Living in Carlow, Co. Carlow: Schools, Commute & House Prices 2026
On this page
- Who lives in Carlow
- Getting around and commuting
- Getting around Carlow
- Commute to Dublin from Carlow
- Schools in Carlow
- Things to do in and around Carlow
- Where Carlow is
- What it costs: house prices and rent in Carlow
- Before you move: planning and flood
- Recent development in Carlow
- Flood maps
- County context
- Common questions about living in Carlow
- Nearby Carlow towns
- Population and demographics
Is Carlow a nice place to live?
Carlow is home to about 10,053 households, 51% owner-occupied and 42% renting, according to Census 2022. The median sale price over the last 12 months was €285,000, versus €300,000 across the South-East region, and the median rent is €1,349 a month. The Department of Education dataset lists 16 schools keyed to the town (10 primary, 6 post-primary), and there are 21 visitor attractions within 10 km. The nearest rail station is Carlow, 0.3 km away, and 21 bus and rail routes serve the town. The sections below break each of these down.
Carlow is a town in Co. Carlow, about 70 minutes from Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, 16 schools, 51.1% of households own their home. Living here costs a median €285,000 to buy or €1,349 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025) (a 5.7% gross yield).
Official CSO, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland, PPR & RTB data · 409 sales · PPR sales to Aug 2026 · CSO benchmark to May 2026 · rents Q4 2025 (RTB)
Who lives in Carlow: 51.1% own their home, full Census breakdown
Who lives in Carlow
27,351 people live in Carlow on Census 2022 night. 51% of households own their home and 42% rent, so Carlow leans towards owner occupiers. The most common way to commute is by car (67%). It skews young: 20% are under 15 against 12% aged 65 and over. 37% of those who have finished education hold a third level qualification.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2022) | 27,351 |
| Owner-occupied households | 51% |
| Rented households | 42% |
| Aged under 15 | 20% |
| Aged 25 to 44 | 30% |
| Aged 65 and over | 12% |
| Third level or higher | 37% |
| At work (aged 15+) | 53% |
| Unemployment rate | 9% |
| Commute by car | 67% |
| Commute by public transport | 5% |
| Commute on foot or bike | 23% |
Source: CSO Census 2022 Small Area Population Statistics for the Carlow built-up area, CC-BY 4.0.
Getting around and commuting
Nearest train station: Carlow (in the town), on the Waterford line
Public transport serving Carlow: Rail + bus
Getting around Carlow
Carlow is served by 9 public-transport operators running 21 scheduled routes. Operators are Bus Éireann, Dunnes Coaches, Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail, JJ Kavanagh, Martley's, TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow, TFI Local Link Kildare South Dublin, TFI Local Link Laois Offaly and Wexford Bus.
| Operator | Mode |
|---|---|
| Bus Éireann | Bus / coach |
| Dunnes Coaches | Bus / coach |
| Iarnród Éireann / Irish Rail | Rail |
| JJ Kavanagh | Bus / coach |
| Martley's | Bus / coach |
| TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow | Bus / coach |
| TFI Local Link Kildare South Dublin | Bus / coach |
| TFI Local Link Laois Offaly | Bus / coach |
| Wexford Bus | Bus / coach |
Scheduled routes (a sample of 21)
- 73 - Waterford - Athlone - Longford
- 365 - Waterford - Thomastown
- 376 - Wexford - Carlow
- 736 - Dublin Airport - Waterford City
- 800 - Arklow - Carlow
- 822 - Mountrath - Carlow
- 874 - Hacketstown - Carlow
- 880 - Carlow - Naas
- 887 - Carlow - New Ross
- 897 - Kilkenny - Athy
- CW1 - MSD - Tyndall College
- CW2 - Barrow Valley RPK - Business Park
- GD02 - Waterford - Carlow - Dublin
- IW01 - Kilkenny - Carlow
Source: Transport for Ireland GTFS_All feed (NTA), CC-BY 4.0. Stops matched to the town within a 6 km radius; route list capped.
Commute to Dublin from Carlow
Driving from Carlow to Dublin city centre takes about 68 minutes by car on a clear run. That is faster than 7 of the 25 Leinster commuter towns we have routed to Dublin, the 18th-shortest drive in that set.
| Town | Drive to Dublin |
|---|---|
| Carlow, Carlow This town | 68 min |
| Leixlip, Kildare Closest routed town | 22 min |
| Wexford, Wexford Farthest routed town | 106 min |
Door-to-centre driving time routed on OpenStreetMap road data via OSRM, no live traffic. Comparison is against the Leinster commuter towns routed so far. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Schools in Carlow
There are 10 primary and 6 post-primary schools in and around Carlow, 8 of them in the DEIS programme.
| School | Level | Pupils | DEIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyndall College | Post-primary | 1002 | DEIS |
| St. Leo'S College | Post-primary | 885 | |
| Presentation College | Post-primary | 804 | |
| Holy Family National School | Primary | 592 | DEIS |
| S N Naomh Fhiach | Primary | 570 | DEIS |
| St Mary'S Knockbeg College | Post-primary | 493 | |
| Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc | Primary | 444 | |
| St Mary'S Academy Cbs | Post-primary | 406 | DEIS |
| Carlow Educate Together Ns | Primary | 389 | DEIS |
| Bennekerry National School | Primary | 377 | |
| Gaelcholáiste Cheatharlach | Post-primary | 359 | |
| S N Muire Gan Smal | Primary | 345 | DEIS |
| Fr Cullen Memorial N S | Primary | 231 | |
| Bishop Foley Memorial School Boys Snr Sch | Primary | 165 | DEIS |
Showing the 14 largest of 16.
