Carlow Castle is one of the most important Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland. Today only the west wall and two of its round corner towers remain, but they still dominate the riverside in Carlow town.
What you will find on this site
History
From a timber fort in the 1180s to the stone keep, and the 1814 explosion that left the ruin we see today.
Visiting
Where it is, how to get there, parking, access and how long to allow.
Things to do nearby
The Brownshill Dolmen, the cathedral, the museum, riverside walks and more.
Eat and stay
A short guide to making a day or a weekend of it in Carlow.
Why visit?
Carlow is an easy stop for anyone travelling between Dublin and the south-east. The castle is free, close to the town centre and quick to see, so it fits neatly into a half day with the museum, the cathedral and a walk by the river.
This guide is written by a local and kept deliberately simple. If you spot something that is out of date or wrong, please tell us.