Fun Forest Parks for Kids & Families in County Carlow

County Carlow is a great destination for families looking to explore the outdoors and have fun in the sun. With its lush forests, scenic hills, and pristine rivers, the area boasts a variety of exciting activities for kids of all ages.

Summary Table - Carlow Forest Parks

Forest Park	Location	Features	Family-Friendly Activities
Altamont Gardens	Tullow	40+ acres of gardens, woodlands, and riverside walks	Guided tours, plant fairs, seasonal festivals
Oak Park Forest Park	Carlow	120+ acres of woodland, open fields, and walking trails	Hiking, playground, picnic areas
Huntington Castle	Clonegal	Historic castle with beautifully landscaped gardens	Guided tours, craft fairs, seasonal festivals
Kilbrannish Forest	Bunclody	300+ hectares of forest, open fields, and walking trails	Hiking, playground, picnic areas
Delta Sensory Gardens	Carlow	Award-winning garden with sensory experiences	Playground, picnic area
Tomnafinnoge Woods	Tinahely	Ancient woodland with hiking trails and historic sites	Hiking, picnic area
Rathwood Forest Walk	Rathvilly	2 km of walking trails through the forest, picnic areas, playgrounds	Seasonal festivals, family-friendly activities
Hardymount Gardens	Tullow	Historic garden with rare and exotic plants	Guided tours, seasonal festivals
Kilmokea Gardens	New Ross, Wex	Award-winning garden with exotic plants and rare trees	Playground, picnic area
Borris House	Borris	Historic estate with beautifully landscaped gardens	Guided tours, seasonal festivals

In this article, we'll explore some of the best forest parks in County Carlow that offer a great day out for the whole family.

1. Altamont Gardens

Located in Tullow, Altamont Gardens is a beautifully landscaped park that offers a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This historic estate features over 40 acres of gardens, woodlands, and riverside walks, making it the perfect destination for families looking to explore the outdoors.

Children will love wandering through the gardens and spotting the many varieties of flowers and plants, while adults can enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the surroundings. The park also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including guided tours, plant fairs, and seasonal festivals.

2. Oak Park Forest Park

Oak Park Forest Park is a beautiful, sprawling park that covers over 120 acres of woodland, open fields, and walking trails. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers, and features a number of scenic viewpoints and picnic areas.

Kids will love exploring the many hiking trails that wind through the park, while adults can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There's also a playground on-site, making this a great destination for families with young children.

3. Huntington Castle and Gardens

Located in Clonegal, Huntington Castle and Gardens is a historic castle that dates back to the 17th century. The castle is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens that offer a peaceful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Kids will love exploring the castle and learning about its rich history, while adults can enjoy the stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. The park also features a variety of events throughout the year, including guided tours, craft fairs, and seasonal festivals.

4. Kilbrannish Forest Park

Kilbrannish Forest Park is a popular destination for families looking to explore the great outdoors. The park features over 300 hectares of forest, open fields, and walking trails, making it the perfect destination for hiking and exploring.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey, and features a number of scenic viewpoints and picnic areas. There's also a playground on-site, making this a great destination for families with young children.

5. Delta Sensory Gardens

Delta Sensory Gardens is a beautiful, award-winning garden that features a variety of sensory experiences for visitors of all ages. The park is home to a variety of flowers and plants, as well as a number of water features and sculptures.

Kids will love exploring the park and experiencing the different sensory elements, while adults can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stunning views. The park also features a playground and picnic area, making it a great destination for families.

6. Tomnafinnoge Woods

Tomnafinnoge Woods is a beautiful, ancient woodland that features a variety of hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and birds of prey, and features a number of historic sites and monuments.

Kids will love exploring the many hiking trails that wind through the park, while adults can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There's also a picnic area on-site, making this a great destination for families looking to enjoy a day out in the great outdoors.

7. Rathwood Forest Walk

Rathwood Forest Walk is a popular destination for families looking to explore the great outdoors. The park features over 2 km of walking trails through the forest, as well as a number of picnic areas and playgrounds. Kids will love exploring the forest and spotting the many varieties of trees and wildlife, while adults can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and scenic views.

The park also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals and family-friendly activities.

8. Hardymount Gardens

Hardymount Gardens is a beautiful, historic garden that features a variety of rare and exotic plants from around the world. The park is home to a number of stunning gardens, including a walled garden, a rose garden, and a herbaceous border.

Kids will love exploring the different gardens and learning about the different types of plants, while adults can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stunning architecture. The park also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including guided tours and seasonal festivals.

9. Kilmokea Gardens

Kilmokea Gardens is a beautiful, award-winning garden that features a variety of exotic plants and rare trees from around the world. The park is home to a number of stunning gardens, including a Japanese garden, a woodland garden, and a Mediterranean garden.

Kids will love exploring the different gardens and spotting the many varieties of plants and wildlife, while adults can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stunning views. The park also features a playground and picnic area, making it a great destination for families.

10. Borris House and Gardens

Borris House and Gardens is a historic estate that dates back to the 18th century. The estate features a number of beautifully landscaped gardens, including a walled garden, a rose garden, and a herbaceous border. Kids will love exploring the different gardens and learning about the different types of plants, while adults can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stunning architecture.

The park also offers a variety of events throughout the year, including guided tours and seasonal festivals.