Looking to get the kids outdoors and active in Carlow? Here’s our pick of 9 great family-friendly walks in Carlow that are perfect for exploring, adventure and plenty of fresh air.
Pack up a picnic and head off for a day out with one of these walks. From manicured gardens to woodland trails, riverside paths and ancient monuments, there’s something here for every family, whatever the age and energy levels of your crew.
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Wonderful Walks in Carlow
#1. Altamont Gardens
Altamont Gardens are an enchanting blend of formal and informal gardens with lovely lawns, floral beds and beautiful woodland leading down to the River Slaney. There are toilets, picnic tables, and car and coach parking, though wheelchair access is restricted in parts.
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#2. Oak Park Forest Park
Oak Park Forest Park consists of colour-coded circular walkways of varying lengths, with excellent surfaces and easy gradients that make it an enjoyable outing for young and old alike. The park is a mature, mixed woodland of over 120 acres, home to beech, oak, Scots pine, silver fir, larch and sycamore.
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#3. Huntington Gardens
Image: Huntington Castle and Gardens, Carlow
The castle and grounds at Huntington Gardens have traditionally been open to the public on a seasonal basis, with additional openings for special events. Visitors can typically choose to see the house and gardens together, or the gardens only. It’s worth checking current opening arrangements before you set off.
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#4. Kilbrannish Forest
Kilbrannish Forest Recreation Area offers a choice of walks on forest roads, two of which are national looped walks. The South Leinster Way also runs through part of this forest.
Walks in Kilbrannish Forest offer wonderful views over the surrounding lowlands, stretching all the way to Mount Leinster on a clear day. There is a picnic site and a car park on site.
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#5. The Barrow Way
© Carlow Tourism
The Barrow Way follows the towpath, paths and tracks alongside the River Barrow. It runs for 114km, stretching from Lowtown in County Kildare down to the beautiful village of St Mullins in south County Carlow — perfect for families who want to tackle just a short stretch rather than the whole route.
#6. Browneshill Dolmen
Browneshill Dolmen, a granite portal dolmen to the east of Carlow town, dates back to prehistoric times. It’s said to be the largest dolmen in Europe, with a capstone estimated to weigh up to 150 tonnes. There is a car park and a fenced walkway, and access is free — a brilliant, easy stop for curious kids who love a bit of ancient history.
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#7. Carlow Town Walk
The Carlow Town Walk lets you discover the history of the town at your own pace, on a self-guided route using finger signposts and large map boards dotted around the streets. It takes around an hour and is an easy way to combine a walk with a bit of local history.
#8. Slí na Sláinte Walks
Slí na Sláinte walks can be found in Ballymurphy, Clonegal, Leighlinbridge, Rathanna, St Mullins and Carlow Town itself. These marked routes are a handy option if you want a straightforward, well-signposted walk without much planning.
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#9. Delta Sensory Gardens
© Fáilte Ireland
Delta Sensory Gardens is made up of a series of interconnecting multi-sensory gardens covering 2.5 acres. Wander through the formal and informal areas, enjoying fountains and waterfalls, herbs, plants and flowers, and spotting fish and sculptures along the way — a lovely, gentle walk for younger children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these Carlow walks is easiest for younger children or buggies?
Oak Park Forest Park is a great choice, thanks to its colour-coded circular routes, good surfaces and easy gradients. Delta Sensory Gardens and Altamont Gardens are also gentle, relatively flat options that suit little legs and buggies well.
Are any of these walks free to visit?
Yes — Browneshill Dolmen, Kilbrannish Forest, the Barrow Way, Carlow Town Walk and the Slí na Sláinte routes are all free to explore. Some gardens and heritage sites may have an entry charge or seasonal opening times, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of your visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
Most of these walks are open access with no booking required. Huntington Gardens has more limited opening times, so it’s worth checking current details before you travel.
Is there somewhere to picnic along these routes?
Yes — Altamont Gardens and Kilbrannish Forest both have picnic tables and are lovely spots to stop for lunch during your walk.
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Before You Go
Have a favourite family walk in Carlow that we haven’t mentioned? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Looking for more days out like this? Browse our full collection of family adventure ideas for more inspiration on where to explore next.
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