Kilkenny Walking & Cycling Trails

s

FREE

trail m

es ud

walking, cycling, food and craft trails

ap

inc l

free maps for 5 scenic walks | 3 river walks | 4 cycle routes

Contents Introduction 3 Brandon Hill Loop

4

Kilmacoliver Loop

6

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop

8

Freshford Loop

10

Castlemorris Wood Loop

12

The Nore Linear Park – Nore Valley Walk 14 Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge – Nore Valley Walk

16

County Map

18

Thomastown to Inistioge – Nore Valley Walk

20

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

22

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop Jenkinstown – Dunmore

24

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop Bennettsbridge - Stoneyford - Kells

26

North Kilkenny Cycle Route

28

TASTE of Kilkenny Food Trail

30

MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail

32

Kilkenny Trails Festival

34

Activity Providers and Support Services

35

2

Introduction This directory contains a range of trails designed to inspire you to get out and explore the County and countryside of Kilkenny.

Whether it’s an activity trail; a scenic walk, a cycle route or a walk along the banks of the River Nore; you’ll find suggested routes and maps for you to follow over the coming pages.

Combine your time in the outdoors with a visit to one of the many food and craft producers that are dotted around the county.

The options are endless… Stroll the leafy lanes of O’Gorman’s Lane Loop and visit a candlemaker or the renowned Nicholas Mosse Pottery Studios in the old flour mill in Bennettsbridge. Start or end your river walk with a stroll through Thomastown with its village cafés; and pottery like Karen Morgan’s Porcelain Studio. If you’re on your bike on the East Kilkenny Cycle route, you’ll pass through Graiguenamanagh – drop in to 13th century Cistercian monastery of Duiske Abbey and take in a visit to Cushendale Woollen Mills; where the Cushen family have been weaving throws for generations.

For foodies, the TASTE of Kilkenny Food Trail suggests visits to organic orchards, a trout farm, and everything from artisan cheesemakers, cute cafés and chocolatiers, to the most cosmopolitan of city restaurants.

Kilkenny has long been associated with creativity and design and its reputation for great craft is encapsulated in the MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail which includes a selection of its most renowned potters, jewellers and craftspeople working in willow, glassblowing, stonecarving and weaving; many of whom you can visit in their own studios.

You’ll find a County map on the centrefold that shows all of the trailheads and location of all of the TASTE and MADE producers.

3

Graiguenamanagh

Brandon Hill Loop 77

Trailhead Services Dist/Time High/Ascent Difficulty Terrain To Suit Minimum Gear Grid Ref.

Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny Graiguenamanagh 12km / 5hrs 520m / 600m Hard Minor roadways, forestry tracks and hillside paths Experienced walkers Hiking boots, rain gear, fluids, snacks and mobile phone OS Sheet 68, S708 436

B

Brandon Hill Loop

A

Duiske Abbey

START FINISH

Barrow Way South Leinster Way East Kilkenny Cycle Route

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

Trailhead starting point

C

Galmoy Castle South Leinster Way

F

Brandon Hill Loop

Barrow Way

E

D

4

Directions to Trailhead Brandon Hill loop starts in the town of Graiguenamanagh. The trailhead is at the junction on Lower Main Street.

Walks Directions A-B Starting from the trailhead, follow the purple arrows which guide you around this loop and begin at the exit of the town. You are also following the yellow arrows of the South Leinster Way. Ascend to reach the end of a cul-de-sac at the side of the town bypass. Cross the road to join a minor road. Follow this road for 200m to reach a junction with another minor road on your left. Turn left here.

B-C Follow this road for almost 2km where it merges into a forestry roadway – still following the purple and yellow arrows. After 200m the forestry track turns a right bend and passes through a barrier into Gorlough Wood. 300m later you reach a 3-way junction where the South Leinster Way continues straight, but you turn left.

C-D Continue to follow purple arrows along a forestry track for 3km to reach another 3-way junction where the loop veers right. Ascend along the forestry track as it zig-zags and then skirts around Ballinvarry Hill. After nearly a 2km walk, you reach a crossroads of tracks where the loop turns sharp right onto a ‘green’ roadway and starts the ascent toward Brandon Hill.

D-E After 500m of a climb, you reach a concrete stile and join a track where you turn right along the top of forestry and open hillside on your left. Pay close attention now because less than 200m later you will turn left again and join a path on the hillside which will take you to the top of Brandon Hill.

E-F From the top, look for a waymarker which points you onto a stony path which marks the start of your inward journey. The path zig-zags and descends downhill to reach the edge of forestry where you veer right on to a forestry road.

F-C After nearly 1km you reach a Y-junction where the loop rejoins the South Leinster Way. Veer right and start to descend again into Gorlough Wood – following the purple and yellow arrows. Pass by the site of Reneys Well to rejoin the 3-way junction (at C) where you started the loop. This time, proceed straight and follow the purple (and yellow) arrows back to the town of Graiguenamanagh.

