Welcome to Kilkenny, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, an avid cyclist or simply someone who appreciates the great outdoors, Kilkenny’s walking and cycling trails offer a captivating blend of nature, culture and history. Your journey through the county’s breathtaking landscapes promises to be an unforgettable experience. So, don your walking shoes or hop on your bike and embark on an adventure that will connect you with the heart and soul of Kilkenny.
Trail Etiquette
- Respect nature – Stay on designated paths to minimise your impact on the environment.
- Share the path – Be courteous to other walkers and cyclists, yielding when necessary.
- Leave no trace – Keep our trails tidy by bringing all your belongings and rubbish with you.
- Mind your furry friend – Check which trails are dog-friendly, keep them on a leash and tidy up after them.
- Safety first – Wear appropriate gear, stay hydrated and follow trail signage.
Walking & Hiking Trails
Kilkenny boasts many incredible walking trails that range from easy loops for all abilities to hill walks for those who like a challenge. Kilkenny’s walking trails provide a magical journey through the region’s rich heritage and breathtaking vistas. Step onto these paths and let the stories of the past and the beauty of the present unfold with every step you take.
Woodstock Looped Walks
Walking trails
- City Walks – Bishopsmeadow Walk, Peace Park Walk, Canal Walk, Lacken Walk.
- Jenkinstown Walk
- Nore Valley Walk – Thomastown to Inistioge
- South Leinster Way – Graiguenamanagh to Inistioge, Inistioge to Mullinavat
Looped walks
- Brandon Hill Loop
- Castlecomer Loop
- Castlemorris Wood Loop
- Freshford Loop
- Gathabawn Loop
- Kilmacoliver Loop
- Mountain Grove Loop
- O’Gorman’s Lane Loop
- Silaire Wood Loop
- Woodstock Looped Walks
Hill Walks
- Brandon Hill Summit Walk
- Tory Hill Walk
Community Walks
- Grennan Loop Walk Thomastown
- The Village Loop Windgap
- Bearna Breac Loop Windgap
- Johnstown Community Walk
- Stoneyford Community Walk
- Skeoughvosteen Loop Walk
For more information on Kilkenny’s walking trails include length, difficulty, trailheads and more, click here.
Cycling Trails
East Kilkenny Cycling Route
From the bustling city centre to the tranquil countryside, Kilkenny is an excellent spot for cyclists of all abilities. Hire an electric Bolt bike and explore the medieval city on the designated cycle lanes or bring your own bike to discover the wonders further afield.
Cyclists will enjoy the 2 cycling routes – one takes in Gowran, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown and Bennettsbridge while the other brings you through Castlecomer, Freshford and Tullaroan. Prefer cycling loops? No problem! Pedal along the North Kilkenny Cycle Loop from The Parade in the city centre out to beautiful Jenkinstown Park and the historic Dunmore Caves. The South Kilkenny Cycle Loop takes you on an adventure through the towns of Bennettsbridge, Stoneyford and Kells.
Phase 1 of the South East Greenway from Glenmore to New Ross is now open to the public, a 6km stretch suitable for both cyclists and walkers. Once fully completed, the greenway will be 24km in length from Waterford, through Wexford and into Kilkenny along the River Barrow. Learn more here.
South East Greenway
If you’d prefer to learn even more about Kilkenny while on two wheels, Kilkenny Cycling Tours offer a variety of bike tours suitable for kids and experienced bikers and hikers alike. They also offer full-day bike rentals so that you can undertake a self-guided tour. Click here to learn more.
Click here to find out more about cycling trails in Kilkenny.
Trails map
About Trail Kilkenny
Trail Kilkenny is an award winning, non-profit company, which has developed a range of walking and cycling routes around County Kilkenny. Whether it’s a quiet stroll by the river or a hike up to the highest peak in Kilkenny to view the breathtaking scenery from the mountaintop, there is a trail to challenge your ability. Kilkenny is renowned for its food and craft culture and these are celebrated on Trail Kilkenny’s Food and Craft Trails. Get outdoors and explore Kilkenny!
Plan Your Adventure
Before setting off on your trail exploration, make sure to check the latest trail conditions, weather forecasts and any regulations. For detailed maps, trail descriptions and updates, visit TrailKilkenny.ie.
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kilkenny!
