Avlon House B&B is situated on Green Lane (R448) a leafy mature area just a 7-10 minute walk from Carlow Town centre and only a short 20 minute drive from Kilkenny City or an hour from Dublin. Award winning B&B offering high product quality all rooms ensuite, The space We at Avlon House Bed and Breakfast are over 20 years supplying visitors to Carlow with quality B&B accommodation and while endeavouring to improve our product all the time, we offer one of the best accommodation solutions available in Carlow town. We have won a 2012 “AA 4 Star Highly Commended Award” for consistently offering a high quality product, an honour only bestowed on the top 10% of Bed and breakfast 4 star establishments in both the UK and Ireland. We are also proud to carry the “Failte Ireland 4 Star Award”. Avlon House BnB strongly supports the development of local amenities through its continuing membership of Carlow Tourism. Join us at Avlon House Bed & Breakfast to enjoy the best hospitality Carlow has to offer. While offering super saver rates, we will never compromise on quality. While our tariff is room only you will always have an option to purchase breakfast at time of booking or on arrival at our home, Breakfast is served from our wide and varied Menu available from 7am – 10am daily. Avlon House Bed and Breakfast stands on its own grounds offering free private off street parking, This carlow guesthouse offers 5 en suite Bed Rooms all have Power Showers, Multi Chanel TV, Tea / Coffee Facilities. Hair Dryers, Trouser Press, Telephone and Complimentary Supplies including: Shampoo, conditioner, Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Soap, Razor, Tooth Brush, Nail Kit, Vanity Kit, Sewing Kit, Shoe Shine, Comb, Mineral Water, Biscuits. There are also two lounges for guests use - one with 700 DVD Library the other with daily papers & a 300 title book Library, where light evening snacks can also be served. Out side this Carlow Guesthouse offers a log smoking cabin & patio area with barbeque. As owner managed we offer the personal touch to ensure product quality is maintained at all times, whether your stay at Carlow's award winning BnB is one or several nights. Guest access Facilities at the luxurious Avlon Guesthouse in Carlow Town Ireland The house was sensitively constructed & decorated to include modern creature comforts, offering a charm and elegance of the modern era. Bedrooms are decorated with traditional furnishings. The spacious and elegant en-suite bedrooms have direct dial telephones, hair dryers, trouser press, tea/coffee facilities broadband access and multi channel televisions. Toiletries, mineral water, broadband access are supplied with our compliments. All rooms come equipped with: En Suite Television Trouser Press Direct Dial Telephone Toiletries Mineral Water Broadband Access Hair Dryer Guests awaken to the smell of freshly cooked local foods. Breakfast served in our well appointed dining room is leisurely and relaxed between 7-10 each morning, and a lively chat is assured. A full breakfast menu is provided which changes with the season, and always includes vegetarian dishes. Purchase breakfast at time of booking your room or on arrival at our home On Site Facilities: Delicious Breakfast Lounge Outdoor patio area Private Car Park Children under 21 must be accompanied by an adult Local Facilities: Golf Nature Walks Horse Riding Historic Carlow Town Bustling Night Life Top class Restaurants Other things to note Helpful Information Avlon House Bed and Breakfast provides 4 star home comfort and excellent service throughout your stay. For peace of mind, we have provided detailed arrival instructions, FAQ and Terms / conditions. Should you have any further questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone or email or, if your stay has already begun please contact us directly for help. Accessibility Our 5 guest rooms are on the first floor requiring use of stairs, Arrival Check in is between 16 and 18 hrs daily, up to 22 hrs may be OK with advance notice, we are happy to answer any questions you may have during check-in. Children under 21 must be accompanied by an adult while sharing our family home B&B At time of booking / check-in you will be asked to provide credit card and pre authorisation of the card to ensure that any cancellations, damages or no-smoking policy breaches may be paid for. Please note that the card which is pre-authorised may be used for multiple room charges if the booking was made under a single guest’s name. Cancellation Policy We do hope you will come and stay with us but if you need to cancel then you can do so per terms of Air BNB terms and conditions selected during booking process., at no cost. Please make sure you make sure to advise us of any full- or Partial cancellations ( for example if you decide to stay just 2 nights but have booked for 3) 72 hrs before day of arrival. If we don’t receive notice of your cancellation within this time frame then your credit or debit card will be charged for one night’s stay per room booked under your name. Please note: NON REFUNDABLE OFFERS must be paid for at the time of booking and no refund will be made should the booking be modified or cancelled. This policy overrides the above cancellation policy. Check in / Check out Reservations