Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society - Autumn Lecture Series

The Carlow Historical and Archaeological Society has been running public lectures since 1946, and the autumn series at the Seven Oaks Hotel is where that tradition comes alive each September. These are proper talks - illustrated, well-researched, and given by historians who know Carlow deeply. If you have any interest in local history, medieval Ireland, the 1798 Rebellion, or the people and places that shaped this county, an evening here is time well spent. Admission is free and you do not need to be a member; the room fills with regulars and curious newcomers in equal measure.

What to expect

Each talk runs on a Wednesday evening at 8pm, typically monthly from September through to April. Past speakers have included Dr Kevin Whelan, a Carlow native who gave an illustrated lecture tracing the county from the medieval Gaelic era to the present day - featuring early maps of Carlow discovered in America and rarely seen before the public. Felix Larkin brought the story of Irish political cartoons. Dr Eoin Sullivan, Carlow’s county heritage officer, presented on the county’s ongoing heritage and place-names projects. Topics rotate across archaeology, local genealogy, architecture, notable Carlow figures, and the broader sweep of Irish history. Talks are well-illustrated and pitched to a general audience, not an academic one. The society also publishes Carloviana, its annual scholarly journal, and runs guided heritage excursions through the year. Check carlowhistorical.com for the confirmed autumn 2026 programme and speaker list.

Getting there

The Seven Oaks Hotel sits on the Athy Road on the northern approach to Carlow Town, with car parking on site. Carlow Town is well connected: Irish Rail runs regular services from Dublin Heuston (about an hour) and from Waterford, with Carlow station a short taxi or walk from the hotel. Bus Eireann serves the town from Dublin and surrounding counties. If you are driving from Dublin, the M9 motorway takes you directly to the Carlow junction.

While you’re in Carlow

Carlow Town rewards a look around before or after the talk - Carlow Castle, the Cathedral of the Assumption, and the County Museum are all close to the town centre. There is more to see in Carlow and across Co. Carlow.

Good to know

• Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026; talks typically fall on Wednesday evenings - confirm the exact date at carlowhistorical.com
• Time: 8:00pm
• Price: Free - no booking required, no membership needed
• Venue: Seven Oaks Hotel, Athy Road, Carlow Town
• Programme: Full autumn 2026 speakers and topics listed at carlowhistorical.com
• The series runs monthly, September to April; individual talks last roughly one hour