And breathe… this Summer we invite you to venture off the beaten path, explore another side to Kilkenny and cherish the quiet, slow moments in the vast countryside. Whether you choose to traverse the county by our winding waterways, on horseback or on your trusty bike, your trip to Kilkenny will be an unforgettable and invigorating experience.
Summer In the City
Explore the winding Medieval streets of Kilkenny on foot and learn about the fascinating history of the city. Join knowledgeable local tour guide, John Comerford from Kilkenny Tours for an easy-going tour of the city. John has a lifelong passion for Kilkenny’s history and culture, which shines through in every aspect of his walking tour. Over the course of 2 hours, visitors will cover approximately 3km on foot with plenty of time to stop and take in the sights. Kilkenny Tours are a great introduction to the county’s history and heritage.
Prefer to see the city at a quicker pace? Head on a cycling tour with the dedicated tour guides from Kilkenny Cycling Tours. You’ll cover 10km in 2 hours across a morning or afternoon of your choice, you’ll visit all of the main tourist attractions as well as some hidden gems. A cycling tour is perfect if you’re in Kilkenny for a short time. It is a casual, fun and educational way to see the city.
Experience the city from a different perspective along a trip with BoatTrips.ie (pictured). Witness the wildlife that thrive in the urban environment and that have shared the waterways with man for thousands of years so make sure that you have your camera on hand to capture the natural beauty of the river. Gaze up in amazement at the towering walls of Kilkenny Castle while gliding down the River Nore and enjoy your peaceful trip to Kilkenny City.
Countryside Jaunts
Join fifth generation farmers, Rod & Julie Calder-Potts at their organic haven at Highbank Orchards. Take an owner-led taste and tour of the vast organic orchards, ending with a tasting session of their delicious apple products or choose to take a self-guided tour, in which you can discover the farm at your own pace. Following the 12 QR coded red gates, your virtual guide, Rod, will bring you around his family’s ancestral home and teach you about the importance of organic farming on the environment and the gut.
There is no better place to enjoy the sunshine than at Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum. Explore over 50 acres of formal gardens and parkland dating from the Victorian period. From May, the on-site team rooms open for business in the Turner Conservatory, located just beyond the beautiful walled gardens, so make sure to grab a coffee and pastry and bask in the sunshine. Woodstock Gardens are a great day out for all the family with an accessible playground and room to roam. Your furry friends are welcome to join you for a day at the gardens but they must be on a lead at all times.
Observe the lifestyle of a working farm with farmer, environmentalist and shepherd, Suzanna Crampton at Zwartbles (pictured). A champion for regenerative farming, Suzanna has a flock of Zwartbles sheep whose beautiful fleeces are spun into yarn locally at Cushendale Woollen Mills. You can book a private tour of the farm with Suzanna at ZwartblesIreland.com
Exploring the Waterways
No matter the weather, you’re guaranteed a great day on the water with Riverbend Adventures (pictured). Go for a paddle along the River Nore with qualified instructors who eat, sleep and breathe kayaking. Find your moment of peace on the river while the bustling city life on the surface passes you by. Choose between a stand-up paddleboarding tour of the Medieval city or play it safe (and stay dry) in a kayak!
Take to the winding waterways for an adventure on the River Barrow with Go With The Flow River Adventures. Over the course of 2-days, you will explore 21km of the countryside via canoe. Cast off at Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny and take the journey at your own pace. The first leg of your trip is 14.5km downriver to Graiguenamanagh, where you can either pitch your tent for a peaceful evening by the river or jump into a cosy bed at the Waterside Guesthouse. The following day, embark on a 6.5km trip to St. Mullins in Co. Carlow. Find your own pace on the river this Summer. Please note: this is a canoe hire experience, this is not a guided excursion.