Compact Carlow straddles the River Barrow, its colourful Georgian streets a springboard to outdoor adventure. Brownshill Dolmen—Europe's heaviest portal-tomb capstone—lies just east of town. Cyclists and paddle-boarders follow the Barrow Way past lock-keeper cottages cloaked in roses. VISUAL arts centre hosts cutting-edge installations under Ireland's largest gallery roof, while Carlow Brewing Company pours rye-infused lager in a restored 19th-century mill. With bog-boardwalks, mountains and craft festivals nearby, Carlow is a surprisingly rich base for explorers.