Top Five Things for Visitors to Look Forward to in Kilkenny
As Summer looms, we all need a break, especially after lockdown, but with social distancing tourists will now need to adapt to the ‘new world of travel’. The Medieval City of Kilkenny is gearing up to re-open. Kilkenny Tourism outline the top 5 things to do for visitors when they re-open for business.
Tour Kilkenny by Foot
There are few cities in Ireland that are as accessible on foot as Kilkenny city is. Being outdoors is a big part of being in Kilkenny. From thrill-seekers to those looking for a more leisurely day out, there’s loads of things to do in Kilkenny to make the most of the great outdoors. Just some of the places to visit without the car include
Ireland’s Medieval Mile, which runs from ‘Castle to Cathedral’ in the City, this discovery trail is an ideal way to enjoy the compactness of Kilkenny City on foot.
Linking the 13th Century St Canice’s Cathedral and the Anglo-Normal castle, the Medieval Mile links Kilkenny city’s main historical attractions.
Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland’s most iconic and historic sites, year-round tours are available, and the parkland of the castle has 50 acres to explore. Just a stone’s throw away is the Kilkenny Design Centre filled with beautiful Kilkenny crafts.
From the magnificent Castle to the enchanting Rothe Gardens to St. Canice’s Round Tower which at 30m is one of only three climbable towers in Ireland and the Medieval Mile Museum which was formerly the 13th century St Mary’s Church, and graveyard featuring medieval sculpture & renaissance-era tombs.
Outdoor Activities for Families
Kilkenny was made for family fun, come rain or shine, we have some great family friendly activities, from thrill seekers and adrenaline hunters to nature lovers, arts and sports fanatics, Kilkenny has plenty to keep every member of your family entertained.
For animal lovers, Nore Valley Park offers families an opportunity to bottle feed the baby kids and lambs, or handle a small rabbit. For the more adventurous Dunmore Caves is the perfect location to go cave exploring with the kids and is just a 10-minute drive outside the city or for an adrenaline filled day then Castlecomer Discovery Park is the ideal activity park to keep everyone busy. Visit: www.discoverypark.ie. Alternatively, get on your bike and explore Kilkenny’s No.1 Activity on TripAdvisor, that’s Kilkenny Cycling Tours! Visit: www.kilkennycyclingtours.com
Pure Adventure River Activities is based in the heart of the Barrow Valley in the Picturesque Village of Graiguenamanagh. Pure Adventure is a family run business that is built on a passion for the outdoors and for water sports offering a range of Kayaking, Canoeing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Hill Walking activities to suit all ages and abilities. www.pureadventure.ie
Parks & Gardens
Visit Kilkenny’s illustrious parks and gardens to discover the work of some of Ireland’s most esteemed landscape gardens and parklands. From the cobbled courtyards and historic buildings at Rothe House or Butler House & Gardens, to castles and stretches of unspoiled nature at Kilkenny Castle Parklands.
Explore the countryside with a visit to Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, overlooking the River Nore Valley and the picturesque village of Inistioge. Features include a walled garden, rose garden, rockery garden, a recreated Turner Conservatory, a collection of rare and exotic trees in the arboretum and much more including many tranquil woodland walks. A relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day with a picnic! www.woodstock.ie
Kilfane Glen & Waterfall is a rugged but beautiful 6-hectare garden that has retained its original character as conceived by the prominent Power family in the 1790s. The idyllic landscape features wild fox-gloves, ferns and other plants. It comprises a 30-foot waterfall, rustic grotto and thatched summerhouse, where visitors may take a short break from strolling the grounds. www.kilfane.com
Kilkenny has a host of parks and gardens just waiting to be explored!
Self-Catering in Kilkenny
This Summer, the country looks set to see a rise in self-catering staycations as travellers swap holidays abroad for a break closer to home. Self-catering and glamping holidays are set to see a rise in visitors when tourism re-opens on June 29th.
Kilkenny has a variety of self-catering accommodation, from rural getaways, luxurious cottages to relaxing and eco-friendly glamping sites. Butterfly Valley Glamping; Killure Lodge, Mount Coggill, Croan Cottages and Blancheville House are among some of the more popular options for families, all offering excellent accommodation and facilities for families and children. Visit: https://visitkilkenny.ie/member-category/self-catering/
Foodie Destination Offering Take Out
In the face of forced closures, top restaurants and cafes all over Kilkenny have been turning to offer a take away and delivery service. Some of those include the landmark that is Langton’s who are offering collection or delivery from Thursday- Sunday or the famous Kyteler’s Inn. For fresh baked goods, check out Marble City Tea Rooms, the ideal place to order before heading off for a picnic or touring the sites. For those who favour curries and chowders as well as sweet treats, the Foodhall at Kilkenny Design Centre also offers a take-away service. For a mouthwatering pizza, La Rivista has a range of delicious pizza and pasta dishes to choose from or for a real treat try Truffles Restaurant offering a range of international cuisine. For the coffee connoisseurs you can get some sweet treats, pastries, and coffee to go as you explore the city from Face 2, Café La Coco and Arán amongst others. Click here for a full list of restaurants offering Take Out service.
Commenting on the re-opening of tourism in the county, Colin Ahern, Chair of Kilkenny Tourism said; “Kilkenny is well and truly gearing up to re-open certain aspects of our tourism sector, however the challenge is balancing safety with the need to reboot the various elements of tourism. As the safety of local people and tourists is paramount, businesses in Kilkenny are working hard to ensure all social distancing measures outlined by the government are implemented in advance of opening.
He added:” all the signs indicate that tourism recovery will begin when the Accommodation sector reopens on June 29th, with travellers staying closer to home for mid-week getaways, weekend escapes and staycations, Kilkenny has the ideal offering. We look forward to giving them all a warm welcome in the coming months.”
Issued by TL Marketing
