2012 Event Guide
Calendar of Events 2012 |
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| Dates | Event Name | Description |
| Saturday February 11th 2012 - Sunday February 26th 2012 | Snowdrops at Burtown House, Ballytore, Athy, Co. Kildare | Burtown Garden is open for the first time as a winter garden. Magnificent displays of winter aconites, planted over 100 years ago, snowdrops, cyclamen, hellebores and early bulbs. Groups by appointment with tea, coffee and lunch by arrangement. Garden visit: €5. T: 086-2631485 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. W: www.burtownhouse.ie |
| Monday February 20th 2012 - Sunday February 26th 2012 | Snowdrop Week at Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow | Snowdrop Week in Altamont Gardens is a delightful opportunity for the green-fingered and general gardening enthusiast to view this unique collection, widely recognised as the second largest in Ireland. The collection was started by Mrs. Corona North, former owner of the gardens, approximately 30 years ago and has over 100 named varieties in the collection. Guided tours at 2 p.m. daily - admission €2.00. Gardens open as normal during this time 9 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. daily. Free admission for general viewing. Pre-booking for group tours requested. T: 059-9159444 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. W: www.opw.ie or www.carlowtourism.com |
| Saturday February 25th - Sunday February 26th 2012 | Snowdrop Weekend at Huntington Castle, Clonegal, Co. Carlow | To celebrate Snowdrop Week at nearby Altamont Gardens, Huntington Castle is hosting a woodland nature walk and is opening a brand-new Children's Adventure Trail with a host of activities and obstacles for kids of all ages. Tour time 2 p.m. daily. Adventure Trail will open from 12 p.m. daily. Admission: Adults €5, children half price. T: 053-9377160 W: www.huntingtoncastle.com |
| Friday March 2nd - Sunday March 4th 2012 | Barrow River Arts Festival, Borris House, Borris, Co. Carlow and Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny | The Barrow River Arts Festival presents in one packed weekend, a programme of classical music, free improvised jazz, theatre, story telling and visual art in two beautiful settings along the River Barrow in counties Carlow and Kilkenny - Borris House and Duiske Abbey. Tickets available from VISUAL T: 059-9172400 W: www.barrowriverartsfestival.com |
| Monday March 19th - Sunday March 25th 2012 | Daffodil Week at the Delta Sensory Gardens, Strawhall Estate, Carlow | Visit one of the most extensive collections of daffodils in the country with 10,000 flowers and numerous varieties on show. Opening times: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Entry - adults €5, senior citizens/students €4 (children free with adult). All proceeds to Cancer Care. Light lunches, tea/coffee, scones and cakes available daily. Planted containers, pots and seasonal bedding available in the on-site garden centre. T: 059-9143527 W: www.deltacentre.org or www.carlowtourism.com |
| Saturday March 31st - Monday April 9th 2012 | Easter Fun Train at Rathwood, Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow | Fun Egg hunt with the Easter Bunny and friends. Suitable for all the family. Includes a train ride, hunt and games. Booking in advance essential by telephoning Rathwood on 059-9156285. Hunts every hour from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: €4 per adult, €10 per child, babies under 1 free. |
| Tuesday April 10th - Sunday April 15th 2012 | International Pan Cheilteach Festival 2012 | Celebrate the Celtic Cultures of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany in music, song, dance and language. Events include the Pan Celtic International Song Contest, inter celtic competitions in traditional solo/group singing, harp, fiddle and pipes, set dancing workshops, poetry readings, the Pan Celtic Cultural Street Parade and a Taste of Celtic food/craft outdoor market. T: 085-1340047 W: www.panceltic.ie |
| Sunday April 8th 2012 | Rosdillig Vintage Annual Tractor Run, Borris, Co. Carlow | 150 plus tractors following a route through the rural countryside of south Carlow for approx. 20 miles. In aid of charity T: Elaine Stanley 087-7751895 |