booked direct will have priority check-in available from 13.30 daily and we request that you vacate your room after breakfast up to 11.30am on day of departure, If you fail to check out by this time then an additional nights rate will be payable. If you’re struggling to check out by 11am because of circumstances out of your control, please seek assistance from reception. If you know in advance the timings will not suit your requirements, please contact Avlon House B&B to explore other possible options which may be able to be arranged in advance of your arrival / departure. Damage to hotel property / loss of keys If you or any guest staying in a room booked under your name cause damage to Avlon House B&B property or lose a B&B key then these charges must be paid for at reception before departure. Guest Entry WE want all our guests to have a relaxed and enjoyable stay at Avlon House B&B and with that in mind, we reserve the right to refuse entry to any guest who behaves in an inappropriate manner. This extends to a guest or guests being under the influence of drugs and / or alcohol, abusive behaviour towards B&B staff or other guests, aggression, or unacceptable dress. For the safety of all those staying with us we may ask guests behaving on this manner to leave the B&B if a disturbance is caused. Should we eject a guest on these grounds refunds will not be given. Loss/ Damage Avlon House B&B is not liable for the loss or damage of any guest property during their stay caused by the misconduct or negligence or a guest or an act of god, the establishment is not responsible for guest belongings, liable or responsible for any damage to guest vehicles whilst staying with us. Pets For your safety and comfort we do not allow pets on the premises with the exception of Guide dogs. Reserving a B&B Room Our official website is the only booking platform where best rates are guaranteed. Bookings can be made inline, by telephone, Fax or Email, Should you find that your preferred dates are not available through our online system, please phone the B&B to access real time availability. You can pay a deposit for your room should you wish but it is not essential to secure a booking. We accept cash in € (Euro) or all major Debit & Credit cards. Smoking In order for all guests to be able to enjoy their surrounds we impose a strict no smoking policy in all areas of the B&B (including the use of E cigarettes). Should a guest smoke in their room a €125 fine will be charged to their pre authorized credit or debit card to cover the cost of cleaning and fumigating. Where is Avlon House B&B ? We are only 10-15 mins walk north of the town centre on the the R448 Dublin approach to Carlow town, Just a stroll to Carlow’s Cultural, Social, Business, Educational Districts. Travel costs no longer available sorry , you must have your own Accessibility There are no steps about ground floor common area, however our 5 guest rooms are on first floor up 1 flight of stairs (approx. 14 steps) Can I get online? There is complimentary wi-Fi throughout the B&B so you can stay connected throughout your holiday Latest Check-in? Last check-in is 10 pm Where should I visit? Check our your stay pages and Blog for local information, or pop down to Reception and we will gladly supply some maps makes suggestions locally & within our region Where to eat Just ask us for local recommendations, check out the guide to county Carlow our blogs. Is my stuff safe? Rooms are generally safe just follow normal safety procedures when out of rooms- please see Terms & conditions regarding our liability policy. How many Stars does Avlon House B&B have? We were awarded 4 stars by Failte Ireland (The Irish Tourist Board) and aim to provide all guests a excellent service & relaxing stay. Can I smoke? Our no smoking policy strictly prohibits smoking (including the use of E cigarettes) within all areas of our home B&B, for the smokers among us we do provide a log cabin on the court yard to offer some comfort while you indulge in you guilty pleasure. Group bookings We do not accept Stag / Hen parties or large group. Should you wish to make a group of over 6 people please contact the Bed and Breakfast prior to making a booking? Refusal on the day can be up setting to you your fellow guests and our staff. Dates Event Name Description Saturday, 1st February 2014 Snowdrop Gala at Ballykealey Manor Hotel A Galanthus Gala with lectures from Richard Hobbs "Tales about Snowdrops" and John Massey "Winter into Spring", a guided tour of Altamont Gardens with Head Gardener Paul Cutler and a Bulb Sale offering snowdrops from Avon Bulbs and Richard Hobbs, and hellebores from Ashwood Nurseries and Harvington. Location: Ballykealey Manor, Ballon, Co. Carlow Fee: €70 includes lectures, lunch, refreshments, bulb sale and guided tour. T: + (phone number hidden) Robert Miller Saturday 8th February - Monday 24th February 2014 Snowdrop Month at Burtown House The garden and woodland are full of old varieties of snowdrops in natural plantings, and large swathes of aconites, hellebores and early bulbs. The Gallery Café is open every day serving hearty organic lunches from the kitchen garden, as well as fresh homemade cakes, coffee, tea and other goodies. The Gallery Exhibition hosts "February Flowers" - an exhibition of mainly snowdrop paintings by different botanical artists, including resident artists Wendy Walsh and Lesley Fennell. Photographs and sculpture also on view. For all other events throughout the year please see Burtown House website for details. Location: Burtown House, Ballytore, Athy, Co. Kildare T: + (phone number hidden) Admission: adults €6 and children €4 E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Monday 10th - Sunday 16th February 2014 Snowdrop Week at Altamont Gardens An 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. Café Altamont, located in the Walled Garden serves hot drinks and delicious cakes. The nearby Forge Restaurant (1km) hosts an art exhibition during Snowdrop Week featuring local talented artists. Guided tours at 2 p.m. daily - €2 per person. 