Source: Department of Education, Data on Individual Schools. CC-BY 4.0.
Things to do in and around Carlow
- Heritage nearby: Browneshill Megalithic Tomb (3 km) · Baltinglass Abbey (19 km) · Aghowle Church (22 km) · Timahoe Round Tower (23 km)
- Walking trails in County Carlow: Bahana Forest Trail · Clashganny Lock Loop · Clashganny Viewing Point Loop · Clogrennane Wood Loop
Full guide: things to do in Carlow →
Where Carlow is
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors
What it costs: house prices and rent in Carlow
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Median sale price (12 mo) | €285,000 (+11.3% YoY) |
| Average monthly rent (Q4 2025) | €1,349 |
| Gross rental yield | 5.7% |
| Net yield (est.) | 4.4% |
| Carlow county median | €300k |
| New build / second-hand | €340,000 / €281,000 |
What this means: New builds in Carlow sell at about a 21% premium to second-hand homes (€340,000 vs €281,000).
Recent sales in Carlow
| Date | Address | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Aug 26 | 9 TYNDALL COURT, KILKENNY ROAD, CARLOW | Second-hand | €310,000 |
| 31 Jul 26 | 2 BARROW LOUGH, LEIGHLINBRIDGE, CARLOW | Second-hand | €391,000 |
| 31 Jul 26 | 24 WOLSELEY VILLAGE, TULLOW, CARLOW | Second-hand | €230,000 |
| 28 Jul 26 | 7 LARAGHBEG, BALLON, CARLOW | Second-hand | €295,000 |
| 23 Jul 26 | 146 SANDHILLS HACKETTSTOWN RD, CARLOW | Second-hand | €330,000 |
| 22 Jul 26 | 15 DOLMEN COURT, BROWNESHILL RD, CARLOW | Second-hand | €321,000 |
| 21 Jul 26 | 19 THE RISE, BALLYMURPHY RD, TULLOW | Second-hand | €320,000 |
| 21 Jul 26 | 21 HILLBROOK EST, TULLOW, CARLOW | Second-hand | €208,000 |
Actual sale prices from the Property Price Register, verifiable at propertypriceregister.ie.
Carlow median price, year by year
| Year | Median | Relative | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | €225,000 | 447 sales | |
| 2024 | €248,250 | 412 sales | |
| 2025 | €269,500 | 456 sales | |
| 2026 | €290,000 | 181 sales |
Average rent by size (Q4 2025)
| 1-bed | 2-bed | 3-bed | 4+ bed |
|---|---|---|---|
| €970 | €1,122 | €1,306 | €1,817 |
Maximum legal rent increase in Carlow
Since 1 March 2026 a rent review is capped at the lower of 2% a year (pro rata) or CPI inflation.
The full March 2026 rent review rules
Carlow compared with County Carlow
| County | Median | Relative |
|---|---|---|
| County Carlow median | 300000 | |
| Carlow | 285000 |
Rent or buy in Carlow?
At a glance: €285,000 to buy versus €1,349 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025), a 5.7% gross yield.
Local Property Tax in Carlow
The median home (€285,000) falls in LPT Band 2, a base charge of €235 a year before Carlow County Council's local adjustment factor. Use the calculator for your exact valuation.
Renting in Carlow: the March 2026 rent rules
Every rent increase is now capped at the lesser of 2% a year (pro rata) or CPI inflation, nationwide since 1 March 2026. A review needs 90 days' notice on the RTB form, no more than one in any 12 months, and the notice must cite three comparable homes from the RTB Rent Register. Check any rent increase against the legal cap, or see average rents for every Leinster town.
Before you move: planning and flood
Recent development in Carlow
In the 12 months to August 2026, 124 planning grants were recorded in and around Carlow, including 261 new homes approved across those grants.
| Decided | Development | Homes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-01 | development at this site of c. 2.7 Ha. The development will comprise of the construction of 83 No. residential units and all ancillary works... | 83 |
| 2026-05-26 | construct 46 houses and all associated site works | 46 |
| 2025-11-19 | 48no. residential units (43no.- three bed dwellings, 2no.- four bed dwellings, & 3no.- two bed dwellings), a Childcare Facility (of 319sq.m) and all... | 46 |
| 2025-11-24 | the development will consist of alteration to previously approved under planning Ref: 23/60101. Alterations include amendments to demolition works... | 8 |
| 2025-09-25 | to construct 2 no.2 storey dwelling houses, 2 no. garages, 2 no. entrances ( and pedestrian access), boundary landscaping and walls, connection to... | 4 |
Source: Irish Planning Applications, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (ArcGIS, CC-BY 4.0). Granted applications keyed to the nearest town within 7 km. Homes column shows residential units in the application where recorded.
