kilkenny walking & cycling trails

walking, cycling, food and craft trails

free maps for 5 scenic walks | 3 river walks | 4 cycle routes

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FREE

2

ContentsIntroduction 3

Brandon Hill Loop 4

Kilmacoliver Loop 6

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop 8

Freshford Loop 10

Castlemorris Wood Loop 12

The Nore Linear Park – Nore Valley Walk 14

Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge – Nore Valley Walk 16

County Map 18

Thomastown to Inistioge – Nore Valley Walk 20

East Kilkenny Cycle Route 22

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop 24 Jenkinstown – Dunmore

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop Bennettsbridge - Stoneyford - Kells 26

North Kilkenny Cycle Route 28

TASTE of Kilkenny Food Trail 30

MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail 32

Kilkenny Trails Festival 34

Activity Providers and Support Services 35

3

Introduction

This directory contains a range of trails designed to inspire you to get out and explore the County and countryside of Kilkenny.

Whether it’s an activity trail; a scenic walk, a cycle route or a walk along the banks of the River Nore; you’ll find suggested routes and maps for you to follow over the coming pages.

Combine your time in the outdoors with a visit to one of the many food and craft producers that are dotted around the county.

The options are endless… Stroll the leafy lanes of O’Gorman’s Lane Loop and visit a candlemaker or the renowned Nicholas Mosse Pottery Studios in the old flour mill in Bennettsbridge. Start or end your river walk with a stroll through Thomastown with its village cafés; and pottery like Karen Morgan’s Porcelain Studio. If you’re on your bike on the East Kilkenny Cycle route, you’ll pass through Graiguenamanagh – drop in to 13th century Cistercian monastery of Duiske Abbey and take in a visit to Cushendale Woollen Mills; where the Cushen family have been weaving throws for generations.

For foodies, the TASTE of Kilkenny Food Trail suggests visits to organic orchards, a trout farm, and everything from artisan cheesemakers, cute cafés and chocolatiers, to the most cosmopolitan of city restaurants.

Kilkenny has long been associated with creativity and design and its reputation for great craft is encapsulated in the MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail which includes a selection of its most renowned potters, jewellers and craftspeople working in willow, glassblowing, stonecarving and weaving; many of whom you can visit in their own studios.

You’ll find a County map on the centrefold that shows all of the trailheads and location of all of the TASTE and MADE producers.

4

Trailhead Graiguenamanagh, Co. KilkennyServices GraiguenamanaghDist/Time 12km / 5hrsHigh/Ascent 520m / 600mDifficulty HardTerrain Minor roadways, forestry tracks and hillside pathsTo Suit Experienced walkersMinimum Gear Hiking boots, rain gear, fluids, snacks and mobile phoneGrid Ref. OS Sheet 68, S708 436

STARTFINISH

DuiskeAbbeyDuiskeAbbey

GalmoyCastle

GalmoyCastle

South Leinster Way

Barrow Way

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

SouthLeinster Way

BarrowWay

AB

C

F

E

D

Brandon Hill Loop

Trailhead starting point

East KilkennyCycle RouteEast KilkennyCycle Route

Brandon HillLoop

Graiguenamanagh

Brandon Hill Loop

77

4

5

A-B Starting from the trailhead, follow the purple arrows which guide you around this loop and begin at the exit of the town. You are also following the yellow arrows of the South Leinster Way. Ascend to reach the end of a cul-de-sac at the side of the town bypass. Cross the road to join a minor road. Follow this road for 200m to reach a junction with another minor road on your left. Turn left here.

B-C Follow this road for almost 2km where it merges into a forestry roadway – still following the purple and yellow arrows. After 200m the forestry track turns a right bend and passes through a barrier into Gorlough Wood. 300m later you reach a 3-way junction where the South Leinster Way continues straight, but you turn left.

C-D Continue to follow purple arrows along a forestry track for 3km to reach another 3-way junction where the loop veers right. Ascend along the forestry track as it zig-zags and then skirts around Ballinvarry Hill. After nearly a 2km walk, you reach a crossroads of tracks where the loop turns sharp right onto a ‘green’ roadway and starts the ascent toward Brandon Hill.

D-E After 500m of a climb, you reach a concrete stile and join a track where you turn right along the top of forestry and open hillside on your left. Pay close attention now because less than 200m later you will turn left again and join a path on the hillside which will take you to the top of Brandon Hill.

E-F From the top, look for a waymarker which points you onto a stony path which marks the start of your inward journey. The path zig-zags and descends downhill to reach the edge of forestry where you veer right on to a forestry road.

F-C After nearly 1km you reach a Y-junction where the loop rejoins the South Leinster Way. Veer right and start to descend again into Gorlough Wood – following the purple and yellow arrows. Pass by the site of Reneys Well to rejoin the 3-way junction (at C) where you started the loop. This time, proceed straight and follow the purple (and yellow) arrows back to the town of Graiguenamanagh.