5

Tullahought

Kilmacoliver Loop 32

Trailhead Services Dist/Time High/Ascent Difficulty Terrain To Suit Minimum Gear Grid Ref.

Tullahought, Co. Kilkenny Kilmaganny (10km) 6km / 2hrs 120m / 110m Moderate Laneways, fields and woodland trails Above average levels of fitness Walking boots, rain gear, fluids and mobile phone OS Sheet 75 S432 298

A

B

GAA pitch

Tullahought

Kilmacoliver Loop

START FINISH

Church/Abbey Trailhead starting point

Kilmacoliver Loop

E

C Kilmacover Hill

Megalithic Tomb

D

0

6

km

0.5

Directions to Trailhead Start from the village of Kilmaganny on the R701 between Knocktopher and Carrick-on-Suir.

Follow the R697 in the direction of Carrick-on-Suir for approximately 5km and then take a left turn in the direction of Tullahought Village. Follow this road for 1km and at the crossroads take a right turn and the trail head is 500 metres on the right hand side.

Walks Directions A-B Starting from the car park at the Watering Place follow the tarred road for 400m, past a road on your right, to a laneway on your left. Turn left here.

B-C Following the laneway (which gives way to a sandy lane) you ascend gently for almost 2km to reach a metal gate entrance to an old homestead at Bregaun. Fine views of the Kilkenny countryside begin to open up on your left - and on your right the outline of the trig pillar atop Kilmacoliver Hill becomes visible. Enter the old farm via the metal stile.

C-D Follow the laneway past the old house and farmyard (please do not enter), and shortly afterwards be alert as the loop leaves the laneway to your right and follows a dry ditch on the ascent to the summit of Kilmacoliver Hill.

D-E Take time on the summit to enjoy the circular enclosure of stones and (depending on the weather) the views over counties Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow and Wexford. The substantial hill in front of you is Carrigadoon Hill. Leaving the stone circle behind, descend downhill following the fence on the border of the field – and enters privately developed woodland of broadleaf trees including oak, beech, birch, larch, ash and cherry. The trip through the young woodlands is a pleasant one which ends at a metal gate as you rejoin the laneway on which you traveled outward.

E-A Turning left, you reach a T-junction where you take a right for the final 400m to the trailhead.

7

Bennettsbridge

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop 132

Trailhead Services Dist/Time High/Ascent Difficulty Terrain To Suit Minimum Gear Grid Ref.

Primary School, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny Bennettsbridge 4km / 1hr 60m / 20m Easy Country roads, old laneways, woodland tracks, riverbank All levels of fitness Walking boots, rain gear, fluids and mobile phone OS Sheet 67 S554 493

M9 Nore Valley Walk

C South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop

Moth to a Flame

B

START FINISH O’Gorman’s Lane Loop South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

A East Kilkenny Cycle Route

East Kilkenny Cycle Route Nore Valley Walk MADE in Kilkenny Crafts People

Nicholas Mosse Pottery

Trailhead starting point

8

Directions to Trailhead From the N77 Kilkenny City Ring Road, take the R700 at the Bennettsbridge Road Roundabout (signposted New Ross). After approx 8km you enter the pretty village of Bennettsbridge crossing a bridge over the River Nore. As the R700 swings sharp right – cross straight over onto the road to Gowran. The mapboard is attached to Tynan’s butcher shop at the bridge, car parking is available in the Primary School 100 metres through the village on the right hand side.

Walks Directions A-B With your back to the Primary School turn right and follow the purple arrows along the road to exit the village. Cross the railway bridge and along the road for almost 1km to reach O’Gorman’s Lane (at the side of a house on your left).

Turn left here onto the lane.

B-C Follow this old disused laneway as it makes its way across farmland to reach a surfaced road in the townland of Bishopslough West. Turn left and follow the road for 500m to reach a junction where you turn right. After another 500m (and just before you reach the M9 motorway), turn left and cross a stile onto an old roadway which takes you under a tunnel (the railway line) and onto the River Nore. Turn left onto the riverbank.

C-A The final section of the loop follows the river back to Bennettsbridge. Note that the loop now overlaps the Nore Valley Walk. A set of steps takes you into the village at the bridge – turn left and walk 100m back to the trailhead.

9

Freshford

Freshford Loop 128

Trailhead Services Dist/Time High/Ascent Difficulty Terrain To Suit Minimum Gear Grid Ref.

Village Green, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny Freshford 8km / 2hr - 2.5hrs 160m / 100m Moderate Riverbank, woodland track, laneways All levels of fitness Walking boots, rain gear, fluids and mobile phone OS Sheet 60 S407 647 North Kilkenny Cycle Route

A START FINISH

C

Freshford Loop

B

Freshford Loop North Kilkenny Cycle Route Trailhead starting point

10

Directions to Trailhead Leave Kilkenny City on the Freshford Road (R693), pass straight through the roundabout at St. Luke’s Hospital and continue straight along this road for 12km until you reach Freshford village. The green is straight in front of you as you enter the village. The trailhead mapboard is situated on the green.

