Visit Kilkenny Blog
Patrick thrives on Pure Adventure
Patrick McCormack from Pure Adventure loves all things aquatic and thinks there's no better way to explore Kilkenny's great outdoors than with a paddle!
In 15 words, tell us about your role... Everything, Organiser, Guide, Cleaner. My favorite role is Instructing and Guiding People in the Outdoors
What is your favourite part of your job... Watching people progress and have fun/Sharing my passion
How long have you worked in your role/been in business... 8 years in Business for 4
Where is your favourite spot in Kilkenny County... Barrow Valley
What's your top tip for any visitor to Kilkenny... Hit the River it will Blow your Mind!!
Any upcoming special offers/events? 10% off midweek trips in March/April
Official Site: http://www.pureadventure.ie/
Family fun at Nore Valley Park
Nore Valley Park is a fantastic attraction for families visiting Kilkenny and offers a great day out for all the family. Here, the owner of Nore Valley Park, Samuel Harper, tells us his favourite part about working on the farm.
In 15 words, tell us about your role?
Along with my wife, I own and run Nore Valley Park Campsite and Visitor Farm.
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job has to be showing our visitors the animals and teaching them interesting facts about them. Especially the kids, when they get to feed baby lambs or pet a deer, it's something they never forget.
How long have you worked in your role/been in business?
Well I was born here on the farm 65 years ago and have lived and farmed here all my life. We set up and started the campsite and visitor farm 25 years ago, and have never looked back since.
Where is your favourite spot in Kilkenny County?
My favourite spot is Woodstock Gardens in Inistioge, we love to go for walks there and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
What's your top tip for any visitor to Kilkenny?
My top tip is, don't just visit Kilkenny for one day! We have so much to see and do, and people often miss our hidden gems by rushing their stay here.
Any upcoming special offers/events?
We have our annual Easter egg hunt coming up on the Sat 23rd March and Mon 25th March. It's a great family fun day out, where you not only see the farm and help feed the animals, you also hunt for The elusive Easter bunnies eggs and the more you find the more chocolate you get!
See www.norevalleypark.com or www.facebook.com/norevalleypark for more details
Samuel Harper
Bringing Music to Kilkenny
Susan Proud from Music in Kilkenny loves her job as she plays a key role in the cultural programme on offer in Kilkenny over the year.
In 15 words, tell us about your role? I am the administrator and main programmer of Music in Kilkenny
My favourite part of my job is…. meeting the musicians and listening to the concerts.
I have worked in my role for…. approximately 28 years
My favourite spot in Kilkenny County is…. Brandon Hill above Inistioge
My top tip for any visitor to Kilkenny is…. to get out into the countryside. Walk along the rivers and climb the hills!
Any upcoming special offers/events?
Music in Kilkenny has received special funding from the Arts Council of Ireland to enable it to host an event as part of the Cultural Programme in celebration of Ireland's Presidency of the E.U. On Saturday 18th May the Calmus Ensemble from Leipzig will join forces with the internationally acclaimed Camerata Kilkenny for a concert of music by Bach in St. Canice's Cathedral at 8 pm.
Susan Proud
The Perfect Love Affair…with Kilkenny
Engage in the perfect love affair this Valentine's in one of the most romantic places in Ireland - Kilkenny! Reignite your passion with love and food this February and March with the Perfect Love Affair package. Whether you wish to spoil that special someone, rekindle the flame or are planning on popping that special question, Kilkenny has the perfect package to help you create an unforgettable trip.
Nothing says romance quite like a private picnic for two; soak up the magnificent natural surrounds the countryside has to offer while indulging on a variety of local delicacies, followed by a leisurely saunter, hand-in-hand, along the stunning Nore Valley. Propose from on top of Ireland medieval 9th Century skyscraper, St. Canice's Cathedral Tower, savour an intimate moment and watch the world go by as you enjoy the magnificent vista of the Marble City, all topped off with an intimate candlelit dinner for two.
The Perfect Love Affair package is available throughout February and March with participating accommodation providers. For a full list of participating providers and prices, see below.
The Perfect Love Affair package includes; two nights bed & breakfast, candlelit dinner for two on one evening, a bottle of champagne and chocolates on arrival, passes for St. Canice's Cathedral Tower and a private bike'n'hike tour for two along the stunning River Nore including a romantic picnic lunch with popular local delicacies. Prices start from €110 per person, depending on your choice of accommodation provider.
