups of crafts and artisan producers make their trade. You’ll find artists there selling pottery, silver jewellery, interiors, fine art painting, fine jewellery and ceramics. If you can, purchasing one or even taking part in a class and making your own craft is a great memento of your Castlecomer experience. At only a 20-minute drive from Kilkenny, Castlecomer Discovery Park is too good to miss.
3. Waterford – The Crystal County
Founded in 914 A.D. by Vikings from Norway, Waterford City is over 1100 years old, making it Ireland’s oldest city. Today, Waterford is a vibrant and picturesque city that has managed to meticulously maintain its heritage while it thrums to the beat of several cafes, award-winning restaurants and an unbeatable mix of traditional, local and contemporary pubs. The city is also home to two theatres, the Theatre Royal and Garter Lane Arts Centre, and also several art galleries, craft studios and boutique shops. The Waterford Crystal visitor centre is found in the Viking Triangle, in the heart of Waterford City. The factory tour includes wooden mould making, crystal blowing and furnace, crystal cutting, quality inspection and finishing. That’s before the crystal sculpting, engraving and design inspiration! The complimentary visitor retail experience includes the largest display of Waterford Crystal in the world, retail store, exhibition and crystal installation areas, coffee shop and worldwide shipping facility. Adjacent car parking is also available, so there really is no excuse to miss out on learning more about one of our most recognised exports! You’ll be glad to make time to visit the award-winning Waterford Treasures – Three Museums in the Viking Triangle, situated in the heart of Ireland’s oldest city. The colossal stone fortress, Reginald’s Tower, houses Waterford’s Viking treasures. The Medieval Museum, the only purpose-built museum specialising in medieval history in Ireland, showcases spectacular treasures from the Middle Ages. The exquisite Bishop’s Palace, dating from 1743, is the home of the treasures of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. With Waterford being under an hour away from county Carlow, you can spend your day there and come back to the home comforts of Carlow.
4. Wexford – The Model County
Wexford’s nickname, “Model County,” was derived from the high number of “model farms” found there; these were the agricultural experiments that paved the way for many rural reforms across the country. Rated as Wexford’s premier attraction and located just north of Wexford town, the Irish National Heritage Park endeavours to present a few thousand years of Irish history. The story of human settlements in Ireland is told, beginning in the Stone Age and then continuing to the Anglo-Norman era, via Celts, monks, and Vikings. Reenactors show off their mettle (no pun intended) during the summer months. At other times the very informative signs give you the chance to put your imagination to the test. Of course, we can’t talk about Wexford without talking about those beautiful sun-kissed beaches; Wexford has over 250 km of coastline, much of which is made up of beautiful wide-open sandy beaches. Seven Wexford beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag; Courtown, Morriscastle, Rosslare Strand, Ballinasker, Curracloe, Ballymoney and Carne. Thirteen Wexford beaches are Green Coast beaches; Cahore, Old Bawn/Newtown, Culleton’s Gap, St. Helen’s Bay, Ballyhealy, Booley Bay, Grange, Baginbun, Cullenstown, Fethard and St Helen’s and there are two marinas, Kilmore Quay and New Ross. Do you need any other reason to visit Wexford? Well ok then!
5. The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience
The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience is a spectacular feature of the New Ross quayside. The Dunbrody Famine Ship & Irish Emigrant Experience visitor centre is a must-see for international and national tourist alike. This ship is an authentic reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel, it provides a world class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience.The guided tour of the ship features costumed performers and high-quality themed exhibitions, providing a distinctive appreciation of the bravery and fortitude with which Irish people met with a desperate situation.
6. The Kennedy Homestead, New Ross
The Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy, celebrates the story of five generations of the Kennedy dynasty and is still today farmed by his descendants. The curators of the Kennedy Homestead Visitor Centre, using the Kennedy Library archival collection in Boston, have created a state-of-the-art interpretative exhibit which explores the circumstances of Patrick Kennedy’s departure from Ireland in1848 and pieces together the story of the most famous Irish–American family through the 20th century to the present day. President Kennedy’s visit to Ireland in June 1963 was a significant moment in Irish history and one that ignited the spirit of the nation. For Irish people, Kennedy was a hero, an idol; he embodied the ultimate Irish success story – Famine emigrant to the most powerful man in the world, all in just three generations. John F Kennedy changed the face of emigration in Ireland, he changed how Irish people perceived themselves and his homecoming gave every Irish person a renewed sense hope for the future, at a time when such positivity was sorely needed.
7. On Dublin’s Doorstep – The Guinness Storehouse
Is there anything more recognisable as being inherently Irish as “a pint of the black stuff”? Guinness, arguably the most successful Irish export, is decidedly a Dubliner. The famous Irish stout has been brewed in St. James Gate, Dublin since the 1700s and has been exporting globally ever since. The Guinness Storehouse is dedicated to the history of Guinness with group tours, self-guided tours and serves delicious food at Arthur’s Bar and 1837 Bar and Brasserie. Please check the website at Welcome to the Home of Guinness (guinness-storehouse.com) for Covid-19 safety information and booking information.
7. On Dublin’s Doorstep – The Guinness Storehouse
Is there anything more recognisable as being inherently Irish as “a pint of the black stuff”? Guinness, arguably the most successful Irish export, is decidedly a Dubliner. The famous Irish stout has been brewed in St. James Gate, Dublin since the 1700s and has been exporting globally ever since. The Guinness Storehouse is dedicated to the history of Guinness with group tours, self-guided tours and serves delicious food at Arthur’s Bar and 1837 Bar and Brasserie. Please check the website at Welcome to the Home of Guinness (guinness-storehouse.com) for Covid-19 safety information and booking information.
8. City Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus, Dublin
Discover one of the world’s friendliest cities from the top of one of the distinctive red double-decker tourist buses. With so much to see and do in Dublin, there’s no better way to explore the capital than hopping on and off a city tour at any of the bus stops along the route. Buy your tickets online and let City Sightseeing take you around the streets of this beguiling city and visit the Writers Museum, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham Gaol, Guinness Storehouse and so much more – please visit Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Dublin | Official City Sightseeing© Tour 2020 (city-sightseeing.com)to book your tour and to be aware of Covid-19 safety measures.
9. The Book of Kells, Trinity College
Visiting the Book of Kells is essential while you find yourself in Dublin. It is one of the finest and most famous illuminated manuscript Gospel books in existence, and its history is as dramatic and arresting as the book itself. It truly has to be seen to be believed, and there could be no more appropriate setting for this treasure than Trinity College. Visit one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, the breathtaking Long Room. Home to 250,000 of Ireland’s most ancient texts, it has been a working library since 1732 and is as beautiful and breath-taking as The Book of Kells itself. Book your tickets at Tickets – TCD Visitors and please check the website for Covid-19 safety measures and information.