Tracks & Trails returns for its 11th Season with six episodes across 7 counties on the Island of Ireland.
For the 5th episode in this series we travel to Co. Kilkenny with Dr Ruth Freeman for a show that represents some hidden and lesser explored trails in Co. Kilkenny. We start in Kilkenny City, known for its Castle and buzzing streets where the River Nore that flows through the city is also the source for a selection of walks, which take you into the countryside within minutes.
The first of Ruth’s two walks is an easy 10km stroll along the paths by the River Nore. The River Nore weaves its way through the city and is home to many short and longer walks which encourage visitors and locals alike to get outside and stretch their legs when visiting the city. This particular trail starts off under the shadow of Kilkenny Castle and it doesn’t take long for Ruth to be out into the countryside surrounded by nature on the pathway as it winds its way through the countryside.
Along the way Ruth walks with Harry Everard who is the rural recreation officer for this area and responsible for the maintenance of the trails. Harry, a fellow lover of nature and wildlife, describes the animals and birds he comes across as he works on the trail and they discuss how much of this path’s success and accessibility is due to the generosity of local landowners. This trail which runs flat along the riverside provides many opportunities to watch how the river keeps changing accompanied by only bird song and the sounds of nature all the way to Bennettsbridge.
Learn more about walking and cycling trails across County Kilkenny by visiting TrailKilkenny.ie.
For her second walk Ruth starts out from Graiguenamanagh – the Kilkenny town which sits on the River Barrow. On this longer walk which takes her along quiet country roads, across hillsides and through forests before finishing at Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, Ruth meets local people who live and work in this part of Co.Kilkenny while discovering the history, natural history and landscapes that have shaped this beautiful county. Leaving Graiguenamanagh behind Ruth makes her way towards the forests around Brandon Hill where there are many opportunities to stop and enjoy nature and views around her. She catches up with Coillte ecologist Dr Aileen O’Sullivan for a stroll to discuss the benefits of forests as part of our ecology and how forests have shaped so much of our landscape.
Ruth then descends into the pretty village of Inistioge on her way to historic Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum which is now on the route of this trail, the South Leinster Way . The gardens which overlook the Nore Valley were restored to the period of 1840 -1890 with every effort being made to use plants and materials typical of the era. Ruth enjoys a tour which includes a visit to the walled garden with John Delaney who is responsible for the work here. Ruth’s love of a good chat, and her enthusiasm for nature make this Tracks & Trails a truly personal visit along the trail of Co. Kilkenny.
Learn more about Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum by visiting Woodstock.ie.
Watch the Kilkenny episode of Tracks & Trails at 7:30pm on Friday 3rd May on RTÉ One. Catch up or watch it again on the RTÉ Player.
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