Directions to TrailheadBrandon Hill loop starts in the town of Graiguenamanagh. The trailhead is at the junction on Lower Main Street.

Walks Directions

5

6

Trailhead Tullahought, Co. KilkennyServices Kilmaganny (10km) Dist/Time 6km / 2hrsHigh/Ascent 120m / 110mDifficulty ModerateTerrain Laneways, fields and woodland trailsTo Suit Above average levels of fitnessMinimum Gear Walking boots, rain gear, fluids and mobile phoneGrid Ref. OS Sheet 75 S432 298

STARTFINISH

0.5km0 0.5km

Tullahought

GAA pitch

0 0.5km0 0.5km

Tullahought

GAA pitch

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Kilmacover HillKilmacover HillMegalithic TombMegalithic Tomb

KilmacoliverLoop B

D

C

E

Kilmacoliver Loop


Church/Abbey

A

Tullahought

Kilmacoliver Loop

32

7

A-B Starting from the car park at the Watering Place follow the tarred road for 400m, past a road on your right, to a laneway on your left. Turn left here.

B-C Following the laneway (which gives way to a sandy lane) you ascend gently for almost 2km to reach a metal gate entrance to an old homestead at Bregaun. Fine views of the Kilkenny countryside begin to open up on your left - and on your right the outline of the trig pillar atop Kilmacoliver Hill becomes visible. Enter the old farm via the metal stile.

C-D Follow the laneway past the old house and farmyard (please do not enter), and shortly afterwards be alert as the loop leaves the laneway to your right and follows a dry ditch on the ascent to the summit of Kilmacoliver Hill.

E-A Turning left, you reach a T-junction where you take a right for the final 400m to the trailhead.

D-E Take time on the summit to enjoy the circular enclosure of stones and (depending on the weather) the views over counties Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow and Wexford. The substantial hill in front of you is Carrigadoon Hill. Leaving the stone circle behind, descend downhill following the fence on the border of the field – and enters privately developed woodland of broadleaf trees including oak, beech, birch, larch, ash and cherry. The trip through the young woodlands is a pleasant one which ends at a metal gate as you rejoin the laneway on which you traveled outward.

Directions to TrailheadStart from the village of Kilmaganny on the R701 between Knocktopher and Carrick-on-Suir. Follow the R697 in the direction of Carrick-on-Suir for approximately 5km and then take a left turn in the direction of Tullahought Village. Follow this road for 1km and at the crossroads take a right turn and the trail head is 500 metres on the right hand side.

Walks Directions

8

Trailhead Primary School, Bennettsbridge, Co. KilkennyServices BennettsbridgeDist/Time 4km / 1hrHigh/Ascent 60m / 20mDifficulty EasyTerrain Country roads, old laneways, woodland tracks, riverbankTo Suit All levels of fitnessMinimum Gear Walking boots, rain gear, fluids and mobile phoneGrid Ref. OS Sheet 67 S554 493

STARTFINISH

Nicholas Mosse Pottery


Moth to a FlameMoth to a Flame

M9

B

C

O’Gorman’sLane Loop

Nore Valley WalkNore Valley Walk

South KilkennyCycle LoopSouth KilkennyCycle Loop


A South Kilkenny Cycle Loop


Nore Valley Walk

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop


MADE in KilkennyCrafts People

Bennettsbridge

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop

132

9

A-B With your back to the Primary School turn right and follow the purple arrows along the road to exit the village. Cross the railway bridge and along the road for almost 1km to reach O’Gorman’s Lane (at the side of a house on your left). Turn left here onto the lane.

B-C Follow this old disused laneway as it makes its way across farmland to reach a surfaced road in the townland of Bishopslough West. Turn left and follow the road for 500m to reach a junction where you turn right. After another 500m (and just before you reach the M9 motorway), turn left and cross a stile onto an old roadway which takes you under a tunnel (the railway line) and onto the River Nore. Turn left onto the riverbank.

C-A The final section of the loop follows the river back to Bennettsbridge. Note that the loop now overlaps the Nore Valley Walk. A set of steps takes you into the village at the bridge – turn left and walk 100m back to the trailhead.

Directions to TrailheadFrom the N77 Kilkenny City Ring Road, take the R700 at the Bennettsbridge Road Roundabout (signposted New Ross). After approx 8km you enter the pretty village of Bennettsbridge crossing a bridge over the River Nore. As the R700 swings sharp right – cross straight over onto the road to Gowran. The mapboard is attached to Tynan’s butcher shop at the bridge, car parking is available in the Primary School 100 metres through the village on the right hand side.