Couples will also have the option to include a private consultation with one of Kilkenny's trail-blazing gold and silversmiths, Rudolf Heltzel to help find that unique piece of jewellery that captures the essence of your love.
Experience The Perfect Love Affair…with Kilkenny |
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| Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel |
Midweek - € 149 pps |
Tel - 056 77 83500 e - info@pembrokekilkenny.com w - www.pembrokekilkenny.com |
| Rosquil House & Kilkenny Design Centre | € 45 pps |
Tel - 056 7721419 e - info@rosquilhouse.com w - www.rosquilhouse.com |
| Lyrath Estate |
Midweek - € 150 pps Weekend - € 190 pps |
Tel - 0567705803 e - reservations@lyrath.com w - www.lyrath.com Book Now |
| The Newpark Hotel |
Midweek - € 169 pps Weekend - € 199 pps |
Tel - 056 7760500 w - www.flynnhotels.com |
| Hotel Kilkenny | From € 170 pps |
Tel - 056 776 2000 e - reservations@hotelkilkenny.ie w - www.hotelkilkenny.ie Book Now |
| Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel |
Midweek - € 130 pps Weekend - € 210 pps |
Tel - 056 7723977 w - www.kilkennyormonde.com |
Special Valentine's Only Offers |
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| Killure Lodge, Goresbridge (Self Catering) | 2 nights, Bottle of Wine on arrival, Voucher for A Tourist Attraction (2 people), Bikes available for Cycling Trails & Romantic River Side Walks by River Barrow, just € 150 |
Tel - 059 9775567 e - reservations@killure.ie w - www.killure.ie |
| The Gables |
Roses are red violets are blue The Gables is here waiting for you. With an open fire that you can light Your life will be oh so bright. A stones throw away from Kilkenny City You'll never have been in a place so pretty. With a great bargain and a happy smile It will be like a trip down the Isle. So with just the click of a mouse You'll enjoy this beautiful house. |
Tel - 056 7761869 e - info@gables.ie w - www.gables.ie |
General Manager of the Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel, Paul Broderick, looks after customer smiles!
Located in the heart of Kilkenny City, the Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel offers a very stylish place to stay with superior customer service under the leadership of Paul Broderick. Here Paul tells us about his role.
In my role at the Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel… I'm responsible for Customer Smiles!
The favourite part of my job is… Welcoming guests to the hotel
My favourite spot in Kilkenny County is… Bennetsbridge
My top tip for any visitor to Kilkenny is… The path from Butler house to Kilkenny Design & The Castle - breathtaking walk!
Check out the Kilkenny Pembroke Hotel's offer for The Perfect Love Affair during February and March….the perfect sanctuary!
Paul Broderick, Lucie Dowling - recent Student of the Year @ Conor Kenny and Conor Kenny
€5.5 million tourism investment in “Medieval Mile” for Kilkenny
2nd November 2012
An ambitious €5.5 million investment in a new “Medieval Mile” tourism project for Kilkenny was announced last week by Minister Phil Hogan.
The “Medieval Mile” will stretch from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice’s Cathedral and will position the historic city as a “must see” destination for overseas visitors to Ireland.
Approval for the project had been secured for investment by Fáilte Ireland in three “Medieval Mile” projects -
- A museum at St Mary’s Church;
- A Great Garden along the River Nore through the centre of the city
- A “medieval mile” visitor experience stretching from Kilkenny Castle to St Canice’s Cathedral through the main street (High Street)
Kilkenny is one of an “urban triangle” of three centres in the South East, including Wexford and Waterford, which have been targeted by Failte Ireland for promotion. Visitors numbers to the South East grew 6% last year, and the sector is worth €360 million to the region and accounts for over 10,000 jobs.
The €5.5 million is phase one of a strategic development package worth €15 million to be delivered by Failte Ireland and the Kilkenny Local Authorities working with Kilkenny Tourism and local arts interests over the next four years.
Fáilte Ireland CEO, Shaun Quinn emphasised that Kilkenny is a city of significant strategic importance to overseas tourism to Ireland.
“We in Fáilte Ireland believe we can build on the remarkable potential of Kilkenny to increase the quantity of visitors we welcome and to enhance the quality of their experience. The Medieval Mile Project, which will incorporate a number of integrated projects in the city centre, will give Kilkenny a competitive edge when it comes to attracting more overseas visitors to the city. This is not only good for tourism but also for businesses, retailers and jobs.”
