DINING in Ireland’s county Carlow

Carlow’s dining scene emphasises local produce, friendly service, and variety, catering to all tastes, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and more. Reservations are advisable for fine dining and busy casual spots, especially Sha-Roe and Clashganny, due to limited seating or popularity.

There are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Carlow, but Sha-Roe and Clashganny House are noted for their high standards, approaching Michelin-level quality.

Fine Dining

These restaurants offer a sophisticated dining experience, often with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients, elegant ambiance, and higher price points.

Clashganny House Restaurant. Clashganny, Borris, Co. Carlow, R95 C792. Housed in a restored 1830s millhouse on the River Barrow, diners enjoy a refined, intimate setting with stunning views. The focus is on culinary excellence, with a menu crafted by chef/owner Rob White, formerly of Monart Spa. Expect attentive service, rich flavors, and a wine list to match. Creamy risotto, pan-seared seabass, and roast venison loin are highlights, showcasing local produce and thoughtful preparation. Given its award-winning status, expect potential seasonal menu updates with fresh, local ingredients or special tasting events to maintain its reputation for excellence.
Sha-Roe Bistro. Main Street, Huntington, Clonegal, Co. Carlow, Y21 KH61. A multi-award-winning bistro in the picturesque village of Clonegal, offering a warm, welcoming ambiance and exceptional fine dining. The menu blends Irish and international cuisine, with a focus on quality ingredients and precision. Perfect for romantic dates or special occasions. Expect exquisite plates like seafood specials or tender meat dishes, reflecting culinary miljocronutrients and culinary skill. No direct 2026 announcements, but Sha-Roe’s commitment to excellence suggests potential new seasonal specials or innovative dishes to keep the menu fresh.
Lennons @ VISUAL. Lower ground floor, VISUAL Arts Centre, Carlow Town, Co. Carlow. An award-winning restaurant and café in the heart of Carlow Town, offering a casual yet upscale dining experience. Head chef Igor Buturla emphasises in-season, locally sourced Irish produce. The atmosphere suits all, with gluten-free, vegetarian, and healthy options available. Poached cod & red tail prawn gratin is a standout, blending delicate flavors in a sophisticated presentation. Expect continued focus on local, seasonal ingredients, possibly with new creative dishes or pairings to align with their high-quality, casual-fine dining ethos.
The Plum Tree Bar & Bistro. Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Co. Carlow. A refined yet approachable bistro with a focus on local produce, including herbs from the chef’s garden. Diners enjoy a relaxed yet elegant setting, perfect for a special meal, with options from breakfast to evening dining. The bar area is ideal for a pre-dinner drink. Expect dishes like locally sourced steaks or fresh seafood, elevated by fresh herbs and careful preparation. The emphasis on local sourcing brings new seasonal specials or garden-inspired dishes.

Casual Dining

These spots offer a relaxed atmosphere, moderate prices, and a mix of traditional and modern dishes, suitable for families, groups, or a laid-back meal.