Walks Directions

10

Trailhead Village Green, Freshford, Co. KilkennyServices FreshfordDist/Time 8km / 2hr - 2.5hrsHigh/Ascent 160m / 100mDifficulty ModerateTerrain Riverbank, woodland track, lanewaysTo Suit All levels of fitnessMinimum Gear Walking boots, rain gear, fluids and mobile phoneGrid Ref. OS Sheet 60 S407 647

STARTFINISH

North KilkennyCycle RouteNorth KilkennyCycle Route

FreshfordLoop

B

C

North Kilkenny Cycle Route

Freshford Loop


A

Freshford

Freshford Loop

128

11

A-B From the trailhead follow the purple arrows along the road to the end of the village green and continue straight ahead to pass the church (on your left). Continue along the road for 300m to reach a ‘gap’ in the wall on your right where you turn right and cross the stream by footbridge. Now the loop follows the right bank of the stream through a lovely section of broadleaf woodland – this takes you to the entrance roadway to Upper Court Manor. Cross the roadway and join the bank of the stream again for a short section which takes you into Brown’s Wood. After the wooden sign turn right and cross the wooden footbridge.

B-C Continue to follow the forestry roadway as it sweeps uphill. After more than 1km you turn right (leaving the ‘official’ roadway and joining a narrow path through woodland). After 20 metres you leave the woods, cross a stile and enter the top of planted forest. Follow the fence along the boarder of the forest until it descends down hill on an old roadway. Exit the forest area over a gate with a built in stile to join the surfaced roadway.

C-A After a short section of surfaced road, the loop turns left and takes you across a field to reach the banks of the Nuenna River. At the river bank turn right and follow the river through a number of farmers fields. On entering the last field follow the arrows along the boarder of the field and onto a tarred road. On meeting the road take a left and follow the road back to the trailhead.

Directions to TrailheadLeave Kilkenny City on the Freshford Road (R693), pass straight through the roundabout at St. Luke’s Hospital and continue straight along this road for 12km until you reach Freshford village. The green is straight in front of you as you enter the village. The trailhead mapboard is situated on the green.

Walks Directions

12

Trailhead Castlemorris Wood Loop, Co. KilkennyServices Knocktopher. Picnic tables on site Dist/Time 7km / 2hrs - 2.5hrsHigh/Ascent 160m / 90mDifficulty EasyTerrain Forestry roads, grassy path and country roadsTo Suit Above average levels of fitnessMinimum Gear Walking boots, rain gear, fluids and mobile phoneGrid Ref. OS Sheet 68 S489 357

STARTFINISH

A

B

C

D

E

F

CastlemorrisWood Loop

CastlemorrisWood Loop


Church

Aghaviller Church& Round TowerAghaviller Church& Round Tower

Kilmaganny/Knocktopher

Castlemorris Wood Loop

33

13

A-B Starting from the car park opposite the Grand Gates, enter Castlemorris Woods and pass the Gate Lodge to reach a metal stile. Cross the stile to join a forestry road and follow the purple (and green and red) arrows. The green and red arrows are for shorter loops. Follow the forest road for over 1km to reach an archway through which stone outbuildings (which were part of the courtyard of Castlemorris House) are visible. The green loop turns left here – you turn right following the purple and red arrows.

B-C The loop now sets off to further explore the expansive estate of 200 acres and after approximately 1km joins a minor public road where the red turns left. Turn right here.

C-D Now you start a long ascent through the townland of Coalpitparks (passing some large houses on your left) before entering woodland again. After 500m you reach a T-junction where the loop turns left for the return part of the journey.

D-E A downhill trek of approximately 1km takes you to a junction with a surfaced roadway where you turn right. After 300m at a right bend you rejoin the red loop as it emerges from the forestry on the left. Turn right here, staying on the surfaced roadway.

E-F After approximately 200m both loops (red and purple) turn left and enter Castlemorris Wood by way of a metal barrier. At this point you are just short of Aghaviller Church and Round Tower – 200m along the surfaced road. If you decide to visit the site, remember to return to this junction.

F-A. Only 500m along this final section of the loop you rejoin the green loop as it comes in from the left. Another 500m takes you to a crossroads of forest tracks where you turn left onto a narrow winding track to emerge on a forestry road only 200m from the trailhead. Turn right and enjoy the short trek!

Directions to TrailheadStarting in Kilkenny City take the M9 Motorway south in the direction of Waterford. Take Exit 10 and proceed in the direction of Newmarket. After 3km take a right turn onto the R701 and proceed 1km. The trailhead is on the right hand side of the road and the entrance to the wood is on the left hand side. Note: The trailhead is signposted from Knocktopher.