Walks Directions A-B From the trailhead follow the purple arrows along the road to the end of the village green and continue straight ahead to pass the church (on your left).

Continue along the road for 300m to reach a ‘gap’ in the wall on your right where you turn right and cross the stream by footbridge. Now the loop follows the right bank of the stream through a lovely section of broadleaf woodland – this takes you to the entrance roadway to Upper Court Manor. Cross the roadway and join the bank of the stream again for a short section which takes you into Brown’s Wood. After the wooden sign turn right and cross the wooden footbridge.

B-C Continue to follow the forestry roadway as it sweeps uphill. After more than 1km you turn right (leaving the ‘official’ roadway and joining a narrow path through woodland). After 20 metres you leave the woods, cross a stile and enter the top of planted forest. Follow the fence along the boarder of the forest until it descends down hill on an old roadway. Exit the forest area over a gate with a built in stile to join the surfaced roadway.

C-A After a short section of surfaced road, the loop turns left and takes you across a field to reach the banks of the Nuenna River. At the river bank turn right and follow the river through a number of farmers fields. On entering the last field follow the arrows along the boarder of the field and onto a tarred road. On meeting the road take a left and follow the road back to the trailhead.

11

Kilmaganny/Knocktopher

Castlemorris Wood Loop 33

Trailhead Services Dist/Time High/Ascent Difficulty Terrain To Suit Minimum Gear Grid Ref.

Castlemorris Wood Loop, Co. Kilkenny Knocktopher. Picnic tables on site 7km / 2hrs - 2.5hrs 160m / 90m Easy Forestry roads, grassy path and country roads Above average levels of fitness Walking boots, rain gear, fluids and mobile phone OS Sheet 68 S489 357

A START FINISH Aghaviller Church & Round Tower

F B

E

C Castlemorris Wood Loop Church Trailhead starting point

D

12

Castlemorris Wood Loop

Directions to Trailhead Starting in Kilkenny City take the M9 Motorway south in the direction of Waterford. Take Exit 10 and proceed in the direction of Newmarket. After 3km take a right turn onto the R701 and proceed 1km. The trailhead is on the right hand side of the road and the entrance to the wood is on the left hand side. Note: The trailhead is signposted from Knocktopher.

Walks Directions A-B Starting from the car park opposite the Grand Gates, enter Castlemorris Woods and pass the Gate Lodge to reach a metal stile. Cross the stile to join a forestry road and follow the purple (and green and red) arrows. The green and red arrows are for shorter loops. Follow the forest road for over 1km to reach an archway through which stone outbuildings (which were part of the courtyard of Castlemorris House) are visible. The green loop turns left here – you turn right following the purple and red arrows.

B-C The loop now sets off to further explore the expansive estate of 200 acres and after approximately 1km joins a minor public road where the red turns left. Turn right here.

C-D Now you start a long ascent through the townland of Coalpitparks (passing some large houses on your left) before entering woodland again. After 500m you reach a T-junction where the loop turns left for the return part of the journey.

D-E A downhill trek of approximately 1km takes you to a junction with a surfaced roadway where you turn right. After 300m at a right bend you rejoin the red loop as it emerges from the forestry on the left. Turn right here, staying on the surfaced roadway.

E-F After approximately 200m both loops (red and purple) turn left and enter Castlemorris Wood by way of a metal barrier. At this point you are just short of Aghaviller Church and Round Tower – 200m along the surfaced road. If you decide to visit the site, remember to return to this junction.

F-A. Only 500m along this final section of the loop you rejoin the green loop as it comes in from the left. Another 500m takes you to a crossroads of forest tracks where you turn left onto a narrow winding track to emerge on a forestry road only 200m from the trailhead. Turn right and enjoy the short trek!

13

rd hfo es r oF <t

Bisho ps M e a

w do

rd Road Freshfo

St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital

s

s

Bi

re No

res Riverside D rive amo

Outdoor Gym

Castlecomer Road

Fr

d for esh

ad Ro

R693

The Syc

Rd

Ri ve r

ea ch

Bl

to Castlecomer Discovery Park

com

Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium

R693

W alk

Freshford Loop

Talbotsinch

To Athy >

North Kilkenny J10 Cycle Loop

Nore Valley Walk

The Nore Linear Park

le Cast

Kilkenny

J9

TASTE of Kilkenny Food Trail

MADE in Kilkenny Crafts People

Access Routes

Steps

Access Point

Nore Valley Walk (11km)

Lacken Walk (1.6km)

Canal Walk (1.7km)

Peace Park Walk (600m)

Bishops Meadows Walk (2.6km)

Rin gR oa d

J8

J7

N77

N10 to M9 Dublin

Ring R oad

er Ro ad

Greens Hill

N76

Stre Scale:

et

N76

Callan Roundabout

0

1

2

3

4

5

1 centimetre = 80 metres (1:80)

Tennis Club Dukes Meadows Be nn et ts br id ge Ro o w ad s A v e

J5

Gallowshill

Bennettsbridge Roundabout

Black Quarry Petrol Station

N77

R712

Pau

R700

oa

d

lsto

wn

>

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop

Ossory Bridge Fennessy’s Mill

River Nore

Nore Valley Walk

J6

To

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop Dublin Road Roundabout

Ormonde Woollen Mills

ad

Dub lin R o

d ea sM e k

J1

l Walk

Nore Cana

Kilkenny Castle Castle stl Park eR oa d

Ca

r Rive

alk

o

ade

Par

River Court

en W

<T

The

John’s Bridge

lin

ud

Kilkenny County St Council Offices

P

Mill building

Tourist Information

Scenic Walk

Cycling Trails

Du

el

et

uay alk

nR

m on Cl

tre

St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower

Peace Park Walk W olf e Swimming To ne Pool S P t Mi ch ae lS t Library M a

d oa

wR Ne

Nore Bar

Green’s Bridge

High

R695

D

S ean

Bambrick’s Bar

do ws

Jo

M ea

et

op s

tre

hn S

n>

sh

n’s Q J oh

Road

ad Ro lW

Lack

Ring

/ Dubli To Ca rlow

e stl Ca r me co C a an

S io

Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge Nore Valley Walk

Purcellsinch Industrial Estate

START FINISH

Sion Road

Inch Sawmills Lavistown House Mill Mill(s) Church ruins & graveyard

Nore Valley Walk

Limestone Quarry

Ri

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Nore Valley Walk

ve

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

r No

Mill(s)

r

e

Church Limestone Quarry MADE in Kilkenny Crafts People TASTE of Kilkenny Food Trail

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop Trailhead: Primary School Bennettsbridge

Scenic Walk Trailhead starting point

Moth to a Flame

START FINISH

East Kilkenny Cycle Route Nicholas Mosse Pottery

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

16

Directions to Trailhead From Kilkenny: The river walk leaves Kilkenny City under Ossory Bridge From Bennettsbridge: Under the six arch bridge – take the steps down to the riverbank by Tynan’s Butchers shop.

Difficulty Length Duration

Moderate 12km 2-3 hours

Note: 2km outside Kilkenny City the trail leaves the river bank and heads along a laneway and onto the Sion Road. Follow this road for 1.5km then cross a green stile, through a field and back to the river bank.

Overview This stretch of the Nore Valley walk takes roughly 2 hours at a relaxed pace. Follow the river as it meanders through meadows, shady glades and past ancient mills; woollen, grain, paper and saw mills from where Kilkenny’s famous ‘black marble’ was honed (Maddockstown). Rich in riverside flora and fauna – spot a swift, a heron or catch a fleeting glimpse of kingfisher or an otter emerging from the riverbank. Described by The Irish Times as ‘a delightful walk’ and by The Irish Independent as ‘one of the most delectable river walks in Ireland, an unfolding tale of kingfishers, otters, Sleeping Beauty castles and wicked young princelings – pure distillation of magic in the floodlands of Kilkenny’.

17

2

St.

St.

8

Th e

Pa rad e

Langtons

in

Ro

ad

93

Cuffesgrange

Kilkenny Free Range Poultry

Ken Foley

16

3

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

N78

Nore Valley Walk

R712

M9

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

20

21

Castlecomer Walk Trailhead: Castlecomer Discovery Park

The Square

N78

Lavistown House

Cillin Hill

18

6

Nore Valley Walk

Danesfort Bennettsbridge

15

62

8 N7

To Athy To Dublin

Castlecomer Discovery Park

L2

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Jenkinstown Loop Trailhead: Jenkinstown Walk

Kilkenny City

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

R6

Freshford Loop Trailhead: Village Green, Freshford

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Ballyragget

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Castlecomer

N10

Kilkenny Farmers Market

River Nore Kilkenny Castle

Rebekah Patterson Ristorante Rinuccini

5

Du bl

To Abbeyleix

00

13

15

MTW Jewellery

Campagne

Hebron Road

Freshford

Gattabaun Loop

Tullaroan

3

craft trail

Nore Valley Walk

made in Kilkenny

R7

Zuni

liam

High

Wil

St.

6

ge rid

1

4

16

John’s B

ran

Café Sol

6 93

Urlingford

R

R693

Cycling Trails

The Islands Walk, Urlingford

Kie

Marble City Bar & Tea Rooms

A Slice of Heaven

Foodworks

7

Scenic Walks

TASTE of Kilkenny Food Trail

MADE in Kilkenny Crafts People

M8

93

R6

trailKilkenny

8

Using This Map

N7

Keep a lookout for the fingerpost signs for the MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail and the TASTE Food Trail throughout the County.

These signs will direct you to them.

Please check opening times before you travel.

St.

et

Par

nt li a me

nS tre

7

Jo h

18 N7 R697

Kilkenny St.

48

r N o re

L2 . ny Rd Kilken

R4

7

Jarrow Café

25 Derek Blanche

3

Ma i

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop Trailhead: Primary School, Bennettsbridge

Gowran Road

Moth to a Flame

R702

To Goresbridge

To Carlow

Glasraí & Goodies

Gowran

21

Aileen-Anne Branningan

5 Andrew Ludick

2

To Dublin

Carl Parker

4

Estate Yard

Kilkenny

.

Dublin

Rosemarie Durr Pottery

1

M9

N7

8

Ri ve

R44

N77 3 62

Patric k St.

19

Trails Festival The Thatch Pub Grannagh Castle

To Kilmacow, Ferrybank & Waterford

12

Mountain Grove Loop Trailhead: Mountain Grove Woods

M9

Piltown

Castlemorris Wood Loop Trailhead: Grand Gates, Castlemorris Wood, Aghaviller

Ballyhale

Knocktopher R699

L4 20 6

22

ll S

<

10

t.

23

The Truffle Fairy

Inistioge

5

N2

0

To Waterford

Tory Hill Walk Trailhead: Car park at Tory Hill, Mullinavat

THOMASTOWN CENTRE 5

Clay Clay Creations Creations Sol Bistro

R

h> tioge to Inis uenamanag Graig 700

Karen Morgan Porcelain

5

ve

22

rN

o re

10

To New Ross

Cushendale Woollen Mills

Nore Valley Walk

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

Duiske Abbey

BENNETTSBRIDGE TOWN CENTRE

Brandon Hill Loop Trailhead: Graiguenamanagh

Nore Valley Walk

.

St

ain

Graiguenamanagh

Chapel Lane

23

Th eM all

w Lo

12

24

e or rN ve Ri

The Blackberry Café

M sta in tra to

t lie Ju nt t. ou ’s S M h o rs n < t a tio

Country Market

11

The Watergarden

R700

Thomastown

Nore Valley Walk

Jerpoint Abbey

M9 Kilometers

Goatsbridge Trout Farm

19

R448

A month long festival held every year with an action packed programme of guided walking events; family walk and picnic, bike n’ hike, pedal n’ paddle, walkers’ walks, walks for nature and heritage lovers.

Jerpoint Glass

20

Stoneyford Mount Juliet

24

Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese

Nicholas Mosse Pottery

Mill St.

N24

Kilmacoliver Loop Trailhead: Tullahought

Claire Molloy Ceramics

25

M9

Kells Priory

and Caroline Dolan Ceramics

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

8 e

t. et S

Many of the food producers and craft makers hold ‘learn to’ workshops – cheesemaking, foraging , throwing pottery, check out www.trailkikenny.ie for upcoming events.

Cafe L’Arche

Keogh’s Model Bakery

Kilmaganny

27

13

17 18

rk Ma

Workshops

Callan

Highbank

R44 W y’s Lad

Food Events: From time to time TASTE members run special events e.g. during Savour Festival (October) – a riverbank barbecue, a dawn bakery tour, an orchard picnic perhaps. Visit www.trailkilkenny.ie for latest news.

Craft Events: MADE hold an exhibition at the Arts Festival (August) and open a Christmas pop up shop in the City (December)

Events

Langtons and Zuni in the City, Mount Juliet in Thomastown; establishments with a particular passion for local food.

Suggested Places to Stay

If you would like a suggested itinerary or to join a guided tour or to have a bespoke tour designed for your group, please visit www.trailkilkenny.ie

Itineraries and Tours

6

6 N7 Organic The Bridge Pottery Orchards

7

CITY CENTRE

N7

14

R69

Castle Arch Pottery

R698

26

1

14

Ryeland Cookery School

R7 0

Kilkenny Design

48

19

R4

Rudolf Heltzel Goldsmith National Craft Gallery

R697

99 .

t. ’s S an

R

R6 g Lo

69 8

48

99 R4

R6 R713 n St

eS t.

R713 dli Mau

Pip

eet Str

Ri

Thomastown to Inistioge Nore Valley Walk

Nore Valley Walk East Kilkenny Cycle Route Mill Historic House Country House Garden

Grennan Mill

The Nore Cot

START FINISH

Trailhead starting point

Grennan Castle

The Nore Cot

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

Castle

Ballyduff House

Nore Valley Walk

START FINISH

Woodstock Gardens

20

Directions to Trailhead From Thomastown: Starting in the town of Thomastown go south across the bridge and follow the green arrows to the Thomastown GAA pitch. Walk along the border of the GAA pitch to the river bank.

Difficulty Length Duration

Moderate 10.9km 2-3 hours

From Inistioge: Approaching form the village square, arrive at the riverbank and turn left along the river.

Overview This stretch of the Nore Valley Walk takes you through diverse countryside, pastoral lands and woodland; rich in flora and fauna. The river is noted for its salmon and also holds crayfish and otters and the arches of its bridges are favoured roosting spots for Daubenton bats. Steeped in history, since the 12th century the Nore was a vital trading route for export of corn, hides and livestock and the importation of exotic goods from other parts of the world such as wine, tobacco, cloth and spices via New Ross and Waterford. There is the ruin of Grennan Castle built by Strongbow’s son-inlaw in the 13th century at the start of the walk and through the pretty Dysart Woods, carpeted in springtime with wood anemones, bluebells and primroses. You’ll pass the ruins of Dysart Castle, home to philosopher Bishop George Berkeley who mused ‘are objects there if we do not perceive them’?! The trail leads you on by Ballyduff House; a glorious Georgian country house in its stunning parkland setting, before entering the broadleaf Brownsbarn Wood and along a grassy riverside track where the view of the 10 arch bridge in picturesque Inistioge opens up ahead of you.

21

East Kilkenny

Cycle Route

Nore Valley Walk

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Distance 64km Time

3 to 4.5 hours

Terrain

Rolling country roads and laneways

Traffic

Mainly on quiet roads, caution advised at one way system in Thomastown

To Suit

Experienced, moderately fit self sufficient cyclists

Kells Priory

Minimum Spare tube, pump, liquids, Gear food, mobile phone

TASTE Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese

Overview

Food and Craft Hub Jerpoint Glass Goatsbridge Trout Farm

This route is a scenic cycling route linking the most historic and culturally significant towns in east Kilkenny. The towns are perfectly placed along the route to stop for lunch or a cup of coffee. The route uses quiet roads and laneways and provides stunning views of Brandon Hill, the River Barrow and the River Nore.

J

22

Gowran - Graiguenamanagh - Thomastown - Bennettsbridge

East Kilkenny Cycle Route South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

St. Mary’s Abbey

Church Nore Valley Walk

Glasraí and Goodies

Scenic Walk

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop

East Kilkenny Cycle Route Duiske Abbey MADE

Cushendale Woollen Mills

Brandon Hill Loop Nore Valley Walk

Jerpoint Abbey

23

North Kilkenny

Cycle Loop North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Jenkinstown Loop

Dunmore Cave

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop South Kilkenny Cycle Loop North Kilkenny Cycle Route Cave

Nore Valley Walk Scenic Walk

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Nore Valley Walk

24

Trailhead

The Parade, Kilkenny

Distance

27km

Time

1.5 to 2.5 hours

Terrain

River side roads and rural laneways

Traffic

Caution when cycling along N78 and turning onto Dunmore Cave laneway

To Suit

Leisure self sufficient cyclists

Minimum Gear

Spare tube, pump, liquids, food, mobile phone

Overview Starting point: Trail Kilkenny Kiosk on the Parade Leaving the Trail Kilkenny Kiosk, cycle down the hill and turn right at the traffic lights onto Rose Inn Street and past the Tourist Office. Cross John’s Bridge and continue to the traffic lights. Turn left at the junction and continue past Padmore & Barnes. Follow the road along Greensbridge Street and go straight through the junction with New Street onto Greens Hill. Follow this road and keep left to take the Bleach Road. Follow this route for 6km until the junction at Hennebry’s Cross. Turn right and then take the first exit off the roundabout onto the N78. After 3km turn left at Ballyrafton Wood and continue for 1km until you meet a T junction. Turn right and take an immediate left up a laneway to Jenkinstown Park.

Return back to the main road and turn left, after 1.5km turn right and follow the road until it rejoins the N78. Turn left and after 1km turn right towards Dunmore Caves.

Passing the turn for Dunmore Caves continue up hill to a T-junction. Turn right and follow the road for 3km until you come to a T-junction. Turn right at this junction and continue along the road back to Kilkenny City. You pass over the bridge on the Ring Road and turn right at a small roundabout onto the Castlecomer Road. After 200 metres turn right onto Greens Hill and follow this road across the New Road onto Greensbridge Street. Turn right onto Michael Street and at the next cross roads turn right onto John Street. Follow this street across John’s Bridge and the Trail Kilkenny Kiosk is on the Parade on the left.

25

South Kilkenny

Cycle Loop

Bennettsbridge - Stoneyford - Kells

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop East Kilkenny Cycle Route North Kilkenny Cycle Loop Nore Valley Walk

Ken Foley Leather

Scenic Walk Nore Valley Walk

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop Highbank Organic Orchards Bridge Pottery & Caroline Dolan

O’Gorman’s Lane Loop Moth to a Flame Nicholas Mosse Pottery

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

Kells Priory

Knockdrinna Farmhouse Cheese MADE Mount Juliet

Food and Craft Hub

Jerpoint Glass Goatsbridge Trout Farm

26

Jerpoint Abbey

Trailhead

The Parade, Kilkenny

Distance

41km

Time

2 to 3 hours

Terrain

Country roads linking the main towns in south Kilkenny

Traffic

Mainly country roads crossing N and R roads. Caution advised when entering towns.

To Suit

Leisure self sufficient cyclists

Minimum Gear

Spare tube, pump, liquids, food, mobile phone

Minimum Gear

Helmet, bike, mobile phone, fluids, snacks, waterproofs, rucksack

Overview Starting point: Trail Kilkenny Kiosk on the Parade Leaving the Trail Kilkenny Kiosk cycle down the hill and turn right at the traffic lights onto Rose Inn Street past the Tourist Office. Cross Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridge and take the first right to Maudlin Street. Follow Maudlin Street uphill till it meets the Dublin Road. Turn right and follow the cycle lane along the Dublin Road. Continue straight through two roundabouts and take the right turn after the Maxol Petrol station onto Sion Road.

Follow this road for 6km and take the left turn to Dunbell and continue for 4km until you come to the Dunbell cross roads. Turn right and continue straight for 3km until you meet a T-Junction with the Gowran Road. Turn right and follow the road for 4km to the village of Bennettsbridge.

In Bennettsbridge cross the bridge and take an immediate left past Nicolas Mosses Pottery. Follow this road for 9km to Ennisnag. At the T-junction turn left and cycle 2km to the village of Stoneyford. As you come into the village, take the first right and cycle uphill in the direction of Kells. Passing Kells Priory, turn right at the crossroads in Kells and continue across the bridge. Take an immediate right and travel 2km along until you take a left turn. Cycle for 2km and take a right at the next T-junction. Follow this route for 3km and take a right at the next T-junction. Turn right at the T-junction and continue to the next T-junction and take a right. After 2km you meet the N10 at Danesfort, turn left in the direction of Kilkenny City. Cycle for 8km and straight through two roundabouts, continue into town and at the next roundabout past the petrol station take the first exit. Follow the cycle path for 400 metres and take the second exit off the next roundabout. Continue along Nuncio Road until you come to a T-junction and take a left back to the Trail Kilkenny kiosk. The Kiosk is on The Parade on your right.

27

North Kilkenny

Cycle Route

Gattabaun Loop

Distance 82km Time

4.5 to 6 hours

Terrain

Quiet country roads and laneways suitable to hybrid type bikes

Traffic

Mainly on quiet roads joining N roads in sections.

Caution for farming machinery at certain times of the yea

To Suit

Experienced, moderately fit self sufficient cyclists

Freshford Loop

Minimum Spare tube, pump, liquids, Gear food, mobile phone

Overview This route is the most challenging in the Trail Kilkenny portfolio of cycling trails. It winds its way through rural North Kilkenny bringing the cyclist through beautiful villages like Freshford and Castlecomer.

28

Castlecomer - Freshford - Tullaroan Castlecomer Discovery Park MADE Craft Hub

North Kilkenny Cycle Route

North Kilkenny Cycle Route South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Jenkinstown Loop

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop East Kilkenny Cycle Route

Dunmore Cave

Cave Church Nore Valley Walk

North Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Scenic Walk

East Kilkenny Cycle Route

South Kilkenny Cycle Loop

Nore Valley Walk

29

Siobhan Lawler, Glasraí & Goodies with Chef Ken Harker, Mount Juliet

Anna Stewart, Jarrow Café

Chef Maria Raftery, Zuni

Margaret & Ger Kirwan, Goatsbridge Trout Farm

Experience the rich and varied food culture of County Kilkenny – from artisan cheesemakers to chocolatiers, chickens to caviar and cute cafés to cosmopolitan city eateries, you’ll find that all the participants in the trail share the same passion for food and the great produce of the Kilkenny countryside (and love to share it!)

Pick up or download a copy of the dedicated food trail guide to discover all things foodie in Kilkenny. Take a look at the map of the County in the middle of this guide and you’ll find the locations of the members of the Trail (detailed on the following page) who open to visitors – please check opening times before you travel.

30

1

to

27

TASTE Food Producers (as numbered below) can be found on the map in the middle of this book Check opening times before you travel

Restaurants 1

Café Sol, William Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 4987 www.restaurantskilkenny.com

2

Zuni, Patrick Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 772 3999 www.zuni.ie

3

Campagne, Gashouse Lane, Kilkenny Tel: 056 777 2858 www.campagne.ie

4

Marble City Bar & Tea Rooms, High Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 1143 www.langtons.ie/marble-city-bar

Food Producers 14

Highbank Farm, Cuffesgrange Tel: 056 772 9918 www.highbankorchards.com

15

Kilkenny Free Range, Callan Road Tel: 056 776 3426 Mobile: 087 643 9979

22

Goatsbridge Trout Farm, Jerpoint, Thomastown Tel: 056 772 4140 www.goatsbridgetrout.ie

24

nockdrinna Cheese & Farm Shop, Stoneyford K Tel: 056 772 8446 www.knockdrinna.com

Speciality Shops 13

Keogh’s Model Bakery, Bridge Street, Callan Tel: 056 772 5254 www.keoghsmodelbakery.com

5

Langtons, John Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 5133 www.langtons.ie

