Castles and Historic Sites in Co. Carlow
3 places
1.Brownshill Portal Tomb (Dolmen)
home of Europe's heaviest capstone
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic portal tomb whose granite capstone is reputedly the heaviest in Europe — more than 100 tonnes of rock balanced on upright stones in a quiet Carlow field.
- Highlights
- Granite capstone estimated at 100-150 tonnes — reputedly the largest and heaviest in Europe
- Neolithic portal tomb built roughly 4,900-5,500 years ago
- Free and open all year, 24 hours a day
- Facilities
- Good for kids · Wheelchair access
2.Duckett's Grove
a spectacular ruined Gothic Revival mansion, free to explore
Duckett's Grove is a hauntingly beautiful ruined Gothic Revival mansion with ornate towers and turrets, set around meticulously restored interconnecting walled gardens. It's one of Ireland's most photographed ruins — and completely free.
- Highlights
- Free admission and parking
- Striking castellated Gothic ruins with round, square and octagonal towers
- Two restored interconnecting walled gardens with roses, peonies and heritage fruit
- Facilities
- Good for kids · Wheelchair access
3.Huntington Castle & Gardens
a 400-year-old family castle with a temple in its dungeon
A lived-in 1625 castle — still the family home of the Esmonde descendants — with 17th-century formal gardens, a 500-year-old yew walk, and a temple to Isis in the dungeon.
- Highlights
- 500-year-old Yew Walk planted before the formal gardens
- Temple of Isis in the dungeon — a working Fellowship of Isis temple
- One of Ireland's first private houses with electricity (1888 turbine house)
- Facilities
- Good for kids · Wheelchair access