Walks Directions

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16

STARTFINISH

STARTFINISH

Nore Valley Walk

PurcellsinchIndustrial EstatePurcellsinchIndustrial Estate

Trailhead: Primary SchoolBennettsbridge Trailhead: Primary SchoolBennettsbridge

Moth to a FlameMoth to a Flame

Inch SawmillsInch Sawmills

Lavistown HouseLavistown House

MillMill

Church ruins & graveyardChurch ruins & graveyard

Mill(s)Mill(s)

Limestone QuarryLimestone Quarry

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O’Gorman’sLane LoopO’Gorman’sLane Loop






Nore Valley Walk


South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Mill(s)

Limestone Quarry

Church

MADE in KilkennyCrafts People

TASTE of KilkennyFood Trail

Scenic Walk

Kilkenny to BennettsbridgeNore Valley Walk

17

This stretch of the Nore Valley walk takes roughly 2 hours at a relaxed pace. Follow the river as it meanders through meadows, shady glades and past ancient mills; woollen, grain, paper and saw mills from where Kilkenny’s famous ‘black marble’ was honed (Maddockstown). Rich in riverside flora and fauna – spot a swift, a heron or catch a fleeting glimpse of kingfisher or an otter emerging from the riverbank. Described by The Irish Times as ‘a delightful walk’ and by The Irish Independent as ‘one of the most delectable river walks in Ireland, an unfolding tale of kingfishers, otters, Sleeping Beauty castles and wicked young princelings – pure distillation of magic in the floodlands of Kilkenny’.

Directions to TrailheadFrom Kilkenny: The river walk leaves Kilkenny City under Ossory Bridge

From Bennettsbridge: Under the six arch bridge – take the steps down to the riverbank by Tynan’s Butchers shop.

Overview

Difficulty ModerateLength 12kmDuration 2-3 hours

Note: 2km outside Kilkenny City the trail leaves the river bank and heads along a laneway and onto the Sion Road. Follow this road for 1.5km then cross a green stile, through a field and back to the river bank.

18

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in a

gui

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tour

or t

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bes

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nyCr

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ple

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19

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22

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17

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lf H

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alle

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food

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rs a

nd c

raft

m

aker

s ho

ld ‘l

earn

to’ w

orks

hops

–

chee

sem

akin

g, fo

ragi

ng ,

thro

win

g po

tter

y, c

heck

out

ww

w.tr

ailk

iken

ny.ie

for

upco

min

g ev

ents

.

Tra

ils F

esti

val

A m

onth

long

fest

ival

hel

d ev

ery

year

with

an

actio

n pa

cked

pro

gram

me

of g

uide

d w

alki

ng

even

ts; f

amily

wal

k an

d pi

cnic

, bik

e n’

hik

e,

peda

l n’ p

addl

e, w

alke

rs’ w

alks

, wal

ks fo

r na

ture

and

her

itage

love

rs.

Eve

nts

Cr

aft E

vent

s: M

ADE

hold

an

exhi

bitio

n at

the

Arts

Fes

tival

(Aug

ust)

and

open

a C

hris

tmas

po

p up

shop

in th

e Ci

ty (D

ecem

ber)

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nts:

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m ti

me

to ti

me

TAST

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rs ru

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l eve

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dur

ing

Savo

ur F

estiv

al (O

ctob

er) –

a ri

verb

ank

barb

ecue

, a d

awn

bake

ry to

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n or

char

d pi

cnic

per

haps

. Vis

it w

ww

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lkilk

enny

.ie

for l

ates

t new

s.

trailK

ilken

ny

mad

e in

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enny

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ail

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L’A

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h’s

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el B

aker

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27

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rand

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lem

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ghav

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lem

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ood

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re M

ollo

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ram

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met

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n’s

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ridge

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lley

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kN

ore

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alk

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lley

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ore

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apel

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Wat

erga

rden

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istr

o

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try

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ket

< to M

ount Julie

t

THO

MA

STO

WN

CEN

TRE

24Lady’s W

ell St

.Maudlin St.

Kare

n M

orga

n Po

rcel

ain

< to tr

ain st

ation

to In

isti

oge

Gra

igue

nam

anag

h >

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Cre

atio

nsCl

ay C

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River Nore

R700

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Tru�

e Fa

iry23

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kber

ry

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wel

lery 19

14

13

Patrick St.

Cas

tlec

om

er

20

Su

gg

este

d P

lace

s to

Sta

yLa

ngto

ns a

nd Z

uni i

n th

e Ci

ty, M

ount

Julie

t in

Tho

mas

tow

n; e

stab

lishm

ents

with

a

part

icul

ar p

assi

on fo

r loc

al fo

od.