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. Location: Altamont Gardens, Tullow T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) or (website hidden) Monday 10th - Sunday 16th February 2014 Snowdrop Week at Huntington Castle Over 10,000 snowdrops have been planted for 2014. Huntington also features a woodland nature walk and a Children's Adventure Trail with a host of activities and obstacles for kids of all ages. Tour time at 2 p.m. daily. Adventure Trail open from 12 p.m. daily. Location: Huntington Castle, Clonegal T: (phone number hidden) Admission: Gardens - adults €5, concessions €4, children €2.50 E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Saturday 8th March 2014 Pan Celtic National Song Contest A National Song Contest as Gaeilge to find the newly composed song to represent Ireland in the Pan Celtic International Song Contest being held in Derry in April 2014. Information and entry form: Glór Cheatharlach on + (phone number hidden) or + (phone number hidden) Location: The Seven Oaks Hotel, Athy Road, Carlow W: (website hidden) Monday 10th - Monday 17th March 2014 Daffodil Week at the Delta Sensory Gardens 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, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday 11 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Light lunches, tea/coffee, scones and cakes available daily. Planted containers, pots and seasonal bedding available in the on-site garden centre. Location: Delta Sensory Gardens, Strawhall, Carlow Town T: + (phone number hidden) Admission: adults €5, concessions €4, children free accompanied by an adult. E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) or (website hidden) Monday 10th - Monday 17th March 2014 Daffodil Week Huntington Castle showcases a magnificent collection of these bright, yellow blooms, reminding all of the joys of Spring. Location: Huntington Castle, Clonegal T: (phone number hidden) Admission: adults €5, concessions €4, children €2.50 E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Saturday 29th March 2014 Let's Get Gardening A light hearted talk on gardening in Spring by renowned gardener Deborah Begley from Terra Nova Gardens, Dromin, Co Limerick. Location: Delta Sensory Gardens, Strawhall, Carlow Town T: + (phone number hidden) Admission: adults €5, concessions €4, children free accompanied by an adult. E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) or (website hidden) Saturday 12th - Monday 21st April 2014 Easter Fun Train at Rathwood The Easter Train will leave the Rathwood Courtyard daily and head to the woods where the Easter Bunny has a secret mission: to deliver a basket of Easter eggs to a very special person. But the Bunny’s mission might not be as easy to accomplish as originally planned, as Freddy Fox has been spotted in the forest acting suspiciously in recent days. Freddy Fox might be up to no good and looking to spoil the Easter Bunny’s plans! New characters will be arriving in Rathwood this year to help the Easter Bunny with his secret mission. Come and join them in their exciting journey. Children helping the Easter Bunny and its friends will get a chocolate surprise as a reward for their great work. Booking in advance (email hidden) from Feb 17th. Egg hunt every hour from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Location: Rathwood, Rath, Tullow T: (phone number hidden) Admission: Adults €10, children €5 E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Friday 18th - Saturday 21st April 2014 Easter at Huntington Castle The perfect location for an Easter Egg and Bunny Rabbit Treasure Hunt. Location: Huntington Castle, Clonegal T: (phone number hidden) Admission: adults €5, concessions €4, children €2.50 E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 20th April 2014 The Dawn Mass The sixth annual Easter Dawn Mass at the summit of Mount Leinster on the Blackstairs Mountains, south Co. Carlow. Taking place at 6 a.m., this special mass invites visitors to join the many attendees for a special spiritual ceremony. Location: Mount Leinster, Blackstairs Mountains Contact: Fr. Declan Foley M: (phone number hidden) Thursday 24th - Saturday 26th April 2014 Féile na Casca Contact: Glór Cheatharlach on + (phone number hidden) or+ (phone number hidden) W: (website hidden) Monday 28 April 2014 - Sunday 11 May 2014 Cycle against Suicide Cycle Against Suicide is an initiative started by Irish entrepreneur, Jim Breen, as a result of his appearance on RTE’s The Secret