“Increasingly, a successful tourism destination needs to be able to tell its story and to provide opportunities for visitors to engage with the narrative. We believe that the Medieval Mile development will assist us in the marketing of Ireland and in particular Kilkenny as a world class cultural destination”.
Images of proposal's can be seen at www.kilkennytourism.ie/medieval_mile_kilkenny_announced
WET N WILD IN KILKENNY THIS AUTUMN
It may be a landlocked County, but there is plenty of wet n wild activities on offer in Kilkenny. Home of the three sisters, the River Barrow, Nore and Suir, you can explore all corners of the County via the vast river network from a kayak or even take a waterside bike ride along the Nore from Kilkenny City.
For the more adventurous amongst us, Kilkenny is only a short trip to Tramore surf beach with warm water temperatures for the Autumn season. Or even try your hand at Stand Up Paddle Boarding right in the centre of Kilkenny City.
A favourite with families is the newly launched Climbing Wall and Tree-Top Adventure Walks at the Castlecomer Discovery Park, where you can explore rural Kilkenny from a different perspective.
Let your inner adventure seeker run wild with the Wet n Wild Bundle in Kilkenny this mid-term break, which offers something for all the family. To avail of this offer, quote "Wet n Wild" offer when you contact each of the operators below.
Surf Lesson (2 1/2 hrs)
Morning or Afternoon sessions available with all equipment and use of facilities including Tea & Coffee in Surfers Kitchen Cafe. Kilkenny's nearest surf beach is only 45 minutes away from the City! Only €25pp (€15 off normal price). To pre-book, phone 086 391 4908 or visit www.freedomsurfschool.com
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Pure Adventure Ireland are offering a fantastic mid term Stand Up Paddle Boarding Session in Kilkenny City - 6 people for the Price of 4 Total Price €120 (Usual price €30 per person). All equipment supplied and a great time Guaranteed! To book, phone 087 226 5550 or email info@pureadventure.ie
Cycling
Experience Kilkenny like you've never seen it before with a guided cycling tour with Kilkenny Cycling Tours. They are offering free child places on their guided bike tours (for up to 2 children) when 2 adults are booked. Furthermore, they are offering 25% off their Bike 'N' Hike tours if you book your tour before Friday, 19th October. To book, phone 086 895 4961 or visit www.kilkennycyclingtours.com
Kayaking
Get 10% off all kayaking trips and tours during the mid-term break with Pure Adventure Ireland. Enjoy kayaking or canoeing down the River Barrow experiencing the beauty of the countryside whilst getting your thrills from the white water sections! For more information on how to avail of this great deal call 087 226 5550 or email info@pureadventure.ie
Climbing Wall, Leap of Faith & Tree Top Adventure Walk
New additions to the Castlecomer Discovery Park, the Climbing Wall, Leap of Faith and Tree Top Walk are proving a huge hit with families. The walk meanders through the tree top canopy for over 140 metres and is positioned 10 metres above the ground. Along the way are extra challenges for extra adventure! Challenge yourself to achieve new heights with the Climbing Wall and Leap of Faith, which caters for all levels from beginner to experienced. Challenge yourself to all three activities for only €20 per person. 10% discount deal available on families of four or more, or groups of ten. See activities in full use on www.discoverypark.ie and see how fun, safe and accessible it is. To book, phone 056 444 0707.
KILKENOMICS Returns for a Third Year From November 1st - 4th 2012
It's High Time for a Dose of Cautious Optimism
Returning for a third consecutive year after a successful sold out festival last year, Kilkenomics Festival will run from November 1st - 4th. Typically shrouded in mystery and often deliberate confusion, national economic issues can be difficult to digest and grasp. Kilkenomics aims to remove the jargon, political squabbling and elitism involved in economic debate to provide the festival goer with information in as accessible, innovative and entertaining way as possible. Top economists making the trip to the Marble City this year include; David McWilliams, Paul McCulley, Max Keiser, Thorvaldur Gylfason, Matina Stevis and Linda Yueh. Tickets are available now from www.kilkenomics.com
After the horror of the last few years of bank bailouts, spending cuts and being monitored at work by Angela Merkel, festival organisers are prescribing a healthy dose of cautious optimism and laughter. With another exciting programme in place for the third annual Kilkenomics Festival, this year promises to be the biggest and best yet, featuring world renowned economic experts together with some of Ireland's favourite and most irreverent comedians, promising five days of straight-talking, informative shows designed to engage, enlighten and empower with a particular emphasis on positive solutions for the future.