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taba

un L

oop

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th K

ilken

nyCy

cle

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th K

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cle

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th K

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cle

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cle

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cle

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cle

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cle

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cle

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enny

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e Ro

ute

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enny

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e Ro

ute

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enny

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e Ro

ute

East

Kilk

enny

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e Ro

ute

East

Kilk

enny

Cycl

e Ro

ute

East

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enny

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ute

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ilmac

ow, F

erry

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rd

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20

STARTFINISH

Nore Valley Walk

Ballydu�HouseBallydu�House

The Nore CotThe Nore Cot

Woodstock Gardens

Woodstock Gardens

CastleCastle

Grennan MillGrennan Mill

STARTFINISH


Nore Valley Walk


Mill

Historic House

Garden

Country House

The Nore Cot


Grennan CastleGrennan Castle

Thomastown to InistiogeNore Valley Walk

21

This stretch of the Nore Valley Walk takes you through diverse countryside, pastoral lands and woodland; rich in flora and fauna. The river is noted for its salmon and also holds crayfish and otters and the arches of its bridges are favoured roosting spots for Daubenton bats. Steeped in history, since the 12th century the Nore was a vital trading route for export of corn, hides and livestock and the importation of exotic goods from other parts of the world such as wine, tobacco, cloth and spices via New Ross and Waterford. There is the ruin of Grennan Castle built by Strongbow’s son-in-law in the 13th century at the start of the walk and through the pretty Dysart Woods, carpeted in springtime with wood anemones, bluebells and primroses. You’ll pass the ruins of Dysart Castle, home to philosopher Bishop George Berkeley who mused ‘are objects there if we do not perceive them’?! The trail leads you on by Ballyduff House; a glorious Georgian country house in its stunning parkland setting, before entering the broadleaf Brownsbarn Wood and along a grassy riverside track where the view of the 10 arch bridge in picturesque Inistioge opens up ahead of you.

Directions to TrailheadFrom Thomastown: Starting in the town of Thomastown go south across the bridge and follow the green arrows to the Thomastown GAA pitch. Walk along the border of the GAA pitch to the river bank.

From Inistioge: Approaching form the village square, arrive at the riverbank and turn left along the river.

Overview

Difficulty ModerateLength 10.9kmDuration 2-3 hours

OverviewThis route is a scenic cycling route linking the most historic and culturally significant towns in east Kilkenny. The towns are perfectly placed along the route to stop for lunch or a cup of coffee. The route uses quiet roads and laneways and provides stunning views of Brandon Hill, the River Barrow and the River Nore.

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East Kilkenny

Cycle Route

Distance 64km

Time 3 to 4.5 hours

Terrain Rolling country roads and laneways

Traffic Mainly on quiet roads, caution advised at one way system in Thomastown

To Suit Experienced, moderately fit self sufficient cyclists

Minimum Gear

Spare tube, pump, liquids, food, mobile phone

Jerpoint Abbey

Jerpoint Abbey


East KilkennyCycle Route

St. Mary’s Abbey St. Mary’s Abbey Church



Nore Valley Walk

Scenic Walk

Nore Valley Walk


Glasraí and GoodiesGlasraí and Goodies

TASTE TASTE MADEMADE

Food and Craft Hub Food and Craft Hub


Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese




BrandonHill Loop

Cushendale Woollen Mills


KellsPrioryKells

Priory

GoatsbridgeTrout Farm

Jerpoint Glass

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Jerpoint Abbey

Jerpoint Abbey


East KilkennyCycle Route

St. Mary’s Abbey St. Mary’s Abbey Church



Nore Valley Walk

Scenic Walk

Nore Valley Walk


Glasraí and GoodiesGlasraí and Goodies

TASTE TASTE MADEMADE







BrandonHill Loop



KellsPrioryKells

Priory


Jerpoint Glass

Gowran - Graiguenamanagh - Thomastown - Bennettsbridge

North Kilkenny

Cycle Loop

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Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave

North KilkennyCycle Loop


Cave


North Kilkenny Cycle Loop


Nore Valley Walk

Jenkinstown Loop

Scenic Walk

North KilkennyCycle LoopNorth KilkennyCycle Loop

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Trailhead The Parade, Kilkenny

Distance 27km

Time 1.5 to 2.5 hours

Terrain River side roads and rural laneways

Traffic Caution when cycling along N78 and turning onto Dunmore Cave laneway

To Suit Leisure self sufficient cyclists

Minimum Gear


Overview

Starting point: Trail Kilkenny Kiosk on the Parade

Leaving the Trail Kilkenny Kiosk, cycle down the hill and turn right at the traffic lights onto Rose Inn Street and past the Tourist Office. Cross John’s Bridge and continue to the traffic lights. Turn left at the junction and continue past Padmore & Barnes. Follow the road along Greensbridge Street and go straight through the junction with New Street onto Greens Hill. Follow this road and keep left to take the Bleach Road. Follow this route for 6km until the junction at Hennebry’s Cross. Turn right and then take the first exit off the roundabout onto the N78. After 3km turn left at Ballyrafton Wood and continue for 1km until you meet a T junction. Turn right and take an immediate left up a laneway to Jenkinstown Park.

Return back to the main road and turn left, after 1.5km turn right and follow the road until it rejoins the N78. Turn left and after 1km turn right towards Dunmore Caves. Passing the turn for Dunmore Caves continue up hill to a T-junction. Turn right and follow the road for 3km until you come to a T-junction. Turn right at this junction and continue along the road back to Kilkenny City. You pass over the bridge on the Ring Road and turn right at a small roundabout onto the Castlecomer Road. After 200 metres turn right onto Greens Hill and follow this road across the New Road onto Greensbridge Street. Turn right onto Michael Street and at the next cross roads turn right onto John Street. Follow this street across John’s Bridge and the Trail Kilkenny Kiosk is on the Parade on the left.