Millionaireprogramme. The main objective of the Cycle is to raise awareness of the considerable help and supports that are available for anyone battling depression, self harm, at risk of suicide or those bereaved by suicide. In 2014, the Cycle, will take place from Monday, April 28th to Sunday, May 11th. As it did in 2013, the Cycle will create a very tangible and practical opportunity for people who want to support those who have been affected by suicide. (website hidden) Together, shoulder to shoulder, we can Break the Cycle of Suicide in Ireland! Friday 2nd - Monday 5th May 2014 Carlow's 2nd International Bridge Congress and Celtic Bridge Congress The programme features a formal welcome reception, open, mixed, novice and congress pair competitions together with a gala night of entertainment and guided tours of Carlow Town and the surrounding area. This year the programme has been expanded to incorporate a Celtic Bridge Congress featuring a number of Welsh players. Location: Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow Town Contact: Sheila Gallagher M: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) Every weekend from May 3rd - 25th 2014 Bluebells at Huntington Castle Location: Huntington Castle, Clonegal T: (phone number hidden) Admission: adults €5, concessions €4, children €2.50 E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 4th May 2014 Duckett's Grove Country Fair Summer fun and entertainment at Duckett's Grove Historic House, Walled Gardens and Pleasure Grounds. A hive of activity is on offer in this truly spectacular setting just 10 minutes from Carlow Town off the R418 Castledermot/Tullow Road, the R726 Carlow/Hacketstown Road and the R448 Castledermot/Carlow Road. Features dedicated displays of traditional crafts including basket making, weaving and a blacksmith. A falconry display by Woodlands Falconry, horse drawn carriage rides by Carlow and District Trap and Carriage Riders Club and nature trails are other highlights on the festival programme. Large craft and food market. Free kids entertainment throughout the day. Location: Duckett's Grove, near Carlow Town T: + (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Friday 9th - Sunday 11th May 2014 Barrow River Arts Festival Founded and curated by Swiss based musicians, violinist Maya Homburger and bass player Barry Guy, the festival presents a weekend of classical music and an exhibition by Alan Davie. The programme features Thomas Demenga cello and Anton Kernjak piano, Homburger/Guy Duo with Lucas Niggli, Hexentrio, readings from Barry McGovern, Camerata Kilkenny, the Calmus Ensemble and lots more. Location: Borris House, Borris, Co. Carlow and Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh Co. Kilkenny Contact: Susan Proud T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th May 2014 The Irish Open Dance Competition Competitions in hip hop, ballroom and latin american dancing. Open to all levels and ages. Location: Dolmen Hotel, Kilkenny Road, Carlow Town Contact : Breda Lynch M: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) Sunday 11th May 2014 Carlow 2014 Ford Escort Rally Challenge 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. Location: The Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow Town Contact: Charlotte Egan T: + (phone number hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 11th May 2014 Summer Sale and Family Fun Day Fantastic selection of summer bedding, shrubs and hanging baskets or your own filled on request. Face painting and treasure trail in the gardens. Location: Delta Sensory Gardens, Strawhall, Carlow Town T: + (phone number hidden) Admission: free E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) or (website hidden) Sunday 18th May 2014 Carlow Vintage and Classic Motor Club Vintage Car Display and Sale A great opportunity for all the family to enjoy a marvellous display of vintage and classic cars and tractors from pre-war to the 1980s. Various activities for all family members, young and old including craft stalls, auto jumble, fun fair and a tour of the gardens at Duckett's Grove. Location: Duckett's Grove, Carlow Contact : + (phone number hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 25th May 2014 Tullow Vintage Car Rally at Rathwood The Tullow Vintage Car Rally Show and Sale has become a popular annual event at Rathwood, not to be missed by classic car enthusiasts. Ford Model T's from the early 1900s, American Cadillacs from the 1980s, sports cars and lots more…come along to admire some of the most beautiful vintage cars in the country. Some of the classic 4 wheels are also for sale at the event. Location: Rathwood, Rath, Tullow T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th May European Kenpo Karate Camp 2014 A great event for martial artists to train and socialise in a positive environment with some of the world's most respected Kenpo Karate teachers. Top class seminars in an outstanding venue. Location: The Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa and Country Club, Tullow Contact : Eddie Downey M: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Friday 30th May - Saturday 7th June 2014 Carlow Golf Club Open Week, Deerpark, Carlow - outskirts of Carlow Town One of the most enjoyable things about the start of summer is the