The sporting calendar for 2026 is poised to deliver a significant boost to the local economy in Carlow, as Carlow County Council officially announces its stage sponsorship of Rás Tailteann 2026. This partnership is not merely a celebration of elite cycling; it is a strategic economic maneuverer designed to position Carlow as a primary beneficiary of one of Ireland’s most prestigious sporting events. By hosting two race starts, the county is set to capitalize on a substantial influx of visitors, participants, and support teams.

Carlow County Council was delighted to collaborate with St Catherine’s Community Services Centre, Carlow to host a National Voter Registration Day Event on Thursday 30th April 2026. At the event in St Catherine’s the Franchise Team were on hand to provide guidance, answer queries and support anyone who needed assistance with registering to vote or checking and updating their registration details.

Applications are now open for one of Ireland's most prestigious international trade events, with a closing date of Tuesday, 20th May 2026. Carlow County Council's Local Enterprise Office is encouraging craft and creative businesses across County Carlow to apply for a place at Showcase Ireland's Creative Expo 2027, as applications are now officially open.

Entries to Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards, are now open, calling on producers from across Carlow to take part in the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. Now entering its 19th year, Blas na hÉireann has grown into the definitive benchmark for excellence in Irish food and drink, celebrating the producers who define the country’s dynamic food landscape.

A small business from County Carlow could be one of 31 who get a chance to exhibit as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Village at the Ploughing Championships in September.

A team of enterprising students from Co. Carlow are celebrating a major achievement after securing a place in the national final of this year’s Student Enterprise Awards.

The economic vitality of any County is inextricably linked to the success and resilience of its local business community. Recognizing this, the Economic Development Unit of Carlow County Council has launched is hosting a series of networking and information events during May 2026 to support local SME’s in gaining further state supports in their business.

Franchise staff from Carlow County Council will be in St. Catherine’s Services Centre from 9am to 1pm on Thursday the 30th April for National Voter Registration Day.

This Saturday, 11th April 2026, Carlow County Council, in association with the Pan Celtic Festival, is proud to announce the return of Streetfest. This vibrant celebration promises to transform Lower Tullow Street into a hub of cultural activity, family entertainment, and community spirit, marking a high point in this year’s festival calendar.

On Tuesday, 24th March 2026, the elegant Ballykealey House Hotel in Ballon, Co. Carlow will host Embracing Change: An Evening of Health & Wellbeing - a warm, community-focused event designed to inspire healthier living, stronger connections, local food, and practical environmental action.

Homeowners in Carlow and the wider region are being encouraged to drop into the Carlow Home Energy Expo on Wednesday, 25th March 2026, from 10:30am to 5pm at the Seven Oaks Hotel.

This free event will bring together independent experts, retrofit professionals, financial advisors and contractors – all under one roof – to help householders learn how to make their homes warmer, more comfortable and more affordable to heat.

The streets of Carlow are set to ring with the sounds of the fiddle, harp, and pipe this Easter as the town hosts the International Pan Celtic Festival from 7th to 11th April 2026. A cornerstone of this year’s festivities is the newly unveiled Heineken Pan Celtic Pub Trail, an initiative that promises to transform the town’s local venues into a vibrant network of Celtic culture.