South Kilkenny

Cycle Loop

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MADEMADE


South KilkennyCycle Loop

KellsPrioryKells

Priory

Moth to a Flame

Nicholas MossePottery





Nore Valley Walk

Scenic Walk

Bridge Pottery & Caroline Dolan

Highbank Organic OrchardsHighbank Organic Orchards

Jerpoint Abbey

Jerpoint Abbey

Mount JulietMount Juliet

Jerpoint Glass




North KilkennyCycle LoopNorth KilkennyCycle Loop

Ken FoleyLeatherKen FoleyLeather


Bennettsbridge - Stoneyford - Kells

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Trailhead The Parade, Kilkenny

Distance 41km

Time 2 to 3 hours

Terrain Country roads linking the main towns in south Kilkenny

Traffic Mainly country roads crossing N and R roads. Caution advised when entering towns.

To Suit Leisure self sufficient cyclists

Minimum Gear


Minimum Gear

Helmet, bike, mobile phone, fluids, snacks, waterproofs, rucksack

Overview

Starting point: Trail Kilkenny Kiosk on the Parade

Leaving the Trail Kilkenny Kiosk cycle down the hill and turn right at the traffic lights onto Rose Inn Street past the Tourist Office. Cross John’s Bridge and take the first right to Maudlin Street. Follow Maudlin Street uphill till it meets the Dublin Road. Turn right and follow the cycle lane along the Dublin Road. Continue straight through two roundabouts and take the right turn after the Maxol Petrol station onto Sion Road. Follow this road for 6km and take the left turn to Dunbell and continue for 4km until you come to the Dunbell cross roads. Turn right and continue straight for 3km until you meet a T-Junction with the Gowran Road. Turn right and follow the road for 4km to the village of Bennettsbridge.

In Bennettsbridge cross the bridge and take an immediate left past Nicolas Mosses Pottery. Follow this road for 9km to Ennisnag. At the T-junction turn left and cycle 2km to the village of Stoneyford. As you come into the village, take the first right and cycle uphill in the direction of Kells. Passing Kells Priory, turn right at the crossroads in Kells and continue across the bridge. Take an immediate right and travel 2km along until you take a left turn. Cycle for 2km and take a right at the next T-junction. Follow this route for 3km and take a right at the next T-junction. Turn right at the T-junction and continue to the next T-junction and take a right. After 2km you meet the N10 at Danesfort, turn left in the direction of Kilkenny City. Cycle for 8km and straight through two roundabouts, continue into town and at the next roundabout past the petrol station take the first exit. Follow the cycle path for 400 metres and take the second exit off the next roundabout. Continue along Nuncio Road until you come to a T-junction and take a left back to the Trail Kilkenny kiosk. The Kiosk is on The Parade on your right.

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North KilkennyCycle Route





Cave

Church


Nore Valley Walk

MADEMADECraft Hub Craft Hub

CastlecomerDiscovery Park

Scenic Walk

Freshford Loop

JenkinstownLoop

GattabaunLoop




Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave


North Kilkenny

Cycle Route

OverviewThis route is the most challenging in the Trail Kilkenny portfolio of cycling trails. It winds its way through rural North Kilkenny bringing the cyclist through beautiful villages like Freshford and Castlecomer.

Distance 82km

Time 4.5 to 6 hours

Terrain Quiet country roads and laneways suitable to hybrid type bikes

Traffic Mainly on quiet roads joining N roads in sections. Caution for farming machinery at certain times of the yea

To Suit Experienced, moderately fit self sufficient cyclists

Minimum Gear


2929

North KilkennyCycle Route





Cave

Church


Nore Valley Walk

MADEMADECraft Hub Craft Hub

CastlecomerDiscovery Park

Scenic Walk

Freshford Loop

JenkinstownLoop

GattabaunLoop




Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave

Dunmore Cave


Castlecomer - Freshford - Tullaroan

Chef Maria Raftery, Zuni Margaret & Ger Kirwan, Goatsbridge Trout Farm

Experience the rich and varied food culture of County Kilkenny – from artisan cheesemakers to chocolatiers, chickens to caviar and cute cafés to cosmopolitan city eateries, you’ll find that all the participants in the trail share the same passion for food and the great produce of the Kilkenny countryside (and love to share it!)

Pick up or download a copy of the dedicated food trail guide to discover all things foodie in Kilkenny. Take a look at the map of the County in the middle of this guide and you’ll find the locations of the members of the Trail (detailed on the following page) who open to visitors – please check opening times before you travel.