Carlow Golf Club Open Week which features plenty of prizes, team spirit and a friendly welcome. Location: Carlow Golf Club, Deerpark, outskirts of Carlow Town T: (phone number hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 1st June 2014 Carlow Rowing Club One of the oldest rowing festivals in the country celebrating it's 155th year in 2014. Eights, quads and scull racing from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Rowing Club, Carlow Town Contact : Brian Lyons T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) Friday 6th - Sunday 15th June 2014 Carlow Arts Festival Ten days of extraordinary and innovative exhibitions, theatre performances, comedy shows and live music. The festival displays a vibrant programme of events featuring a dynamic range of entertainment and arts and transforms Carlow into a cultural hub. The festival has something for every member of the family to enjoy, promoting cultural diversity, community spirit and establishing Carlow as a centre of artistic excellence. Also features the History Festival of Ireland at Duckett's Grove and Literary Festival at Borris House. Location: Carlow Town Contact : Hugo Jellet T: (phone number hidden) E: (website hidden) Saturday 14th - Sunday 15th June 2014 Relay for Life Relay For Life is a 24-hour team walking relay event in support of the Irish Cancer Society held in the stunning attraction of Duckett's Grove. Location: Duckett's Grove, Carlow Contact : Gerard Holohan T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) Sunday 15th June 2014 Barrow Dragon Boat Regatta Come along and enjoy or participate in the unique spectacle of dragon boating as the Irish Dragon Boat Association brings one of its dynamic and colourful events to the River Barrow, Carlow Town. No previous experience required. Location: River Barrow, Carlow Town Contact : Julie Doyle T: (phone number hidden) W: (website hidden) Monday 23rd - Friday 27th June 2014 Rose Week With the promise of balmy, sunny days June is the perfect time to take to the garden and enjoy the many treats within. 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. - €2. 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. Pre-booking for group tours requested. Location: Altamont Gardens, Tullow T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) or (website hidden) Sunday 6th July 2014 Blackstairs Vintage Club Annual Rally The 10th annual vintage rally features vintage steam engines, oil engines, tractors and cars, music and songs, crafts, stalls and exhibits. Family fun day. Location: Myshall Village Contact : Tommy Murphy M: (phone number hidden) Friday 25th July - Monday 4th August Carlow Garden Festival The 2014 programme boasts the best ever line-up of garden personalities. Carol Klein of BBC "Gardeners' World" will open the festival at a very special event on July 25th. Over 11 days visitors will meet a number of renowned garden experts in the magnificent gardens of Carlow. This year's panel includes Helen Dillon (world renowned plants woman and festival favourite), Robin Lane Fox (Financial Times Gardening Correspondent), Matthew Jebb (Director of National Botanic Gardens), Seamus O' Brien (Curator of the National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh), Paul Martin (Gold Medal winner Hampton Court Plaace Flower Show), June Blake (June Blake's Garden in Wicklow) and Dick Warner (environmentalist and broadcaster). Location: Throughout Co. Carlow T: (phone number hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 3rd - Monday 4th August 2014 Graiguenamanagh and Tinnahinch Regatta & Rowing Festival Two days of rowing, swimming, diving, cot racing (traditional fishing boat), Iron Man Competition plus novelty events i.e. rope across river, diving for plates, childrens' activities and live music in the local pubs. The events are open to everybody. Location: River Barrow at Graiguenamanagh Contact : Kieran Phelan M: + (phone number hidden) Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st August 2014 Heritage Week Week of indoor and outdoor events celebrating the rich heritage the county has to offer and promoting 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. Location: Throughout the county Contact : Carlow County Museum T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 17th August 2014 Tullow Agricultural Show 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. Location: Coppenagh, Tullow Contact : David Burgess M: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) Sunday 31st August 2014 Taste of Carlow Food and Craft Fair Artisan food and craft fair on the riverside promenade on the Barrow Track in Carlow Town. A free event, it promises a great day of entertainment and over 40 stands by leading Carlow craft and food producers and restaurants. Celebrity chef appearances and food demonstrations. Face painting, bouncy castles, barrel train and animal display area for the kids. Location: Carlow Town Contact : Michael Brennan T: + (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) Monday 8th - Wednesday 10th September 2014 County Carlow Golf Classic Carlow Tourism hosts its annual golf classic featuring three top quality courses - Carlow, Mount Wolseley Golf Resort and Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club. Rate €149 per