The Marble City will play host to some of the most lauded economic experts in the world including Paul McCulley, Matina Stevis, Megan Greene, Linda Yueh, Bill Black and Peter Antonioni along with Ireland's own David McWilliams as they discuss the options on the table for Ireland and Europe.
All of the debates and discussions will feature comedic interludes from this year's Kilkenomics register of funny men including Des Bishop, Neil Delamere, Colm O'Regan, Colin Murphy, Kevin Gildea, Barry Murphy and Karl Spain.
Kilkenomics will take place in Kilkenny from Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th November. Tickets are on sale now! For further information visit www.kilkenomics.com
Thrillkenny Zombiefest 2012
Thrillkenny Zombiefest 2012 is street festival taking place on the nights of Saturday October 27th and Sunday October 28th in the 'medi-evil' city of Kilkenny.
Festival goers will be invited to register and participate in the Official Kilkenny 'Thrill The World' Global World Record on Saturday October 27th at 7pm at the Market Yard. Thrillkenny will provide FREE Thriller Dance Workshops in the run-up to the event with the Award Winning dance company ponydance (see image at bottom of page) who performed at the Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2010. Following the 'Thrill The World' event Thrillkenny will have a Zombie Walk through Kieran Street. There will also be lots of eclectic and zombified street performances as well as Zombie events in the cities bars and nightclubs over the 2 nights including a Dead Disco!
Register to take part in the official Thriller Dance event October 27th at 7pm as well as the ponydance workshops online at Thrillkenny.com Prior registration is essential!
There will also be lots of Zombiefied street entertainment including Pyrotechnic Displays, Zombie Bride Stiltwalkers, Live Street Music, Sword Swallowers, Knife Jugglers and lots more! For more information on this apocalyptic weekend visit http://thrillkenny.com/ or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. This Is An Over 18's Event Only!!
Background: What is Thrill The World?
Thrill The World is an annual worldwide simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson's "Thriller." Every October, since 2006, Funky Zombies across the globe gather to synchronize their watches and dance to the greatest selling record of all time - Michael Jackson's Thriller!
Volunteer event organizers in cities around the world organize events using the Thrill The World leaders manual and Thrill The World tool box. All official Thrill The World events are included in the numbers for setting and breaking world records.
Thrillkenny Zombiefest 2012 will link in Kilkenny with this World Record for the FIRST TIME EVER!!
Contact Tracy Ryan, Bespoke Events, Marketing and PR, 25 James's Street for information: tracyryan@bespokeevents.ie 085 826 0759
Let your taste buds do the talking at Savour Kilkenny
Now in its 6th Year, Savour Kilkenny has firmly established itself on the food festival trail both locally and nationally. The combination of the outdoor food market (which runs for two full days) along with the participation of local restaurants transforms Kilkenny into a vibrant, busy city across the October 2012 Bank Holiday weekend.
Tented Food Village (which includes food producer stalls from across the country selling their wares, celebrity demos, local chef demos and many other attractions such as kids disco, Grow it Yourself tent, Forgotten Skills Pavilion), Children's events (including cooker/art competitions), Food Talks (National Dairy Council, Bord Bia) and special events in restaurants across the city.
Extensive range of events/activities for all the family across three days. All events are free apart from Celebrity Demos, Savour Theatre and Mad Hatters' Tea Party
Most of the events take place on the Parade Plaza in the centre of Kilkenny. Other locations across the city include Castle Yard, Canal Square and various restaurants/hotels
Visit www.savourkilkenny.com for full Festival details.
Kilkenny Festival Season 2012 Hits Fever Pitch
On the back of a hugely successful summer season of Festivals and Events, headlined by the Kilkenny Arts Festival and Ireland’s first ever outdoor production by London’s Globe Theatre and not forgetting the celebrations by Brian Cody’s Kilkenny Cats homecoming with The Liam Mc Carthy Cup last week, you would imagine Kilkenny would be relaxing and taking it easy. Instead, this creative, magical and medieval city, with a growing reputation as The Festival Hub of Ireland, is all fired up to launch the best ever Autumn/Winter Festival Season.
This year Kilkenny will deliver the biggest and best festival season yet, with many new offerings including Future Fashion at Kilkenny Fashion Week; Fabulous Food at Savour Kilkenny Food Festival and the Best of Films at Kilkenny’s first ever European Film Festival ‘Subtitle’ plus some hot topic debates at Kilkeconomics as well as a Halloween programme of Sacrefests, Zomie Thriller moves, witches races (led by the infamous Dame Alice Kytler), ghost trains and poisonous potions for good measure!
Speaking on the festival programme, Amanda Horan, from Fáilte Ireland in the South East commented:
"It's wonderful to see Kilkenny's creative capital coming together once more to deliver such a unique Festival and Events Progrmame for the Autumn/ Winter season. The breadth of festivals with their exciting and engaging programmes guarantee visitors to Kilkenny, whether on a short break or visiting for a day with family and friends, will be fully entertained by the festival calendar on offer.
“Whether a foodie or a film buff, a fashionista or if you’re into Halloween costume, spooky stories and festivities this magical medieval city with it's very unique history of 'witchcraft' will have you under a spell and guarantee you a great time.”
Details of all the festival and events programmes can be found on www.discoverrieland.ie/kilkenny
Press Release from Failite Ireland via http://www.failteireland.ie
FALL FOR FRANC AT CONFETTI LIVE! KILKENNY, THIS OCTOBER
TV sensation Franc is the star of the show at Confetti Live! coming to Kilkenny’s The Hub this October 13th & 14th.
Ireland’s sassiest, classiest wedding fair, Confetti Live! promises to be the most spectacular wedding event for brides and grooms-to-be in the Kilkenny region.
Whether you're engaged, have just popped the question or are deep in the organisation process, there'll be something for everyone. Bring your bridesmaids, mum, dad and sisters – there’s something for everyone at Confetti Live!
You can also expect to meet and chat with vendors and discover offers from a whole range of products and service suppliers including venues, food, favours and wine; bridal shops, dresses and grooms suiting; shoes, accessories and beauty; travel, honeymoons and weddings abroad; cars, wedding bands, DJs and soloists plus planners, pre-marriage courses and advice.
Then relax and watch fantastic catwalk shows, professionally produced and staged by Franc, starring models from the Andrea Roche Model Agency, featuring gorgeous gowns available from stockists exhibiting at the show.
Confetti Live! Kilkenny will also feature a live audience with Franc each day, where he’ll dispense words of advice and wisdom gleaned from many years in the wedding business.
Ahead of the event brides-to-be in the Kilkenny area have a fantastic opportunity to avail of discounted tickets to Confetti Live! if they book online before the event. Just visit http://www.confetti.ie/live/kilkenny.html to get yours now!
Kilkenny Tourism Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Kilkenny Tourism will be held on Friday 17th June 2011 at 1pm at Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde Street, Kilkenny All interested parties are invited to attend. Entrance is free and refreshments will be served. Nominations accepted from current 2011 subscribers.
Kilkenny Tourism launches its Photographic Competition for 2011
Calling all budding photographers! Kilkenny Tourism is launching its second Photographic Competition this summer. The theme this year is ‘People enjoying themselves in Kilkenny’. ‘We’re looking for images of people in Kilkenny engaging in fun activities’, said Kevin Mahon, Chair of Kilkenny Tourism. ‘The winning photographs will be used in the 2012 Tourism Brochure, and so we want to show Kilkenny city and county in the best light possible.’
Some of last year’s entries were used in the 2011 Tourism Brochure, copies of which are available throughout the city and county (particularly in the Tourist Office on Rose Inn Street, and in all accommodation providers).
The closing date for entry is Wednesday 31st August, and all entries must be sent to kilkennycoco@gmail.com. Images must be 2mb or larger, and must include people. Terms and Conditions of the competition are available here. Cash prizes will be given for best three entries, and the judges’ decision will be final.
Meet in Ireland have recently launched a promotional video for Kilkenny, you can watch it here...
http://www.meetinireland.ie/kilkenny
Springtime in Kilkenny
Welcome to springtime in Kilkenny.... come visit us soon... you can use this site to check what's on every day of every week in Kilkenny..
Travel around the City and County to experience our many heritage attractions.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Kilkenny and lots of sports and activities are available throughout the city and county.
Perhaps you just want to do a little shopping or follow our craft trail or maybe you just need a little pampering or perhaps a romantic getaway?
There is a wide range of accommodation available in Kilkenny to suit every visitor... and if you can't quite get away to visit us yet, in the meantime perhaps you would enjoy a foretaste of Kilkenny by exploring our interactive panoramas on this website..
We look forward to seeing you here soon..
The Visit Kilkenny Team.
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