Siobhan Lawler, Glasraí & Goodies with Chef Ken Harker, Mount Juliet

Anna Stewart, Jarrow Café

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The Blackberry Café, Market Street, Thomastown Mobile: 086 775 5303 www.theblackberrycafe.ie

The Watergarden, Ladywell Street, Thomastown Tel: 056 772 4690 www.camphill.ie

Jarrow Café Castlecomer Discovery Park Tel: 056 444 0019

Café L’Arche, Green Street, Callan Tel: 056 770 6891

CHECK OPENING TIMES BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Highbank Farm, Cuffesgrange Tel: 056 772 9918 www.highbankorchards.com

Kilkenny Free Range, Callan Road Tel: 056 776 3426 Mobile: 087 643 9979

Goatsbridge Trout Farm, Jerpoint, Thomastown Tel: 056 772 4140 www.goatsbridgetrout.ie

Knockdrinna Cheese & Farm Shop, Stoneyford Tel: 056 772 8446 www.knockdrinna.com

FOOD PRODUCERS

SPECIALITY SHOPS

Keogh’s Model Bakery, Bridge Street, Callan Tel: 056 772 5254 www.keoghsmodelbakery.com

A Slice of Heaven, High Street, Kilkenny Mobile: 087 953 3870 www.sliceofheaven.ie

Glasraí & Goodies, Main Street, Gowran Tel: 056 773 3799 www.glasraiandgoodies.com

The Truffle Fairy, Thomastown Tel: 056 779 3375 www.trufflefairy.com

CAFéS

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TASTE Food Producers (as numbered below) can be found on the map in the middle of this book

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Café Sol, William Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 4987 www.restaurantskilkenny.com

Zuni, Patrick Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 772 3999 www.zuni.ie

Campagne, Gashouse Lane, Kilkenny Tel: 056 777 2858 www.campagne.ie

Marble City Bar & Tea Rooms, High Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 1143 www.langtons.ie/marble-city-bar

Langtons, John Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 5133 www.langtons.ie

Foodworks, Parliament Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 777 7696 www.foodworks.ie

Ristorante Rinuccini, the Parade, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 1575 www.rinuccini.com

Sol Bistro, Low Street, Thomastown Tel: 056 775 4945 www.restaurantskilkenny.com Cillín Hill Mart, Dublin Road, Kilkenny

Tel: 056 772 1407 www.cillinhill.com

The Thatch Pub, Grannagh Tel: 051 872 876 www.thethatchpub.com

Lavistown House, Sion Road, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 5145 www.lavistownhouse.ie

Kilkenny Design, Castle Yard, Kilkenny Tel: 056 772 2118 www.kilkennydesign.com

Mount Juliet, Thomastown Tel: 056 777 3000 www.mountjuliet.ie

Ryeland House Cookery School, Cuffesgrange Mobile: 086 276 7656 www.ryelandhousecookery.com

DESTINATIONS & ExPERIENCES

RESTAURANTS

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Rory Leadbetter, Jerpoint Glass Andrew Ludick

Kilkenny is renowned as a creative hub with a vibrant craft industry. Discover authentic craft created by designer makers all over the county; using the most modern techniques as well as preserving and developing age old methods. From the white furnace of the glassblower, to the traditional throwing wheel of the potter and the hammering of precious metal; each creating unique, functional and decorative pieces.

Pick up or download a copy of the dedicated MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail guide to discover Kilkenny’s craft culture for yourself. Use the map of the County in the middle of this guide to find and visit the makers’ studios – you’ll find the locations of the members of MADE who open to visitors – please check opening times before you travel.

Fredrike Grace, Spirit Jewellery Philip Cushen, Cushendale Woollen Mills

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Rosemarie Durr Castelcomer Discovery Park Tel: 056 444 0007 www.rosemariedurr.com

Andrew Ludick Castelcomer Discovery Park Tel: 056 444 0007 www.andrewludick.blogspot.com

Castle Arch Pottery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny Tel: 056 775 1933 www.castlearchpottery.ie

Caroline Dolan, Burnchurch Tel: 056 772 9156 www.carolinedolanceramics.com

Bridge Pottery, Burnchurch Tel: 056 772 9156 www.bridgepottery.com

Nicholas Mosse, Bennettsbridge Tel: 056 772 7505 www.nicholasmosse.com

Clay Creations, Low Street, Thomastown Tel: 056 772 4977 www.bridlyonsceramics.ie

Karen Morgan Porcelain Market Street, Thomastown Mobile: 086 166 3691 www.karenmorganporcelain.com

Claire Molloy, Kilmoganny Mobile: 087 214 6328 www.clairemolloyceramics.com

Millinery by Rebekah Patterson The Parade Kilkenny Tel: 087 254 0181 Facebook-Hats-Rebekah Patterson-Milliner

Ken Foley Leatherwork, Kells Tel: 056 775 2019 www.kfoley.ie Cushendale Woollen Mills, Graiguenamanagh Tel: 059 972 4118 www.cushendale.ie

Aileen Anne Brannigan, Stonecarver, Castelcomer Discovery Park Tel: 087 771 0248 www.aileenannebranniganstonecarver.comJerpoint Glass, Stoneyford Tel: 056 772 4350 www.jerpointglass.com Moth to a Flame, Bennettsbridge Tel: 056 772 7826 www.mothtoaflame.ie