Pimento Tapas Carlow. Kennedy Avenue, Carlow Town, Co. Carlow. A fun, lively riverside spot with great-tasting tapas and a vibrant atmosphere. Diners can enjoy sharing plates, perfect for groups or a casual night out, with friendly service and reasonable prices. Heavenly sesame wings in Jack Daniels glaze with blue cheese dip and patatas bravas are crowd favorites, offering bold flavors. Expect potential new tapas or cocktails to keep the menu exciting and trendy.
Brasserie 15. Tullow Street, Carlow Town, Co. Carlow. A stylish, busy restaurant in Carlow’s bustling restaurant/bar quarter, open for dinner nightly and lunch. Offers a sophisticated yet relaxed experience with a focus on quality food and friendly, efficient service. Specializes in Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. Tikka masala and rogan josh are gorgeously executed, customizable, and full of fresh herbs and spices. Its popularity may lead to new fusion dishes or expanded offerings to explore beyond the ordinary.
The Merry Tree. Rathwood, Co. Carlow. A laid-back, beloved restaurant catering to Rathwood visitors from breakfast (10am-12pm) to afternoon. The lunch menu blends traditional and global flavors, using organic, locally sourced ingredients. Great for a casual, tasty meal. Expect hearty options like sandwiches, quiches, or fresh baked goods. No confirmed updates, but seasonal, organic-focused dishes might be introduced to complement the menu.
An Bhearú Bar & Bistro. Talbot Hotel Carlow, Co. Carlow. Carlow’s newest bar and bistro, offering a warm, comfortable vibe with a contemporary take on traditional Irish fare. Ideal for a relaxed meal with a modern twist, suitable for all occasions. Expect elevated pub-style dishes or Irish classics with fresh, local ingredients. As a newer spot, 2026 might see menu expansions or special events to build on its contemporary Irish appeal.
Conway’s Bar and Restaurant. Foot of Mt. Leinster, Co. Carlow. A family-run pub and restaurant known for top-quality, homestyle food using seasonal, local produce. A cozy, welcoming spot near the South Leinster Way, perfect for a casual meal after outdoor activities. Homestyle dishes like roasts or stews stand out, reflecting seasonal quality. Expect continued emphasis on seasonal specials or local flavors.
Goodly Barrow Museum and Café. Goodly Barrow, Goresbridge, Co. Carlow, R95 W8FY. A unique, charming spot on the River Barrow, combining a museum with a café. Diners enjoy a relaxed meal, soups, salads, sandwiches, after exploring waterways history, in a scenic, tranquil setting. Special blend coffee, fresh soups, and baked goods are highlights, all freshly made.

Budget Dining

Affordable, quick, and tasty options, ideal for a low-cost bite without sacrificing flavor.

Bombay Diner. Carlow Town, Co. Carlow. A long-established favorite for vibrant Indian cuisine, offering gorgeous, customizable dishes at budget-friendly prices. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal or takeaway, with great service. Tikka masala and rogan josh are standout plates, rich in flavor and value. No confirmed updates, but new budget-friendly specials or catering options might appear.
Road House Cafe. Carlow Town, Co. Carlow. A clean, inviting spot with satisfying food and generous portions. Offers all-day breakfast, quick service, and a casual vibe, though prices lean slightly higher for fast food. Great for a hearty, affordable meal. Dealbreaker buffalo wings and mint milkshake are must-tries, delivering bold taste. No 2026 details, but new daily or student meal deals could keep it budget-friendly.
Brooks Cafe Bar. Carlow Town, Co. Carlow. A trendy café-restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and modern casual dining. Expect friendly staff, a broad menu (fish, steak, pizza, light bites), and good value in a relaxed setting. Fresh fish and stone-baked pizzas are popular, offering quality at a fair price. Expect potential new light bites or value combos.
Café Thyme. Delta Sensory Gardens, Co. Carlow. A great breakfast (Monday-Friday) and lunch spot (daily) with generous salads, quiches, sandwiches, and fresh scones. Affordable, delicious, and set in a scenic garden location, perfect for a budget bite. Freshly baked scones and sweet treats shine, paired with hearty, simple meals. No 2026 updates, but new baked goods or budget lunch options could emerge.
Rachel’s Garden Cafe. Old Kilkenny Road, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow. Located at Arboretum Home and Garden Heaven, this café offers a delightful mix of sweet treats, breakfast, and lunch at wallet-friendly prices. A casual, welcoming spot for a quick, tasty meal. Fresh sandwiches and baked goods are highlights, simple yet satisfying.

Dining in Ireland

Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow

Award winning restaurants

County Carlow:

Ireland’s County Carlow combines historic landmarks with serene landscapes, with the Carlow Castle ruins and the nearby Altamont Gardens offering a mix of medieval and botanical appeal. The Barrow Way provides scenic riverside walks, while the Brownshill Dolmen, a prehistoric portal tomb, adds ancient history. Carlow is Ireland’s second smallest county by size (896 square km) and third smallest by population (61,968). Population peaked at 86,228 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 33,342 in 1961.In terms of hospitality, Carlow is Ireland’s 23rd most visited tourist county with around 68,000 international visitors per year.

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