What this means: The 261 homes approved here in the last year are about 3% of Carlow's roughly 10,053 households, a supply pipeline that typically eases price pressure.
Flood maps
For the modelled fluvial, coastal and pluvial flood extents around Carlow, open the official OPW flood maps, the authoritative source for Carlow, Carlow.
View the official OPW flood maps for Carlow →
Source: Office of Public Works, floodinfo.ie. No OPW flood-extent values are reproduced here.
County context
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Population (2022 Census) | 61,968 |
| Population change 2016 to 2022 | +8.8% |
| Disposable income per person (index, State = 100) | 93.7 |
| New dwelling permissions (South-East region, 2017) | 292 thousand m² |
Planning permissions are reported at NUTS3 region level; counties in this region share a figure.
Sources: CSO F1001, CIA02, BHQ09. CC-BY 4.0.
Nearby Carlow towns
All Carlow house prices · All Leinster house prices · Things to do in Carlow
Sources: CSO Census 2022, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland, Property Price Register (PSRA), CSO RPPI, RTB via CSO. CC-BY. Figures verifiable at the official source.
Common questions about living in Carlow
What's it like to live in Carlow?
Carlow is a town in Co. Carlow, about 70 minutes from Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line, 16 schools, 51.1% of households own their home (CSO Census 2022, Department of Education, Transport for Ireland).
How much does it cost to live in Carlow?
A home in Carlow costs a median €285,000 to buy or €1,349 a month to rent (RTB Q4 2025), a 5.7% gross yield (Property Price Register, RTB via CSO).
How long is the commute from Carlow to Dublin?
About 70 minutes to Dublin city centre by car and on the rail line (OpenStreetMap routing).
What schools are in Carlow?
Schools in Carlow include Tyndall College, St. Leo'S College, Presentation College, Holy Family National School, among 10 primary and 6 post-primary in total (Department of Education, 2024/25).
What is the population of Carlow?
Carlow had a population of 27,351 at the 2022 Census (CSO).
Population and demographics
Carlow had a population of 27,351 at the 2022 Census.
| Population (2022 Census) | 27,351 |
|---|---|
| Households | 10,053 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 51% |
| Rented homes | 42% |
Source: CSO Census 2022 (CC BY 4.0). Household tenure from the same release.
Shortlist is full (max 3 towns). View your shortlist to remove a town first.
Median of open-market sales each year (Property Price Register). Latest year is partial.
Could a home in Carlow pay as a buy-to-let?
Pre-filled with Carlow's median price and average rent (RTB Q4 2025). Change any figure and it recalculates instantly.
Illustrative. Assumes ~18% of rent for management, insurance and voids; 25-year mortgage on the borrowed share; ~4% acquisition costs. Not financial advice.
What can you afford to buy in Carlow?
Pre-filled with Carlow's median price. Adjust the income and deposit and it recalculates instantly.
Central Bank of Ireland mortgage measures (since Jan 2023): first-time buyers can borrow up to 4x gross income, movers and second or subsequent buyers up to 3.5x, both with a minimum 10% deposit. Figures are illustrative, not financial advice.
Stamp duty on a Carlow property
Pre-filled with Carlow's median price. Change the purchase price and see your stamp duty and total cost instantly.
Irish residential stamp duty (rates in force since 2 October 2024): 1% on the first €1,000,000; 2% from €1,000,000 to €1,500,000; 6% on any amount above €1,500,000. Figures are illustrative, not legal or financial advice.
Local Property Tax for a Carlow home
Pre-filled with Carlow's median price. Uses the 2026 Revenue valuation bands (valuation date: 1 November 2025).
Revenue LPT 2026-2030 band table (source: revenue.ie). Your local authority can vary the base charge by up to 15%. Figures are illustrative; verify at Revenue's LPT reckoner for your exact property.
Rent cap calculator for Carlow
Pre-filled with Carlow's median rent. From 1 March 2026 all private tenancies in Ireland are covered by national rent control: the annual increase is capped at 2% or CPI inflation, whichever is lower.
Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2025; national rent control from 1 March 2026 (source: rtb.ie). Figures are illustrative, not legal advice.
What a month in Carlow costs
Real figures for Carlow: RTB average rent and an ownership estimate built on the median sale price. Adjust the mortgage rate and deposit and it recalculates instantly.
Average rent by size: 1 bed €970 · 2 bed €1,122 · 3 bed €1,306 · 4+ bed €1,817
Rent: RTB average monthly rents (RIQ02), Q4 2025. Ownership: repayment mortgage on Carlow's median Property Price Register sale price over 30 years, plus Revenue's 2026 LPT band charge divided by 12. Excludes utilities, insurance, management fees and council LPT adjustments. Illustrative, not financial advice.
See the full Carlow house prices page: median, year trend, rents by bedroom, yields and recent sales.
Visiting first? Things to do in Carlow covers attractions, heritage sites and walks nearby.
Weighing it against somewhere else? See Carlow vs Portlaoise for a family, side by side on price, rent, yield and rail access.