- Corcoran’s Bar (Carlow Town): Located on Castle Hill, this is Carlow’s oldest original bar, established in 1768, with a rich history as an inn, stables, and more. Features Victorian hand-carved mahogany and ebony interiors, a wide range of local and international craft beers, and Irish whiskeys. Known for its old-world charm and lively atmosphere. Expect a cozy, historic setting with a warm welcome, quality pints, and a chance to soak in Carlow’s heritage. Ideal for those seeking a traditional Irish pub experience.
- Tully’s Bar (Carlow Town): A spacious, stylish pub on Tullow Street, ranked highly for its vibrant atmosphere and central location. Renowned for its craft beer selection, live music, and a “Click and Collect” beer and cocktail takeaway service. Offers a casual dress code and lively evenings. Visitors can enjoy a modern pub vibe with excellent drinks, live music, and pizza or scones. Perfect for a relaxed night out or socializing with locals.
- The Thatch Bar (Graiguecullen, Carlow Town): A bustling pub on Maryborough Street, favored for its welcoming atmosphere and quality pints. Known for live traditional music on Monday evenings and its lively character, making it a hit among locals and visitors. Expect a warm, traditional Irish pub experience with great Guinness, live music, and a friendly crowd. Great for those seeking “craic agus ceol” (fun and music).
- Reddy’s Bar & Restaurant (Carlow Town): A family-run pub and restaurant on Tullow Street, dating back to 1768, known for its hospitality and versatility. Offers a full food menu from morning to night, live sports, entertainment, and event hosting for up to 100 people. Synonymous with southeast Ireland’s hospitality. Visitors can anticipate hearty, home-cooked meals, a lively atmosphere with sports screenings, and a family-friendly setting. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or events.
- Teach Dolmain (Carlow Town): A traditional pub on Tullow Street, named after the nearby Brownshill Dolmen, known for its cultural touches. Features Thursday night traditional music sessions and displays artefacts and pottery, blending history with a great pint. Expect a cozy, authentic Irish pub with excellent service, traditional music, and a chance to explore Carlow’s heritage. Great for a cultural evening.
- Scraggs Alley (Carlow Town): A traditional, comfortable bar on Tullow Street, centrally located for shoppers and pub-goers. Known for its great ambiance, warm welcome, and busy yet relaxed atmosphere, making it a local favorite. Visitors can enjoy a laid-back setting with quality drinks and a friendly vibe, perfect for a break from shopping or a casual pint.
- Salt Bar (Carlow Town): A newer pub at the corner of Tullow Street and Barrack Street, known for its modern vibe. Offers quiz nights, live music, and sports screenings, with an upstairs space for private parties. Famous for its cocktails. Expect a trendy, lively atmosphere with great cocktails, music, and sports. Ideal for a fun night out or group gatherings.
- Dinn Rí Bar (Carlow Town): An award-winning super-pub in the heart of Carlow, part of the Dinn Rí Hotel complex. Features delicious bar food, carvery lunches, live entertainment, multiple large screens for sports, and free Wi-Fi. Open late on weekends. Visitors can expect a vibrant, modern pub with hearty food, sports viewing, and live music, perfect for a lively night or casual dining.
- Nancy Whiskey’s (Carlow Town): Located in Haymarket, across from Carlow Town Hall, this pub has one of the prettiest fronts in town. Named after a folk song, it offers a charming exterior and a cozy interior, ideal for a traditional pub experience. Expect a picturesque, welcoming pub with a traditional feel, great for a quiet pint or soaking in Carlow’s town square atmosphere.
- The Tullow Gate (Carlow Town): A JD Wetherspoons pub on Tullow Street, formerly Buzz’s Bar, named after one of Carlow’s medieval town gates. Combines modern pub chain amenities with historical nods, offering affordable drinks and food in a spacious setting. Visitors can enjoy a budget-friendly, lively pub with a mix of traditional and modern elements, great for casual dining or drinks.
- James Dalton (Borris): A quirky pub on Main Street in Borris, known for its unique character and community vibe. Features an old bar and grocery counter out front, adding to its charm, along with live music on weekends. Expect a cozy, eclectic atmosphere with traditional music and a friendly local crowd, perfect for experiencing rural Carlow’s charm.
- The Hilltop Inn (Ballymurphy, Borris): A traditional pub in the rural setting of Ballymurphy, near Borris, offering a classic Irish experience. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and suitability for visitors exploring the scenic Borris area. Visitors can anticipate a quiet, authentic pub with friendly service and simple pub grub, ideal after exploring Carlow’s countryside.
- Carpenters Bar and Restaurant (Carlow Town): A well-established pub and restaurant in Carlow, offering a mix of traditional and modern dining. Combines a classic pub atmosphere with a restaurant serving quality meals, popular with locals. Expect a warm, versatile venue with good food and drink options, suitable for both casual drinks and sit-down meals.
- Ewings Bar & Guesthouse (Carlow Town): Located in Haymarket, this pub doubles as a guesthouse, offering a central spot for visitors. Known for its central location, traditional ambiance, and accommodation options, making it a convenient choice for tourists. Visitors can enjoy a traditional pub with a cozy vibe and the option to stay overnight, perfect for those exploring Carlow Town.
- The Arches (Ballon): A charming pub in the village of Ballon, offering a taste of rural Carlow’s hospitality. Known for its community feel and traditional pub setting, ideal for those visiting Carlow’s countryside. Expect a friendly, laid-back atmosphere with classic pub drinks and simple food, great for a relaxing stop in a rural setting.
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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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