person including 3 rounds of golf, 3 meal vouchers, 1 gala dinner and a fantastic prize fund of up to €7,000. Special accommodation rates on-site and nearby. Contact : Carlow Tourism T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 21st September 2014 Rosdillig Vintage Rally and Steam Threshings Rosdillig Vintage Rally displays working machinery, including steam engines, vintage tractors and steam threshing. Host of the All- Ireland Vintage Society Rally. Location: Rosdillig, Borris Contact : Elaine Stanley M: (phone number hidden) Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th October 2014 Carlow's 11th International Karate Competition Karate based competition with all disciplines included. Welcoming visitors from the Czech Republic, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Germany and Spain. Location: Carlow Town Contact : Sheila Heffernan M: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) Thursday 2nd - Thursday 9th October 2014 Féile an Fhómhair A bi-lingual autumn festival with events organised in various locations throughout Carlow Town creating a great festival atmosphere on the streets of Carlow. Events are organised for every age group with drama, literature, art, music, storytelling, cinema, comedy and entertainment of every kind on offer. Contact : Glor Cheatharlach on (phone number hidden) or (phone number hidden) (website hidden) Friday 24th - Friday 31st October 2014 Halloween Train at Rathwood Experience Halloween as never (email hidden)e Halloween train will take children on a magical journey where they'll meet some spooky characters and friendly creatures. On board the Halloween Train, we will travel back to a time when goblins and fairies roamed freely in Rath Wood. Children will also get to see the Enchanted Tree where fairies have set up their playground, its miniature door and windows allowing access only to the 'little people'. Location: Rathwood, Rath, Tullow T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 26th - Friday 31st October 2014 Halloween at Huntington Castle A Halloween Spookfest at a genuine haunted castle! Features a ghostly guided tour with ghosts, ghouls and screams. Family tours suitable for under 12's are available as well as over 12's / adult tours only. Advance booking required. Bring your own torch and wear a costume. Location: Huntington Castle, Clonegal T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) November and December 2014 Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre A family-oriented, magical Christmas experience for children and their families. The Arboretum will host a traditional Christmas with a modern twist, using Ireland's only life-size animated displays of your favourite Christmas Movies, alongside Santa’s amazing Gift Shop & Village, the fanciful home of Santa, his elves, and his reindeer. Location: Arboretum Lifestyle & Garden Centre, Kilkenny Road, Leighlinbridge T: (phone number hidden) W: (website hidden) Saturday 15th November -Wednesday 24th December 2014 Rathwood Chistmas Santa Train 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 (website hidden) from September 1st at twelve noon. Location: Rathwood, Rath, Tullow T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 30th November 2014 Taste of Carlow at Christmas Savour all that is wonderful about Carlow at this annual event. Meet, experience and taste the produce of the many artisan food producers whose passion and commitment is profiling Carlow as an up and coming food destination. Carlow has an abundance of original, handmade crafts including woodturning, pottery, ironwork and textiles. This is the perfect opportunity to meet local craftspeople and food producers and purchase that special Christmas gift. Location: Carlow Town Contact : Michael Brennan T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) 6th - 7th, 13th - 14th, 20th - 21st December 2014 Christmas at Huntington Castle Huntington Castle hosts Christmas at the Castle with their Christmas Food and Tree Fair featuring artisan food and local craft producers and a Christmas Tree Walk with our expert tree grower. Meet Father Christmas in the magical atmosphere of the Tapestry Room as he gets ready for Christmas. Location: Huntington Castle, Clonegal T: (phone number hidden) E: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Saturday 6th - Sunday 21st December 2014 Delta Centre, Christmas Craft Fair and Lighting Display Delta hosts its annual Christmas Craft Fair 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 competitions. Light lunches, tea, coffee, cakes and refreshments available, Christmas lunch available Sunday 7th December (booking essential) Planted containers, pots, bulbs, winter bedding and Christmas wreaths from the on-site garden centre. Location: Delta Sensory Gardens, Strawhall Estate, Carlow Town T: (phone number hidden) Email: (email hidden) W: (website hidden) Sunday 7th December 2014 Duckett's Grove Christmas Craft & Food Fair Enjoy Christmas fun in the magical setting of Duckett’s Grove. Features Santa Grotto, live nativity scene, local artisan food and craft fair, traditional craft demonstrations, Christmas carols and lots, lots more. Location: Duckett’s Grove, near Carlow Town Contact : Carlow Tourism T: (phone number hidden) W: (website hidden)