Carlow town has officially been announced as the host of the annual Pan Celtic International Festival for 2026 and 2027. The decision was shared on Thursday (April 24) following a meeting of the festival council, with representatives from the six Celtic nations present.

Ireland’s craft and design sector has long been a source of cultural pride, artistic innovation, and economic opportunity. From traditional weaving and fine ceramics to contemporary jewellery and sustainable fashion, Irish makers blend heritage with modern creativity in ways that captivate audiences both at home and abroad. But while talent and vision are in no short supply, the journey from studio to marketplace—especially the global stage—can be a daunting one.

A small business from County Carlow could be among the 31 selected to showcase their enterprise at this year’s Local Enterprise Village during the National Ploughing Championships, taking place from 16th - 18th September 2025. This prestigious event, the largest outdoor gathering in Europe, is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors across three days, providing an unparalleled platform for small businesses to gain exposure.

Carlow County Council recently participated in the 6th Interregional Exchange Meeting of the InnoCom project in Ivančna Gorica, Slovenia, from April 2-3, 2025. This international collaboration brought together key partners from Latvia, Romania, and Slovenia to enhance communication strategies and improve support structures for SMEs across Europe.

Carlow County Fire & Rescue Service have delivered their first pilot Transition Year Course Programme at the Hacketstown Training & Development Centre from March 31st to April 4th, 2025.  The 5 day course gave Transition Year students an opportunity to experience the training and role of a firefighter, in addition to a certified Manual Handling Course and an Irish Heart Foundation CPR Course. 

Carlow County Council is pleased to announce the opening of applications for Pride of Place 2025.

Powerhouse Empowering Businesswomen Network will hold its first sold out Powerhouse Business Break: Wealth Creation & Financial Metrics, taking place on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, at Enterprise House, O’Brien Road, Carlow.
Hosted by the Powerhouse Network, a collaboration between Carlow County Council - Local Enterprise Office, Library Service, County Carlow Chamber of Commerce, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet and South East Technological University, this dynamic morning session is designed for female entrepreneurs and professionals seeking practical strategies for business growth, improved financial performance, and long-term sustainability. The event promises inspiring speakers, actionable insights, and the chance to connect with a thriving community of like-minded women.

This April, Lower Tullow Street in Carlow will transform into a vibrant hub of music, colour, and celebration as Streetfest Pan Celtic 2025 takes over the town centre for a weekend of family-friendly fun and cultural festivities. Taking place on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April, the event forms part of the wider Pan Celtic Festival and promises two lively days of free street entertainment, local talent, and community spirit.