- Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas, Borris (5–7 June): A prestigious literary festival bringing together international writers, thinkers, novelists, poets, journalists, and artists for stimulating talks, discussions, and cultural exchanges in the beautiful setting of Borris House.
- Carlow Garden Festival (25 July – 2 August): A celebration of horticulture, gardens, and nature across County Carlow featuring expert-led workshops, talks, garden tours, displays, and events highlighting the county’s outstanding gardens and heritage.
- Féile Vegan, Lisnavagh House and Gardens, Rathvilly (14–16 August): Ireland’s only vegan music festival offering live music, talks, vegan food stalls, workshops, and a celebration of plant-based culture and lifestyle in scenic grounds ideal for camping and glamping.
- The Carlow Arts Festival (late May to early June) and its associated exhibitions at VISUAL run into early June, with the Artworks 2026 exhibition continuing until 30 August. Other smaller community events, markets, and local gatherings often take place throughout the summer. Dates can vary slightly; check official sites like Carlow Tourism or Discover Ireland for the latest details and tickets.
Annual & recurring festivals
- Snowdrop Week (February): A month-long celebration at Altamont Gardens and Delta Sensory Gardens featuring guided tours of one of Ireland’s largest snowdrop collections.
- St Patrick’s Day Festival (March): Traditional festivities including parades across towns like Carlow, Tullow, and Borris, along with music events at the Woodford Dolmen Hotel.
- Seachtain na Gaeilge (March): A nationwide Irish language festival with a specific programme of local events held throughout Carlow Town.
- International Pan Celtic Festival (April): A major cultural gathering of the six Celtic nations featuring traditional music, dance, and storytelling competitions and performances.
- Carlow Arts Festival (May/June): An eclectic multi-disciplinary festival that kicks off the Irish summer season with theatre, circus, visual arts, and the “Carnival of Collective Joy”.
- Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas (June): A world-renowned literary event at historic Borris House bringing together international authors, journalists, and thinkers for intimate discussions.
- Carlow Garden Festival (July/August): A celebration of the county’s renowned gardens featuring talks by gardening experts, workshops, and guided tours of public and private estates.
- Tullow Agricultural Show (August): A traditional agricultural event showcasing livestock, local crafts, and family entertainment.
- Féile Vegan (August): Ireland’s only dedicated vegan festival, held at Lisnavagh House, featuring plant-based food vendors, eco-workshops, and live music.
- Hidden Hearth Wellness Festival (October): An intimate wellness gathering focused on yoga, mindfulness, and nature connection at Lisnavagh House.
- Samhain Festival (October/November): A town-wide celebration of the ancient Celtic festival featuring haunting events at venues like VISUAL and Duckett’s Grove.
- Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow (November/December): A newer Christmas festival across the county featuring festive markets, light installations, and family performances.
Festivals
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
Carlow:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells –Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers
