Day 1 - Morning
This morning enjoy a visit to the 12th century Kilkenny Castle set in 1830’s splendour and explore its extensive parklands. Walk through its fifty acres of rolling parkland with mature trees and an abundance of wildlife. Other features include a formal terraced rose garden, woodlands and a man-made lake, which were added in the nineteenth century. There is also a tearoom, playground and several orienteering trails for visitors to enjoy. Visit: www.kilkennycastle.ie
Sample some of Kilkenny’s finest pastries and cakes in Cake Face Patisserie which is located on the Medieval Mile in the shadow of St. Canice’s Cathedral. It is the perfect resting point for coffee lovers and foodies alike and collect your take away picnic to enjoy in the Kilkenny countryside this afternoon.
Day 1 - Afternoon
Take a drive out to the picturesque village of Inistioge and explore the magnificent Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum. The gardens, overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer visitors a wide variety of attractions and a relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day. The gardens are home to a mix of formal and informal gardens with an arboretum, walled garden, terraced garden, yew walk and rose garden. Also of significance are two stunning avenues, the Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue. Visit: www.woodstock.ie
Continue on your journey and discover the 12th century, Jerpoint Abbey, one of the best examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. The architectural styles within the church, constructed in the late twelfth century, reflect the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. The tower and cloister date to the fifteenth century. Jerpoint is renowned for its detailed stone sculptures found throughout the monastery. Dating from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries these include mensa tombs from the O’Tunney school, an exquisite incised depiction of two 13th century knights, the decorated cloister arcades along with other effigies and memorials.
Children can explore the abbey with a treasure hunt available in the nearby visitor centre. Search the abbey to discover saints, patrons, knights, exotic animals and mythological creatures. Visit: Jerpoint Abbey
Day 1 - Evening
This evening enjoy a stroll along the River Nore and work up an appetite to redefine your Steak-House experience at the Butcher Restaurant in the Heart of Kilkenny City. Quality contemporary food & cocktails are served in their relaxed and intimate restaurant. When visiting the Butcher Restaurant guests are sitting just nine miles from Summerhill Farm, Thomastown, where they rear their own traditional breeds including purebred Hereford, Galloway and Aberdeen Angus. These cows are born and raised at Summerhill and are grass fed for 10 months of the year. The restaurant host, Mark Williams is a 6th generation beef farmer at Summerhill Farm. Mark has been supplying beef to top restaurants around Ireland since the 1990’s which is how he met their Head Chef James Dewberry and was inspired to open this restaurant, the Butcher in the heart of this medieval city. www.butcherrestaurant.ie
Day 2 - Morning
Collect your Take Out Picnic from Aran Bakery & Bistro, voted one of the Top 100 places to have lunch in Ireland! This artisan bakery and bistro in the heart of Kilkenny city serves delicious brunches from seasonal local produce and stone baked breads with natural Irish ingredients.www.arankilkenny.ie
Head off to begin your day full of activity and adventure at Castlecomer Discovery Park. They offer a wide range of fun, challenging and exhilarating activities.
The park comprises of 80 acres of stunning natural woodland and lakes and a range of exiting recreational activities. Enjoy everything from Tree Top Walks, Boating, Zip Lines, Archery, Axe Throwing and Mountain Biking
Day 2 - Afternoon
Day 2 - Evening
Relax and enjoy the evening lights and atmosphere of Kilkenny City. Sample a pint and pizza bites in Sullivan’s Taproom outdoor garden area and later enjoy a wonderful dinner in Zuni. Zuni restaurant is highly regarded as one of Kilkenny’s top restaurants. From cocktails in the bar, to breakfast, lunch and dinner, nights out with friends to special occasions with the family, you’ll love what Zuni has to offer. Visit: www.Zuni.ie
