Kilkenny to Carlow by Coach or Minibus
Carlow is about 40 minutes from Kilkenny, the next county town up the M9. Groups make the trip for college visits, county matches, school tours and a look at Brownshill Dolmen. It is a short motorway run with no tricky stretches, so the planning is about the Carlow end.
Journey
- Kilkenny to Carlow
- Approximately 40 mins
- Serving Kilkenny
The route
From Kilkenny the coach takes the N10 out to the M9 and heads north. The M9 passes Carlow on a bypass, so the coach leaves the motorway at the Carlow junction and drives into town from there. There is no toll on the M9. On a school morning, allow extra time for traffic on the Kilkenny ring road and on the approach into Carlow.
Brownshill Dolmen
Brownshill Dolmen is a portal tomb about 3 km east of Carlow, just off the R726 and clearly visible from the road. Its capstone is estimated at around 150 tonnes and is said to be the heaviest in Europe. It is a good stop for a school group studying prehistory, and a short one: twenty minutes is plenty. The driver confirms where a coach can pull in safely near the site.
In Carlow town
Carlow sits on the River Barrow, with the ruin of Carlow Castle by the river, the cathedral, the County Museum and the VISUAL arts centre within walking distance of each other. The town centre streets are narrow in places, so the right stop depends on where in Carlow you are going. Give the operator the exact address, whether it is a college campus, a sports ground or a hotel, and the driver will confirm the stop.
How long does it take?
About 40 minutes from Kilkenny city to Carlow town. A detour to Brownshill Dolmen adds a few minutes plus the stop.
Is a minibus enough for a team?
A 16-seat minibus suits a small panel, but kit bags take space. For a full squad with gear, a midi coach is more comfortable.
Can we combine Carlow with somewhere else?
Yes. Carlow is on the M9, so a return through Kilkenny or a link to Dublin or Waterford is straightforward. Send the full plan when you ask.
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