| Sunday May 6th 2012 | Shad Fishing Competition, Banks of the River Barrow, St. Mullins, Co. Carlow | Shad fishing competition from 2.30 p.m. - 6.30 p.m. attracting entries from all over Ireland. Registration - the Mullichain Café, The Quay, St. Mullins, Co. Carlow T: 051-424440 W: www.oldgrainstorescottages.ie |
| Sunday May 13th 2012 | Carlow 2012 Ford Escort Challenge - route covers the east of Tullow including Clonmore, Rathvilly and Tullow. Headquarters of the event: Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Country Club, Tullow, Co. Carlow | A significant event in rallying showcasing the Mark 2, a now unique car in motoring history. The only event in Ireland with a separate rally for Mark 2 cars. T: John Meaney 086-8146842 www.mk2challenge.com |
| Friday 1st - Saturday June 9th 2012 (pls note Tuesday 5th non competition day) | Carlow Golf Open Week, Deerpark, Carlow - outskirts of Carlow Town | One of the most enjoyable things about the start of summer is Carlow Golf Club Open Week which features plenty of prizes, team spirit and a friendly welcome T: 059-9131695 W: www.carlowgolfclub.com |
| Sunday June 3rd 2012 | Carlow Regatta - River Barrow, Carlow Town | One of the oldest rowing festivals in the country celebrating its 153rd year in 2012. Attracts entries from all over Ireland and the U.K. Eights, quads and scull racing from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The place to be if this kind of thing floats your boat! T: 059-9131179 W: www.iaru.ie |
| Friday June 8th - Sunday June 17th 2012 | Eigse Carlow Arts Festival - Carlow Town and surrounds | Éigse Carlow Arts Festival is one of Ireland’s finest annual multi arts festivals featuring a highly acclaimed programme of visual art, theatre, dance, music, craft, comedy and family events. Éigse continuously presents works that are innovative and challenging and its visual arts programme in particular has made a significant contribution to the local, national and international cultural landscape. T: 059-9140491 W: www.eigsecarlow.ie |
| Monday June 18th - Friday June 22nd 2012 | Rose Week at Altamont Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow | With the promise of balmy, sunny days June is the perfect time to take to the garden and enjoy the many treats within. “Smelling the roses” takes on a whole new meaning, when visitors will have the opportunity to do just that by attending Rose Week at Altamont Gardens. This event aims to showcase the magnificent variety, colour patterns and scents of the significant rose collection. From the beautiful pinks of “Rosa Heritage” to the two tone apricot hues of “Rosa Just Joey”, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Guided tours will be conducted daily at 2.00 p.m. at a very reasonable fee of €2 per person. Valuable advice on rose maintenance will also be provided as part of the tour. The gardens are open as normal each day from 9 a.m. – 6.30 p.m. and viewing is free of charge. Pre-booking for group tours requested. T: 059-9159444 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
| Sunday June 24th 2012 | Barrow Dragon Boat Regatta, River Barrow, Carlow Town. | The Irish Dragon Boat Association is bringing one of its events to Carlow Town. Dynamic and colourful dragon boating is one of the fastest growing sports in the world today. Teams are invited to take part in a fun filled day of dragon boat racing. No previous experience required. T: Julie Doyle 059-9161685 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |
| Saturday July 28th - Sunday August 5th 2012 | Carlow Garden Festival - throughout Co. Carlow | From bulbs to borders and woodland to wildlife, Carlow’s Garden Festival is a great opportunity for budding and experienced gardeners and nature lovers to obtain practical advice and tips from some of Ireland’s most respected gardening and nature personalities. Informative gardening and environmental workshops hosted by some of Ireland’s best known TV and radio experts and leading garden designers form part of the festival programme. Visitors to the festival also have the opportunity to visit the Carlow Garden Trail, a collection of 16 different gardening attractions T: 059-9130411 W: www.carlowtourism.com |
