Carlow you are Blooming Beautiful – Preparing for Entente Floral 2024

This month, July 2024, Carlow is a town proudly in bloom and undergoing a botanical makeover of sorts. Visitors will see our streets, squares and public spaces packed with floral displays as locals and residents work together to highlight their collective passion for all things gardening. Why may you ask? It’s all got to do with the prestigious horticultural European competition ‘Entente Floral’.

Carlow is representing Ireland, and the buzz around the town is palpable as judges make their assessments on July 12th to witness first-hand the incredible efforts made to confirm what we already know, that Carlow is the gardening and horticultural capital of Ireland, an although yet unbestowed title that amplifies the fact that we are very worthy of bringing home an award (for our horticultural passion and talent) to the county and its hard working team behind the scenes.

Displays that you’ll see in the town and surrounds incorporate themes of sustainability, vibrancy, and simplicity where appropriate. Some of our locals and businesses owners have little or no experience but have immersed themselves in making sure that our public spaces look nothing short of spectacular.

This month, we encourage you to come and visit Carlow, to enjoy the blooming beauty, and immerse all your senses as gardening enthusiasts, nature lovers and ecofriendly families wander around our town getting caught up in the excitement and build around all things Entente Floral 2024.

It’s also a wonderful time to window shop, enjoy some local fare in our abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars and spend quality time in Carlow.

If you need a place to stay, Avlon House B&B couldn’t be better situated, we are just on the outskirts of Carlow town, within easy walking distance of all you need for a great stay.

For best rates, availability and to join our cancellation list, contact us direct and we will do our best to look after you.

Finally, good luck to all involved in this year’s Entente Floral entry, may the luck of the Irish be with us on July 12th.

6 Jun - Around BnB

Samhain Festival 2026 – Stay at Avlon House Bed & Breakfast

The spirit of Samhain Festival 2026 extends far beyond the festival’s main venues. From 22nd October to 1st November, the festival spills out across Carlow, bringing live music, traditional sessions, folklore, film and family entertainment to venues throughout the county.

17 May - Around BnB

Historic Gardens in County Carlow: Two Very Different Garden Escapes

County Carlow has a slightly unfair advantage when it comes to gardens. There are historic estates, walled gardens, woodland walks and remarkable collections scattered across the county, far more than we could possibly fit into one blog post, or one weekend for that matter!