23-05-2025
June bank holiday in Carlow: Five perfect ways to spend your long weekend
With that in mind, here are some of our top picks for what to do over the June bank holiday weekend in Co Carlow.
Raheendaw Horse & Pony Show
When: Sunday June 1
If you want to spend your bank holiday weekend outdoors and marvel at some beautiful horses and ponies, the Raheendaw Horse and Pony Show in Raheendaw, Co Carlow is the perfect day out for all the family.
The event is being held on Sunday June 1 and boasts a variety of events to watch from working hunter classes to a dog show.
For a full list of events, you can visit the Raheendaw Horse & Pony Show Facebook page.
Gordon Bennett Irish Classic Run 2025
When: Friday May 30 – Monday June 2
The Gordon Bennett classic car run takes place over the June Bank Holiday weekend and travels through the counties of Laois, Carlow and Kildare, all three of which were chosen for the original 1903 race called the Gordon Bennett Cup which was the first international motor race to be held in Ireland.
This historic route runs through many interesting and scenic locations including in Carlow.
On Saturday May 31, after departing from Treacys the Heath in Co Laois at 11am, the drivers will make their way through Laois before stopping at Huntington Castle and Gardens in Co Carlow.
Here they will enjoy an open air hog roast picnic lunch and take some time to explore the gardens and castle, before heading back to Co Laois.
For the full itinerary and a map of the full Gordon Bennett route showing what locations the vintage cars will be travelling through in the three counties, you can visit the Gordon Bennett Classic website.
Ducketts Grove
The supposedly haunted Ducketts Grove has been a part of the Carlow landscape for over 300 years.
Ducketts Grove is a nineteenth century house and estate formerly owned by the Duckett Family.
It has since been abandoned and now lies in ruins.
The ruins and walled gardens are open to visitors.
With its surviving towers and turrets, Ducketts Grove is one of the most photogenic historic buildings in Ireland.
There is also a café onsite if you get hungry during your visit.
Altamont Garden
With summer finally on its way and the sun making an appearance or two, Altamont Gardens is the perfect place for you and your family to get outdoors this June Bank Holiday weekend.
Located near Tullow in Co Carlow, Altamont is known as one of the most beautiful gardens in Ireland.
Take your family on a riverside walk or visit the walled garden or an old arboretum.
There is also a café onsite in the form of quaint tea garden.
Weekend Train Package at Rathwood
The Rathwood Express Train is the perfect activity for all ages both young and old.
Take a ride through the woodlands on Rathwood's very own Woodlands Train where you might spot some deer. There will also be the chance to feed the ducks and geese at Goose Island.
Tickets start at €3.50 for the train and you can choose to add on extra activities at an extra cost such as the Maze of Ireland, the funfair and the Ark Playcentre.
For more information or to book tickets, you can visit the Rathwood website.
