Get out and about and enjoy some fresh air and adventure in Kilkenny this summer. To get you started with a little inspiration, we have listed some of the top outdoor activities to do in Kilkenny this summer.
It’s All Here in Kilkenny this summer!
Forest walks & parklands
1. kilkenny castle park
Popular with walkers and running enthusiasts alike, Kilkenny Castle Park comprises of an incredible 50 acres of land to explore. There are clearly marked walking and running trails, including a 2.5 km and a 5km loop.
There are woodland walks, a formal terraced rose garden, a beautiful man-made lake, a children’s playground, and lots of benches to relax and take a moment and enjoy the wonderful surroundings.
The Ground & Parklands are currently open from 9.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. daily and there are lots of great options for a takeaway coffee nearby!
2. woodstock gardens & arboretum
If you are lucky enough to live in, or near the picturesque village of Inistioge, a visit to Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is a must! 50-acres of beauty waiting to be explored, right on our doorstep.
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 very relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a couple of hours.
Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum is currently open from 8 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. daily. Entry is €5 per car, which is payable on exit from the car park.
3. jenkinstown woods
Situated on the grounds of the stunning Jenkinstown House and only 10- minute drive from the city, you will find Jenkinstown Woods which offers two woodland trails – a 2.5 km walk (The Walled Garden) and a 4 km loop to suit all levels of fitness.
Facilities include a picnic site, forest walks, and there is also a herd of deer in the walled garden off the main car park, which is very popular with children – perfect if you are planning a family day out.
culture
1. kells priory
Situated alongside King’s River in the rolling Kilkenny countryside, beside the village of Kells, Kells Priory is one of the largest and most impressive monuments in Ireland. One of its most striking features of the Priory is a collection of medieval tower houses spaced at intervals along and within walls which enclose a site of just over 3 acres. It consists of a church, a chapel, prior’s residence or sacristy and a number of domestic buildings. A breath-taking cultural site to take in, explore and enjoy a stroll around. Entry is Free.
2. jerpoint abbey
If you are in the Thomastown area, Jerpoint Abbey is one of the best examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in Ireland.
Founded in the 12th century and steeped in history, the church with its Romanesque detail dates from this period. In the transept chapels visitors can see a 13th to 16th century tomb sculpture. The tower and cloister date from the 15th century. Entry is free and there is a car park at the entrance.
Visit Trail Kilkenny for some more information on activity trails around the county.
