Graiguenamanagh

Graiguenamanagh is a beautiful town and is home to Duiske Abbey, originally a Cistercian Monastery, now a Catholic parish church. With a simple exterior contrasting with its elaborate interior, visitors can see the ancient stone and high clerestory windows of the nave as well as an effigy of a 13th-century knight at the entrance.

There are several ways for you to get to Graiguenamanagh from Kilkenny City or surrounding areas.

Travel by public bus for 1 hour using Kilbride Coaches (051) 423 633 Monday to Saturday.

Departs Graiguenamanagh (opposite Daisy Chain) @ 7.45am and 2pm

Departs Kilkenny Castle @ 12pm and 6pm

There is a friendly and reliable local taxi which is a great option for returning to Kilkenny after a day trip. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Terence Kelly 085 707 7437 (8 seater)
• Tony Dunne 087 3305783 (8 seater)

A great way to explore Graiguenamanagh is by bike with ‘Waterside Bike and Hike’. If walking, check out Graiguenamanagh Heritage Trail and Hidden Trails or try an exhilarating canoeing trip with ‘Go with the Flow’ experts who will teach you how to shoot weirs and ride the rapids, passing through dramatic landscapes, mysterious wooded valleys and old navigations once used by the Guinness barges to deliver Ireland’s favourite tipple.

Or you can explore Graiguenamanagh at your own pace with the Medieval Kilkenny Audio Tour Guide

If you are interested in crafts, check out Duiske Glass Gift Shop and Cushendale Woollen Mills where traditional natural-fibre processing is still practiced.

While in Graiguenamanagh visit the picturesque village of St Mullins, take a stroll down the river walkway and drop into the relaxed Mullicháin Café situated directly on the banks of the River Barrow or check out ‘Barrow’s Keep’ restaurant serving locally sourced, Irish cuisine in an elegant setting.

Graiguenamanagh is also known for its fantastic Town of Books.