Sustainability

In the city, MacDonagh Junction rail is serviced by the Dublin Hueston-Waterford rail link, which also stops in Thomastown. 

The Kilkenny City Bus covers 2 routes:

There are 2 Bus Éireann routes in County Kilkenny servicing a number of towns & villages including Inistioge, Thomastown and Bennettsbridge.

The Local Link services Kilkenny with 40 stops. Or you can avail of our private bus services- JJ Kavanagh run a route from Dublin Airport to Clonmel with stops in Castlecomer, Newpark Hotel, Ormonde Road and Callan.

View the Local Link map here

Or maybe renting a car from Kavanagh’s Executive Car Hire might be more your style, with a chauffeur for all of your needs. Perfect for private tours, business affairs or weddings. Carpooling is the way to go! 

Whilst in the city, why not rent a Bolt E-Bike? Get the Bolt app, scan the QR and go! 

Learn about more ways to get to Kilkenny

We’re delighted to have many local Kilkenny food producers employing sustainable practices to create delicious products for our cafés and restaurants to use. With 2 Origin Green certified producers; Ballykeefe Distillery and Goatsbridge Trout Farm, who are working to produce food that is sourced and grown sustainably.

Visit Highbank Orchards, an organic apple orchard who haven’t used any pesticides or chemicals on their plants in over 35 years. Take a tour with owners, Rod and Julie, and learn about their farming methods, discover the different apple varieties and be sure to have a taste of their top quality products!  

Call in for lunch at Nóinín, who use locally-sourced produce and create a seasonal menu to reflect the availability of their ingredients! Arán Bakery uses Kilkenny brand, The Little Mill Company’s flour to create their award-winning sourdough bread. Outside of the city, drop in to Freshford Community Café to sample some delicious dishes using ingredients from the community garden. 

There are a number of accommodation options in Kilkenny for those seeking a more sustainable adventure. 

Hotels in Kilkenny are making great strides towards sustainability. Langtons Hotel has installed 236 solar panels and 4 Electric Vehicle charging stations with The Hoban Hotel planning to have its own vegetable and herb garden on-site, bringing farm-to-table dining closer than ever. Pembroke Kilkenny have boosted their energy efficiency with triple-glazed windows, helping to reduce heat loss and create a more eco-friendly stay.

In general, Kilkenny hotel’s operate on LED lighting with timers fitted to reduce electricity wastage. They are eliminating single-use cosmetics such as  shampoos and soaps by using refillable dispensers. Supporting local suppliers is an important factor in creating some of the most succulent meals imaginable! 

Escape the city and unwind at Croan Cottages and The Gables & Longbowe, whose top priorities are to create a sustainable getaway. 

Croan Cottages

Located 18km from the town of Bennettsbridge, Croan Cottages is the perfect escape for any nature lover. The electricity used to power the cottages is generated from wind and other renewable sources. Each cottage is thoroughly insulated to conserve energy. All vegetable waste and lawn cuttings are composted. 

The Gables & Longbowe

The Gables self-catering accommodation is set in an original 18th century farmhouse with the 4* Longbowe  eco-friendly holiday home situated on the grounds. Located a 5 minute drive from the city centre, it’s a slice of paradise in the suburbs. Perfectly suited for the Irish weather with a rainwater collection tank and solar panels to keep your carbon footprint low. The geothermal heating will keep you warm on the chillier days.

Bring reusable products

Bring your own water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags to avoid single-use plastics. Many local cafés and stores in Kilkenny offer discounts for customers using their own cups. Arán have a ‘Bring Your Own Cup’ promotion every Thursday where you can get a free coffee with any pastry!

Respect our natural spaces

When visiting Kilkenny’s green spaces like the Kilkenny Castle Gardens or Woodstock Gardens, stick to marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and never leave litter behind. Leave our natural spaces as you found them and protect them for other visitors. Stay on designated paths to minimise your impact on the environment and be courteous to other walkers and cyclists. Do your research as to which parks and trails are dog-friendly, keep them on a lead and tidy up after them.

Learn About Kilkenny’s Sustainable Heritage

Visit heritage sites like the Design & Craft Centre in the Castle Yard and Cushendale Woollen Mills, see local crafters using traditional methods that emphasise the importance of using local materials, as well as reusing and repairing products.

Choose Low Impact Tours

Opt for walking or cycling tours that allow you to experience the local culture with minimal environmental impact, like Shenanigans Walks. Experience the Medieval City by bike with Kilkenny Cycling Tours and choose from a range of different adventures from sunset bike rides to a Medieval treasure hunt!

Support local conservation projects 

Perhaps you would like to support local conservation projects like Zwartbles’ regenerative sheep farming practices, which stresses the importance of protecting the land for future generations.