As autumn deepens and the nights draw in, Carlow is preparing to embrace the magic, mystery and excitement of Samhain Festival 26, a countywide celebration inspired by the ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. Taking place from 22 October to 1 November, the festival will transform venues across the county with an immersive programme of folklore, music, performance, storytelling, visual arts, family entertainment and Halloween-inspired experiences.

Carlow County Council is preparing to welcome delegates and representatives from across Europe as host of Entente Florale Europe 2026, taking place on 18 and 19 September 2026.
Carlow's selection as host follows its remarkable success in the prestigious European competition, where Carlow Town was awarded a Gold Medal in 2024, along with the President's Prize in recognition of its innovative Rain Gardens project. These achievements earned international recognition for Carlow's commitment to sustainability, biodiversity, environmental stewardship and community-led development.

Carlow residents discovered practical ways to reduce food waste and make household food budgets go further this week at an engaging Food Waste Talk and Cookery Demonstration hosted by Carlow County Council in partnership with An Gairdín Beo Community Garden and local chef Derek Oman from the Food Change Collective.

Culture Night 2026 will return on Friday, 18 September, inviting people across Carlow to come together for a night of free cultural discovery, creativity and connection in towns, cities, villages and rural communities nationwide.

Carlow County Council is pleased to announce its Cultural Programme for Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union, taking place from October to December as part of Cultúr 2026: Sharing Ireland's Culture. The programme features four flagship events across Heritage, Literature, Visual Art and Music, celebrating Carlow's rich cultural identity and its enduring connections with Europe.

Creative Ireland, supported by Carlow County Council Arts Office and in collaboration with Carlow County Council Library Services are delighted to announce that we are currently accepting applications for an exciting new Initiative 'Photographer in Residence 2026-2027. 

Got an idea for Carlow Climate Action Week 2026?
Why not turn  your idea into action with support from Carlow County Council?

Carlow County Council is proud to announce that Carlow has been officially accredited as a World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) European Healthy City for Phase VIII (2026–2030), joining a prestigious network of cities across Europe recognised for their commitment to placing health, wellbeing, equity and sustainability at the centre of local governance and development

The Big Barn Bash – Family Food Festival will bring two days of food, family fun, outdoor activity and entertainment to Carlow on Saturday, 31 October and Sunday, 1 November 2026.

A brand-new festival experience for Carlow, The Big Barn Bash is being brought to life through a partnership between Carlow County Council, Coppenagh House Farm, Carlow Tourism and Active Carlow, with the development of the festival supported by Fáilte Ireland.

Although it may still be August, preparations for Christmas are already underway across County Carlow, with local communities now invited to apply for funding assistance to support festive lighting displays this Christmas season.