In Carlow, relaxation takes many forms. Pedal through town on geo-tagged bikes from the E-Bike Scheme, or find tranquillity at Valhalla Saunas with soothing heat and refreshing plunges. For a mindfulness experience, The Wellness Day Retreat offers mindful woodland walks and meditation for inner peace. Last, if contact with nature is what you looking for, then discover the Delta Sensory Garden’s therapeutic outdoor spaces, or visit Coppenagh House Farm to shop for local meats and other delights while you enjoy the countryside views with a cup of coffee.
1. E-BIKING
Launched by Carlow County Council in collaboration with Carlow Climate Action Group on September 2023, the E-Bike Scheme is a sustainable and accessible transport around Carlow. Why not hop on one of our bikes available at Woodford Dolmen Hotel and visit Carlow in a slow-paced way?
Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the E-Bikes are geo-tagged and can operate within a designated area and for hire at 40 different locations in Carlow Town including the Woodford Dolmen Hotel. The fee for hiring is €0.18 per minute and the renting process is completed on the BOLT app. To rent a E-Bike is very simple: just find an E-Bike on the street or track one through the map in the BOLT app. Once you are ready to go, open the BOLT app, scan the QR code in the E-Bike and follow the onscreen instructions to start your ride. Once you finish your trip, park your E-Bike in a designated area shown in the BOLT app.
A ‘beginner mode’ limits the bike’s top speed to 15 km/h. Once ‘beginner mode’ is turned off, the bike has a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Please note for your safety and of others, Carlow town has go-slow zones (where speed is limited to 15 km/h), as well as no-go zones, where the E-Bike are prohibited. The E-Bikes are only for those over the age of 18.
2. VALHALLA SAUNAS
Immerse yourself in the serenity of nature and rejuvenate your senses at the newly opened Valhalla Saunas by the River Barrow, in Milford, County Carlow. With a 6-minute drive from the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, this Sauna will provide a relaxing experience that will leave you wanting to book a second one.
Embark on a rejuvenating experience by stepping into their serene sauna, where warm, soothing heat melts away stress as you relax and enjoy the scenic view for 10-15 minutes. Then, refresh yourself in the plunge pool’s cold, crisp water, feeling a surge of vitality and endorphins. Alternate between the sauna and plunge pool throughout your session to cleanse your mind and body, erasing all stress. By the end, you will feel renewed, refreshed, and ready to embrace the world with a revitalized spirit.
Valhalla Saunas offers a unique blend of relaxation and connection with nature. The combination of heat and the serene surroundings enhances stress relief, promotes better sleep, and contributes to overall well-being. Through their website it is possible to book a 45 min slot at different times a day or a private session. The Valhalla Saunas is only available for 16 years or older.
3. WELLNESS DAY RETREAT
Looking for a full day to unwind? This 27th of July 2024 we are hosting a Wellness Day Retreat led by Healing & Wellbeing Specialist Sylvia Shirley at Woodford Dolmen Hotel and Woodford Island. Located on the grounds of our hotel, you won’t have far to travel to experience true tranquillity and relaxation.
Following the gardens at the rear of the hotel, cross the red bridge over the River Barrow and into a natural paradise to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your day.
On Woodford Island, you’ll be met with the beautiful sounds and scents that nature has to offer. The singing birds, the crisp leaves, and the beautiful sound of the River Barrow will be sure to give you that blissful relaxation feeling.
On The Wellness Day Retreat enjoy a full day featuring a mindful woodland walk, meditation session and sound bath session along with other activities, with morning and afternoon refreshments and a group lunch. Perfect for individuals or groups of friends. Enhance your experience with an overnight stay, including bed and breakfast.
To book get in contact with our sales office at [email protected] or call us at 059 9142002 ext.4
4. DELTA SENSORY GARDENS
Delta Sensory Gardens are an award-winning gardens and described as ‘An Oasis of Peace and Tranquillity’ just a 10 minute drive from our hotel. Established in 1990 as a centre for adults with disabilities, the Gardens is set on 2.5 acres with a series of interconnecting gardens to beckon you with bright and beautiful blooms. Created as a therapeutic outlet, make sure to enjoy a calm walk while you admire the diverse flora and admire the bask in the tranquillity of the water features and see the famous one –tonne of pink marble floating on a cushion of water.
The gardens are fully wheelchair accessible and have proven to be a very popular place to visit for active retirement groups, families, school trips and bus tours.
The sensory theatre building in the gardens houses a reception, toilet facilities, a colourful indoor musical fountain and activities room. Attached to this building is the very popular Café Thyme which serves food daily and linked to this is a small garden centre.
5. COPPENAGH HOUSE FARM
Coppenagh House Farm is a recently established business only 25-minute drive from the hotel in Tullow, Co Carlow. Opened by the passionate husband and wife team, Robert and Ciara Stanley, this farm produces and sells on the shop their own reared beef, pork, bacon, and honey from their 8 beehives.
The shop also has its exclusive Ballybar Ireland clothing brand—an Irish-designed country and lifestyle collection and Ardattin Embroidery with embroidered items by Ciara herself.
Visitors can explore an array of local and Irish artisan foods, as well as having a a coffee from Cows & Coffee stand while enjoying the marvellous views of the farm and its cows.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a resident writer for Woodford Dolmen Hotel Carlow, a charming hotel in Carlow set in the beautiful banks of River Barrow, renowned for their wedding-perfect location. When she’s not taking vibrant street photos, you can find her writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle.