| Saturday August 4th & Sunday August 5th 2012 | National Country Fair at Borris House, Borris, Co. Carlow | The National Country Fair is one of the largest country related events in Ireland and a real celebration of the Irish countryside. It is an occasion where all ages and backgrounds can try their hand at sports such as clay-pigeon shooting, archery, falconry and fishing as well as enjoying equestrian and gundog events, horses and hounds, birds of prey displays and children's pet shows. Contact: Bill Beckett 0044 (0) 28 44 832775 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. W: www.nationalcountryfair.ie |
| Sunday August 5th & Monday August 6th 2012 | Graignamanagh/Tinnahinch Regatta & Rowing Festival - River Barrow at Graignamanagh | 2 days of rowing, swimming, diving, cot racing, competitions plus novelty events i.e. rope across river, diving for plates, open to all. Contact Ted Duff 087-6371949 |
| Saturday August 18th - Sunday August 26th 2012 | Heritage Week - throughout the county | Week of indoor and outdoor events celebrating the rich heritage the county has to offer and to promote awareness of our built, natural and cultural heritage. Activities range from fairs, night time bat walks, wildlife tours and lectures to music recitals, historical re-enactments and outdoor activities. T: Carlow County Museum 059-9170300 W: www.heritageweek.ie |
| Sunday August 19th 2012 | Tullow Agricultural Show, Coppenagh, Tullow, Co. Carlow | One of the most established agricultural shows in the country. Tullow Show has something to interest both rural and urban visitors and young and old. Features food and craft halls, trade stands, competitions in horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, art and much more. A great family day out. W: www.tullowshow.com |
| Sunday September 9th 2012 | Fenagh Steam Rally, Fenagh, Co. Carlow | Steam engines, vintage tractors, vintage cars, steam threshing, tractor pulling, ploughing by steam, plenty of side shows, fun for all the family. T: 059-9727233 |
| Sunday September 16th 2012 | Rosdillig Vintage Rally and Steam Threshings, Rosdillig, Borris, Co. Carlow | This year is the 25th anniversary of the Rosdillig vintage rally displaying working machinery, including steam engines, vintage tractors and steam threshing. Host of the All-Ireland Vintage Society Rally. T: Elaine Stanley 087-7751895 |
| Friday September 21st - Sunday September 23rd 2012 | Graignamanagh Town of Books - Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny and Tinnahinch, Co. Carlow | Ireland's leading sellers of antiquarian, second hand, bargain and specialist books will set up shop in this charming medieval river town. The Town Of Books festival has something for everyone, and not just fabulous books. There’s a treasure trail, music, talks, walks, events, craft and food for the whole family to enjoy! T: 059-9724246 W: www.booktownireland.com |
| Saturday November 17th - Monday December 24th 2012 | Santa Experience, Rathwood, Rath, Tullow, Co. Carlow | Ireland's most popular Santa Experience. Many generations, from young to old, have enjoyed this magical visit to Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves over the years. A fun filled hour of entertainment, story telling, train ride, magical forest walk and presents for the children. Booking necessary on www.rathwood.com from September 1st at 12 noon. |
| Saturday December 8th - Thursday December 20th 2012 | Christmas Craft & Food Fair & Lighting Display, Delta Sensory Gardens, Strawhall, Estate, Carlow | Delta hosts its annual Christmas Craft Fair on December 8th & 9th featuring a huge range of traditional gifts, decorations, folk craft and much more. Amazing lights display in the Sensory Gardens up to 7 p.m. each day. Full size nativity scene, Santa grotto and Christmas competition. Light lunches, tea, coffee, cakes and refreshments available. Planted containers, pots, bulbs, winter wedding and Christmas wreaths from the on-site garden centre. Admission: adults €5, senior citizens and students €4. Family ticket €15. T: 059-9143527 W: www.deltacentre.org |
| Sunday December 9th 2012 | Duckett's Grove Christmas Craft & Food Fair, near Carlow Town | Enjoy Christmas fun in the magical setting of Duckett's Grove. Features Santa Grotto, Live Nativity scene, local artisan food and craft fair, Christmas carols and lots, lots more. T: 059-9130411 W: www.carlowtourism.com |
| Dates to be confirmed | Breakfast with Santa, Arboretum Lifestyle and Garden Centre, Leighlinbridge, Co. Carlow | |
