County Kilkenny is home to a wealth of activities, things to see, food and accommodation options, so we have combined them all into fun days out! Immerse yourself in unique and exciting experiences with our all-new experience packages.
Take the time to unwind in the woodlands in Castlecomer with the bookable The Forest Journey package and enjoy spills and thrills along the River Nore with the self-guided The River Adventure itinerary in Graiguenamanagh.
**Please note: accommodation is not included in the activity packages and must be booked directly with the accommodation providers**
The Forest Journey
The Forest Journey offers you a different and authentic experience that feeds your soul, allows you space to centre yourself and connect with your creativity and create your own balance away from the stresses of our daily lives. It offers you the time and place to immerse yourself, restore, reconnect and revive and return to real life feeling refreshed, re-energised and ready to rock!
Duration: 1 day
Location: Castlecomer
Where to stay: Avalon House Hotel
Dates: 27th May, 24th June, 1st July & 22nd July
Price: €129 per adult
BOOKING REQUIRED
Itinerary
Begin your Forest Journey with something a little different, a relaxed and restorative forest bathing experience, disconnect fully to reconnect with nature and enjoy the natural forest that surrounds you and dates back to the 1600s. Savour the sounds, smells and sights of Kilkenny’s landscape and let the forest in. Continue your woodland adventure and enjoy a delicious outdoor lunch experience under the canopy of the forest.
Then, take part in the creative mandala workshop with local artist Dominika Stoppa whose shop is in Castlecomer Discovery Park’s craftyard. Dominika will invite visitors to browse and use a set of 100 visual elements to make symbolic artworks that will reflect further on their insights during the forest bath walk.
The last step of your forest journey experience will end on a high – literally! Zoom through the treetops on the zipline at Castlecomer Discovery Park which is the longest zipline over water in Ireland.
Click on the link below for the full itinerary and for more local tips on other fun things to see and do while you’re in the Castlecomer.
Digital itinerary download
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The River Adventure
Soak in all that the medieval river town of Graiguenamanagh has to offer with this 2-day self-guided itinerary. Nestled in the scenic Barrow Valley, it is a great destination for hill walkers, cyclists, fishermen, boating enthusiasts, families and all those in search of a traditional Irish welcome while creating unique memories in an outdoor setting. The River Adventure experience offers you something completely unique as a break away where you can take time to reconnect with nature and enjoy a few hidden gems of your choosing along the way. Let the adventure begin!
Duration: 2 days (or longer, if you please!)
Location: Graiguenamanagh
Where to stay: Brandon Hill Camping, Waterside Guesthouse
Itinerary
Day 1
Kick off the day by renting a canoe from Paddle Your Own Canoe and sail leisurely down the River Barrow on a canoe through beautiful landscapes. As you paddle and drift, look out for the ancient churches, castles, beautiful old estate houses and magnificent hand built weirs – there is so much to see and enjoy.
How’s your balance? Try your hand at the popular stand-up paddleboarding guided by the experts at Pure Adventure. Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner as the still river is ideal for giving it a go. It is a serene experience – particularly if you’re treated to a stunning sunrise or sunset during your session!
After your two hours on the river, return to refuel at Waterside Guesthouse – a converted 19th century granite corn store on the bank of the river. Watch the flow of the river with a cuppa in hand, enjoy their homemade brown bread or, if you are lucky to be travelling during harvest season, you will be able to enjoy many offerings from their very own harvest!
Now, it is time to relax and let someone else navigate the river while you enjoy a boat tour with Riverboat Adventures. Sit back for an hour and take in the scenery along the river as you sail from the quayside in Graiguenamanagh to Upper Tinnahinch Lock and Ballykeenan Lock.
Day 2
Meet with the team from Go With The Flow to get day 2 of your trip started from the river once again. The unique kayaking tour comprises spills, thrills, nature, history, folklore and tales. Explore both the canal and natural river including the locks, weirs and rapids – it is the perfect combination of relaxing flat water and adrenaline filled white water.
Take a chilled out afternoon to wander through the streets of Graiguenamanagh and discover all that it has to offer. There is always time to explore and shop! Stop off at Cushendale Woollen Mills which is one of only two remaining vertical woollen mills in Ireland today. All stages of the manufacturing process are still carried out under one roof from collecting Irish fleece, to designing, then dyeing, carding, spinning, weaving and finishing.
Click on the link below for the full itinerary and for more local tips on other fun things to see and do while you’re in Graiguenamanagh.
Digital itinerary download
