Kilkenny Gets Set To Reopen Tourism This Summer

Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s easiest cities to navigate on foot and with the recent introduction of a new one-way system in the city, it’s now more accessible to explore than ever. So, take advantage and this year walk Ireland’s Medieval Mile with a local guide. The Medieval Mile links the 13th-century St Canice’s Cathedral and the Anglo-Norman castle and runs through the heart of the city. This incredible journey on foot culminates with the opportunity to climb the 100ft, 9th-century Round Tower beside the cathedral where visitors can enjoy the most wonderful views over the city.

Visit www.stcanicescathedral.ie

Scattered throughout Kilkenny are some fascinating outdoor heritage attractions. Located on the Medieval Mile, Rothe House, will transcend visitors to the late 16th century with its unique Tudor merchant’s townhouse and its manicured gardens and courtyards.

With a view of the stunning Kilkenny Castle, Butler House Gardens, secluded walled gardens provide a beautiful backdrop across all seasons, particularly during the Spring / Summer when the gardens are in full bloom.

The 12th Century Jerpoint Abbey and Jerpoint Park offer guided tours of what was a medieval town and for the architecture buffs, the restored monastic ruins at the Abbey with its magnificently sculptured cloister arcade and exhibition centre is an exemplary experience of Ireland’s Ancient East.  A collection of medieval tower houses within enclosed walls awaits at Augustine Kells Priory. The priory consists of a church, a chapel, prior’s residence or sacristy and a number of domestic buildings all just waiting for visitors to explore.

To discover the very best of Irish ‘craic’, then this Spring visitors should take a Shenanigans Walking Tour with local historian Nevin Cody! With Ireland’s Medieval Mile cityscape as the canvas, the tour ‘lifts the veil’ of Kilkenny City and discovers the hidden secrets and humoursome stories surrounding the City. What better way to see the City than on a bike! Kilkenny Cycling Tours offer guided cycling tours of the city for individuals and families who enjoy the outdoors whilst getting some added cardio in!

For families who love an adrenalin filled day, then Castlecomer Discovery Park is the ideal place. The 80-acre activity park features a wide range of exhilarating activities for all ages, from the fun and challenging tree-top walk high amongst the sycamore trees to archery and zip lines.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of this scenic valley, with acres of parkland and woodlands to explore, Nore Valley Park provides hours of amusement for the family. Here visitors will find everything from pet farms, archery, mini golf, go karts and tractor rides across the lush green lands of the farm!

For those seeking a way to get back to nature, enjoy some fresh air and unplug for a few days, then Kilkenny has your perfect glamping retreats ready and waiting. Treat yourself to a cosy bed or idyllic campsite in a unique, comfortable home from home at Butterfly Valley Glamping or Nore Valley Park surrounded by woods and rivers and of course, all the first-class facilities to keep every family fully equipped for the break!

Kilkenny is spoiled with some of the country’s most beautiful vista’s across towns and countryside. Enjoy a leisurely ramble around the picturesque villages of Inistioge, Thomastown or Graiguenamanagh. Each are gems in Kilkenny’s crown, with tree lined walks, river-side tracks leading to Castles or 13th Century Augustinian Priories. While you are there, be sure to have a chat with the locals and ask about their villages history and discover what makes these unique havens in the heart of the county.