Derek Blanche, Castelcomer Discovery Park Mobile: 086 854 0633

Carl Parker, Castelcomer Discovery Park Tel: 056 444 0876 www.carlparkejewels.comMarie Therese Walker, Market Slip, Kilkenny Tel: 085 758 4907 www.mtwjewellery.comRudolf Heltzel Goldsmith Patrick Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 772 1497 www.heltzel.ie

POT TERY & CERAMICS JEWELLERS

TExTILES & LEATHER

STONECARVER, GLASS BLOWERS, CANDLEMAKER

crafttrails

MADE Craft Producers (as numbered below) can be found on the map in the middle of this book

The following craft makers’ studios are open to visitors – you should check their opening times before you travel. Many other craft makers’ welcome visitors by appointment and you’ll find their full details in the MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail Guide or visit www.trailkilkenny.ie

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Kilkenny Trails FestivalJoin in this annual, month long festival of trails, walks and so much more. An action packed events programme with something for everybody – challenging walks for enthusiastic walkers, walk series for those looking to improve their fitness or to start a walking habit and themed walks for those interested in exploring the countryside at a gentle pace. Pack a picnic and bring the family to Forage for Food on the riverbank. Meet the Head Gardener and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea on great country estates. Get on your bike on a Bike’n’Hike, cycle to Bennettsbridge and walk back along the riverbank into Kilkenny City.

Check out www.kilkennytrailfestival.ie for more information.

Summer Saturday BusHop on a bus in Kilkenny City and travel out to Bennettsbridge to enjoy a leisurely 2 hour walk back along the riverbank. This walk described by The Irish Times as ‘a delightful walk’ and by The Independent as ‘one of the most delectable river walks in Ireland’ will give you a memorable perspective on the stunning countryside; rich in wildlife, flora and fauna.

Bus picks up every Saturday at 11.30am from Padmore & Barnes, Wolfe Tone Street, Kilkenny. This service runs from June till September and is operated by Ring-a-Link Tel: 1890 42 41 41.

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activity providers and support services

CYCLING TOURS & BIKE RENTAL

Kilkenny Cycling ToursHire a bike and head off to experience a Bike’n’Hike cycle along scenic country roads to Bennettsbridge. Leave your bike there and walk back along the riverbank into Kilkenny City or Pedal and Paddle; returning by canoe along the river. Guided cycle tours for groups of 10 or more also available.

Waterside Bike & HikeHire your bike from Waterside Bike & Hike and take a cycle along the River Barrow towpath from Graiguenamanagh to the picturesque village of St. Mullins or on quiet country roads to Inistioge. Adult and children’s mountain bikes, as well as electric bikes available.

Contact: Jason Morrissey, Kilkenny Cycling Tours

Tel: 086 895 4961Web: www. kilkennycyclingtours.com Prices: From €15 bike hire per day

Contact: Brian Roberts, Waterside Bike & Hike

Tel: 086 408 4008 Web: www.watersideguesthouse.comPrices: Mountain Bike €15.00 per day Electric Bike €25.00 per day

Discounts for all residents of Waterside Guesthouse

Lavistown House Web: www.lavistownhouse.ie Tel: +353 86 840 7754

Blackstairs EcoTrails Web: www.blackstairsecotrails.ie Tel: +353 87 270 7189

FORAGING IN THE WILD AND RIVERBANK ECO TRAILS

Go on an unhurried adventure to gather wild food and discover all kinds of natural goodies on the river bank or explore the secret natural life of the river to discover who likes nesting where, why butterflies love some spots, see if you can spot an otter or even a kingfisher.

OUTDOOR CLOTHING, FOOT WEAR AND SUPPLIES

Padmore & Barnes Wolfe Tone Street, Kilkenny Web: www.padmore-barnes.com Tel: +353 56 772 1037

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 6.00pm. Sundays and Public Holidays, 2.00pm to 6.00pm

Trail Kilkenny is a non-profit company established to develop, promote and maintain leisure trails in County Kilkenny. New trails are being developed all the time so, check out our website www.trailkilkenny.ie to view the full range including trail map downloads.

Alternatively to find and navigate Trail Kilkenny walking, cycling, food and craft trails, download our free App. Simply search for Trail Kilkenny in the App Store.

Follow us onFACEBOOK

Follow us onTWITTER

Scan the QR code opposite with your smartphone (iPhone, etc.) to link to the Trail Kilkenny App. Download the app for a free interactive guide to the best walking, cycling, food and craft trails in Kilkenny - free QR reader apps can be downloaded from the app store by searching for “QR reader”.

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Front cover image: Left to right: Sharon, Beatrice and Molly O’Shea

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If you would like to take a break away and sample a selection of trails during your stay in County Kilkenny, you’ll find a range of breaks and offers on www.discoverireland.ie/Places-To-Go/Kilkenny or www.kilkennytourism.ie

kilkenny walking & cycling trails

Documents

kilkenny craft trail

north kilkenny cycle

countryside of kilkenny

north kilkenny cycle

taste of kilkenny food

kilkenny trails festival

kilmacoliver loop

freshford loop