Local Attractions

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Huntington Castle

Huntington Castle, located in Clonegal, Co. Carlow was built in 1625 as a garrison on the strategically important Wexford to Dublin route. After 50 years the soldiers moved out and the family began to convert it into a family home. Many generations of the family subsequently added various extensions and details giving the effect of a truly unique and interesting building. In the 1970’s the basement was converted into a temple to the Egyptian Goddess Isis, and the present generation continue to renovate and improve where possible.

Opening hours Autumn & Winter 2024:

September: Daily 11.00 – 17.00 | October: Weekends Only 11.00 – 17.00 October Half Term: Daily | 26 Oct – 3 Nov
November & December: Weekends Only 11.00 – 17.00
Closed from 23 Dec 2024 – 31 January 2025

For more information visit https://www.huntingtoncastle.com.

Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow

Known as the most romantic garden in Ireland, Altamont is an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens located on a 100 acre estate. Whilst still little known, it ranks in the top ten of Irish gardens and is often referred to as ‘the jewel in Ireland’s gardening crown’

LAWNS are bisected by sculpted yews sloping down to a romantic lake surrounded by rare trees, rhododendrons and shrubs. A profusion of roses, old fashioned and modern, and herbaceous plants scent the air. A fascinating walk through the Arboretum, Bog Garden and Ice Age Glen with its canopy of ancient oaks leads to the majestic River Slaney. Along the River Walk, you may see salmon and trout rising, perhaps even an otter, and throughout the garden, an abundance of birds and butterflies. On your return via the Hill Walk, there are wonderful views of the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains and Mount Leinster.

Admission is free, Open daily 9am – 6:30pm

For more information ~ Tel. +353 (59) 915 9444

Golfing

Golfing – equidistant from the world renowned Championship courses, the K Club, and Mount Juliet, there are a number of other fine golf courses including Mount Wolseley, Carlow Golf Club and Bunclody Golf Club, all within 10 miles of Sandbrook.

Fishing

There are a number of fine rivers in the South West of Ireland where fishing can be arranged.  Alternatively Rathcon Fly Fishing Lake is situated in natural surroundings and stocked with top quality rainbow trout. The lake is designed so that 90% of the water is coverable from the bank. Rods and tackle are available for hire. For more information please visit www.rathcon.com

Horse Racing

Racing is a favourite and spectacular sport in Ireland.  This is most definitely the case in this part of the country with Gowran Park, Kilkenny or Punchestown, Kildare only a short drive away.  Going racing is a rather unique experience and with 26 racecourses in Ireland to choose from, every taste is sure to be catered for. If horse racing at its best is what you are looking for, Ireland is certainly the place to find it.

Festivals 

There are a number of wonderful and growing festivals within easy access of Sandbrook, including;

Borris Festival of Writing & Ideas – August events to be confirmed (see website)

https://festivalofwritingandideas.com/

Wexford Festival Opera – 18th Oct – 02nd Nov 2024

https://www.wexfordopera.com/

Savour Kilkenny Food Festival – (Leinster) ~ This food festival takes place over the October Bank Holiday which is 25th to 28th October 2024.  See website for details of talks, events and demonstrations this year.

https://www.savourkilkenny.com/

Kilkenomics – Festival of Economics & Comedy in Kilkenny – 7th – 10th Nov 2024

https://kilkenomics.com/

More details about events can be found at the Carlow Tourism website:

https://carlowtourism.com/events-calendar/

Other Activities

  • Mount Leinster, Lugnaquilla, the South Leinster Way and the Wicklow Mountain National Park are on the doorstep for hill-walkers, while gardeners will love Altamont House and Gardens, one of Ireland’s finest gardens and parklands, just five minutes away.

 

  • Horse riding on The Munny Trail is close by and, for those bringing their own horses, Sandbrook has 10 loose boxes, a dry arena and saddling area.

 

  • The vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny is a short drive, with its fine cathedral, thirteenth-century Kilkenny Castle, principal residence of the Butler family for over 600 years, and well-known design and craft heritage. Waterford has a number of fine small museums exhibiting asepcts of Irish history including the Viking, Cromwellian and Georgian periods.

 

  • Situated between the mountain ranges of Lugnaquilla and Mount Leinster there are stunning drives and walking areas and the beautiful coastline of Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford are all within easy reach.

Restaurants, Cafes & Shops

Sha – Roe Bistro
Main St, Clonegall,
Co. Carlow
Tel: 53 9375636
https://www.sha-roe.ie

The Green Barn Shop & Restaurant @ Burtown House & Gardens
Athy,
Co. Kildare
R14 AE67
Tel: 353 59 862 3865
https://www.burtownhouse.ie/green-barn-shop/

The Old Yard – currently outdoor eating
Garterfarm,
Castledermot,
Co. Kildare
Tel: 353 87 906 4570
www.theoldyard.ie

Tinahely Farm Shop – check website for current details
Coolruss,
Tinahely,
Co. Wicklow
Tel: 87 816 8457
https://www.tinahelyfarm.ie

Malone Fruit Farm 
Closh,
Ballon,
Co. Carlow
Tel: 86 847 2765
www.malonefruitfarm.com

Carlow Saturday Farmers Market 
Wide variety of producers selling local and fresh produce.

Held every week from 9:00am to 2:00pm
in Carlow town centre.
http://carlowfarmersmarket.com/
Tel: 59 862 3800

More Information

For more information on what to do in the local area – please visit the Carlow Tourism website https://carlowtourism.com/