Carlow County Museum

About the museum

Carlow County Museum was founded in December 1973 by the Old Carlow Society, today the Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society, in a building on College Street that has since been demolished. In 1979 it moved into the former theatre of the Town Hall, a space provided by Carlow Town Council, and the council took over the running of the museum in 2002.

In 2012 the museum opened at its present home on College Street, the former Presentation Convent that the council had bought in 1989. Carlow County Council became the operator in 2014 when the town councils were abolished, and it runs the museum in partnership with the historical society.

The museum collects and displays original objects from County Carlow and its people and, as a designated museum under the National Monuments Acts, may collect archaeological finds on behalf of the State. Four galleries hold objects such as the gallows trapdoor from Carlow Gaol and a carved pulpit from Carlow Cathedral. It holds interim accreditation under the Museums Standards Programme for Ireland and is entered through the Carlow Tourist Office.

Highlights

• Four galleries on County Carlow in the Cultural Quarter
• Gallows trapdoor from Carlow Gaol
• Carved pulpit from Carlow Cathedral
• Archaeological finds from the county
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• The museum galleries – Four galleries on the history of County Carlow with objects including the gallows trapdoor from Carlow Gaol and a pulpit from Carlow Cathedral.

Founded

1973

Operated by

Carlow County Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

No accessibility information is published on the website; visitors are asked to phone or email in advance.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is entered through the Carlow Tourist Office; VISUAL Carlow is about 450 metres away.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit