Kilkenny’s Vibrant Heritage
KILKENNY’S VIBRANT HERITAGE
Kilkenny is recognised as the heritage capital of Ireland - and for great reason. Kilkenny City and County are full of beautiful and engaging heritage attractions - below we have put together some handy heritage itineraries to help you discover Kilkenny's vibrant heritage and hidden cultural gems.
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Kilkenny CityFirst, pay a visit to St Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower, before visiting local silversmith Jane Huston to view her hand-made jewellery. Then visit Rothe House and enjoy the tranquil Garden, followed by a short stroll to the Black Abbey. Finally, pop into the Chapter House of St Mary's Cathedral, before embarking on the Kilkenny Way Tour to learn about Kilkenny's extraordinary Hurling Heritage! |
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North East KilkennyLocated 10km from Kilkenny City on the Castlecomer Rd, visit Dunmore Cave, which contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. Continue on the same road and enjoy a stroll amongst the deer at Jenkinstown Park, before journeying onto Castlecomer Discovery Park, which has the Jarrow café, a fascinating coal-mining interpretative museum and a craft yard. |
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East KilkennyA meal in the Gowran Racetrack Restaurant will fill you up for this active bundle, which includes a trip to nearby Gowran Castle and the historic St Mary's Church. Call into the artisan food shop "Glasrai and Goodies" for some treats. Then pay a visit to Ireland's only Reptile Zoo. Journey onto Goresbridge and take a scenic meander along the banks of the River Barrow. |
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South West KilkennyFirst, pay a visit to the Calder-Potts Family at Highbank Orchards to sample some of their famous, and delicious, apple syrup. Continue on to see Bridge Pottery run by Caroline Dolan and Spirit Jewellery by Friederike Grace. Visit Burch Church Castle where Oliver Cromwell rested, before arriving at spectacular Kells Priory, known locally as "Seven Castles" for its striking tower houses. |
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BennetsbridgeThis is feast for lovers of craft. Call into Larry Kinsella and witness him crafting beautiful candles at Moth to a Flame. Enjoy a cuppa in the restaurant at Nicolas Mosse Pottery Factory before wandering around the pottery shop and observing how this internationally famous pottery is hand crafted. Call into Philip Heiter, a local wood turner, followed by a leisurely stroll along the River Nore. |
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ThomastownBrowse around Karen Morgan's contemporary pottery shop in Thomastown, before paying a visit to Jerpoint Glass to learn about the craft of glass blowing. Continue on to Jerpoint Abbey, built in 1180AD. From the Abbey, drive on the same road and you will see Goatsbridge Trout Farm, which is a must for all fish lovers. Continue on to Jerpoint Park you will enjoy the wonderful experiences of Jerpoint Park, Ireland's best surviving example of a deserted 12th Century Medieval Town. Finally, stop into the magnificent Mount Juliet Estate for well-deserved refreshments. |
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InistiogeThe charming village of Inistoige can be fully appreciated from an outlook point on the drive up to the exquisite grounds of Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, which is a steep drive from the village but well worth it. Stop off in the village for a cuppa in the Circle of Friends Café, followed by a visit to Tunde Toth Papermaker to learn about the art of papermaking (by appointment only). |
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GraignamanaghVisit the largest Cistercian Duiske Abbey in the gorgeous village of Graignamanagh. Enjoy the ambience by the River Barrow on the way to Duiske Glass Kilkenny, followed by a visit to see Cushendale Wollen Mills. Finish your journey by bike, on foot, or by car to the beautiful village of St Mullins, enjoying some desserts at the Mulicán Café. |
To get more information on the itineraries above, including key contacts, locations, opening times etc. please visit http://www.kilkennytourism.ie/things_to_do and http://www.kilkennytourism.ie/heritage_kilkenny
And to book your accommodation, please visit http://www.kilkennytourism.ie/accommodation_kilkenny
Below you will find some special heritage offers to ensure you get great value on your visit to Kilkenny.
SPECIAL HERITAGE OFFERS
A Connoisseurs' Dream at the Newpark Hotel3 Nights B&B & Dinner in Campagne from 169.00 per adult sharing Experience the Newpark Hotel....
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T. 056 7760500 |
Get Active at Castlecomer Discovery ParkGet active at Castlecomer Discovery Park and enjoy our 80 acre stunning natural woodland!
Total day out: €27.50 |
T: 056 4440707 |
1 or 2 Nights B&B & City Train Tour1 or 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast in a double/twin room with tickets to a Historical Tour of the City by Road Train Up to 2 Kids U12 stay FREE Available Sunday - Thursday inclusive (excluding Bank Holidays) 1 night From €50 per person sharing – 2 Nights From €90 per persons sharing |
T: 056 7750200 |
His & Her-itage, couples retreat at the Springhill Court HotelExplore Kilkenny City's vast heritage and enjoy two nights B&B with one evening meal & one signature spa treatment per person. Take in a guided tour with Kilkenny Walking Tours and visit Dame Alice Kyteler's home, the Kilkenny Witch, meander medieval slip ways, see the city gate & wall, the Black Abbey to name but a few! Valid midweek, Sunday to Thursday (excluding Bank Holiday Sundays) and is €119pps
T: 056 7721122 E:Reservations@springhillcourt.com |
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Brewery Tour Experience with Hotel KilkennyThis great 2 night break away is available Monday – Thursday. Package includes:
From : €105 per person sharing Please book by clicking here: http://secure.hotelkilkenny.ie/bookings/specials/brewery-tour-experience |
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