Five things to do in Carlow to make the most of the sunshine this weekend
According to recent forecasts, it seems that the glorious sunshine and hot weather is here to stay for at least another few days.
With temperatures expected to reach up to 20 degrees this weekend in Carlow, you may want to start making plans to make the most of the sunshine….while we still have it.
With that it mind, here are five outdoor things to do in Carlow to make the most of this gorgeous weather.
Altamont Gardens
With summer finally here and the sun making an appearance or two, Altamont Gardens is the perfect place for you and your family to get outdoors this weekend.
Located near Tullow in Co Carlow, Altamont is known as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland.
Take your family on a riverside walk or visit the walled garden or an old arboretum.
There is also a café onsite in the form of quaint tea garden.
Altamont Gardens, cultivated since the 1750s and gifted to the nation by Corona North are in the care of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and looked after by Head Gardener, Paul Whyte and the OPW team at Altamont.
Often referred to as 'the jewel in Ireland's gardening crown', both the gardens and the old house it surrounds are steeped in Irish history.
It is thought that Altamont was originally the site of a convent, but that hasn't been proved yet. However, the house that exists today was built on the remains of an older dwelling dating back to at least the 16th century.
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The gardens were originally created by the St. George and Doyne families in the mid-1700s. During this time the house was also transformed by the two families.
In the 1850s, the house and gardens came under the new ownership of the Borrors family who added a library wing to the house and in 1871 they built a butler's pantry.
The famous lake situated in Altamont Gardens was dug out by hand in order to offer employment to the local population after the Irish Famine.
Huntington Castle and Gardens
Huntington Castle and Gardens in the historical village of Clonegal in Co Carlow is open daily to the public from 11am until 5pm.
The castle has been in the Robertson family home since 1625.
Visitors can choose to take a tour of the castle or explore the stunning gardens, or of course do both.
Tickets are available for castle tours daily at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, while tickets for the gardens, which are open daily from 11am to 5pm, are also available to purchase on-site.
You can also enjoy a coffee and treat from local artisanal bakers in the seventeenth century tea room.
Ducketts Grove
If you are looking to get outside and enjoy some fresh air while also exploring the history, ruins and gardens of an old Carlow estate, then the nineteenth century Ducketts Grove House and Estate is perfect.
The supposedly haunted Ducketts Grove has been a part of the Carlow landscape for over 300 years since it was abandoned by its former owners, the Duckett family.
The ruins and walled gardens are open and free to visit and with its surviving towers and turrets, Ducketts Grove is one of the most photogenic historic buildings in Ireland.
There is also a café onsite if you get hungry or want some refreshments during your visit.
Delta Sensory Gardens
Located in Carlow Town, the Delta Sensory Gardens, described by many as an 'oasis of peace and tranquillity' are award winning gardens set on 2.5 acres.
The Delta Sensory Gardens are a series of interconnected gardens designed to appeal to your senses.
From beautiful limestone sculptures, a game of snakes a ladders, water features and much more, the Delta Sensory Gardens are the perfect way to spend a sunny day.
Café Thyme is also onsite if you need to refuel with some tasty treats.
The Nine Stones Viewing Point
If you want to spend your weekend out in nature and enjoying the beautiful countryside Carlow has to offer, The Nine Stones Viewing Point is definitely worth a visit.
Located at the top of Mount Leinster, The Nine Stones Viewing Point is one of Carlow's hidden gems and offers one of the most scenic views in the county.
On a clear day, eight counties (Carlow, Laois, Kildare, Wicklow, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary) can be seen from this spot.
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