16

A Slice of Heaven, High Street, Kilkenny Mobile: 087 953 3870 www.sliceofheaven.ie

7

Foodworks, Parliament Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 777 7696 www.foodworks.ie

21

Glasraí & Goodies, Main Street, Gowran Tel: 056 773 3799 www.glasraiandgoodies.com

8

Ristorante Rinuccini, the Parade, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 1575 www.rinuccini.com

23

The Truffle Fairy, Thomastown Tel: 056 779 3375 www.trufflefairy.com

Sol Bistro, Low Street, Thomastown 12 Tel: 056 775 4945 www.restaurantskilkenny.com

Destinations & Experiences 6

Cillín Hill Mart, Dublin Road, Kilkenny Tel: 056 772 1407 www.cillinhill.com

9

The Thatch Pub, Grannagh Tel: 051 872 876 www.thethatchpub.com

18

Lavistown House, Sion Road, Kilkenny Tel: 056 776 5145 www.lavistownhouse.ie

19

Kilkenny Design, Castle Yard, Kilkenny Tel: 056 772 2118 www.kilkennydesign.com

20

Mount Juliet, Thomastown Tel: 056 777 3000 www.mountjuliet.ie

Cafés 10

The Blackberry Café, Market Street, Thomastown Mobile: 086 775 5303 www.theblackberrycafe.ie

11

The Watergarden, Ladywell Street, Thomastown Tel: 056 772 4690 www.camphill.ie

25

Jarrow Café Castlecomer Discovery Park Tel: 056 444 0019

Café L’Arche, Green Street, Callan 27 Tel: 056 770 6891

26

Ryeland House Cookery School, Cuffesgrange Mobile: 086 276 7656 www.ryelandhousecookery.com

31

Fredrike Grace, Spirit Jewellery

Philip Cushen, Cushendale Woollen Mills

Rory Leadbetter, Jerpoint Glass

Andrew Ludick

Kilkenny is renowned as a creative hub with a vibrant craft industry. Discover authentic craft created by designer makers all over the county; using the most modern techniques as well as preserving and developing age old methods. From the white furnace of the glassblower, to the traditional throwing wheel of the potter and the hammering of precious metal; each creating unique, functional and decorative pieces.

Pick up or download a copy of the dedicated MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail guide to discover Kilkenny’s craft culture for yourself. Use the map of the County in the middle of this guide to find and visit the makers’ studios – you’ll find the locations of the members of MADE who open to visitors – please check opening times before you travel.

32

crafttrails

1

to 25

MADE Craft Producers (as numbered below) can be found on the map in the middle of this book

The following craft makers’ studios are open to visitors – you should check their opening times before you travel. Many other craft makers’ welcome visitors by appointment and you’ll find their full details in the MADE in Kilkenny Craft Trail Guide or visit www.trailkilkenny.ie Pottery & Ceramics 1

2

14

17

18

20

23

Rosemarie Durr Castelcomer Discovery Park Tel: 056 444 0007 www.rosemariedurr.com Andrew Ludick Castelcomer Discovery Park Tel: 056 444 0007 www.andrewludick.blogspot.com Castle Arch Pottery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny Tel: 056 775 1933 www.castlearchpottery.ie Caroline Dolan, Burnchurch Tel: 056 772 9156 www.carolinedolanceramics.com Bridge Pottery, Burnchurch Tel: 056 772 9156 www.bridgepottery.com Nicholas Mosse, Bennettsbridge Tel: 056 772 7505 www.nicholasmosse.com Clay Creations, Low Street, Thomastown Tel: 056 772 4977 www.bridlyonsceramics.ie

Karen Morgan Porcelain 24 Market Street, Thomastown Mobile: 086 166 3691 www.karenmorganporcelain.com 25

Claire Molloy, Kilmoganny Mobile: 087 214 6328 www.clairemolloyceramics.com

Jewellers 3 4 6 13

Derek Blanche, Castelcomer Discovery Park Mobile: 086 854 0633 Carl Parker, Castelcomer Discovery Park Tel: 056 444 0876 www.carlparkejewels.com Marie Therese Walker, Market Slip, Kilkenny Tel: 085 758 4907 www.mtwjewellery.com Rudolf Heltzel Goldsmith Patrick Street, Kilkenny Tel: 056 772 1497 www.heltzel.ie

Textiles & Leather 15

Millinery by Rebekah Patterson The Parade Kilkenny Tel: 087 254 0181 Facebook-Hats-Rebekah Patterson-Milliner

Ken Foley Leatherwork, Kells Tel: 056 775 2019 www.kfoley.ie Cushendale Woollen Mills, Graiguenamanagh 22 Tel: 059 972 4118 www.cushendale.ie

16

STONECARVER, GLASS BLOWERS, CANDLEMAKER Aileen Anne Brannigan, Stonecarver, Castelcomer Discovery Park Tel: 087 771 0248 www.aileenannebranniganstonecarver.com 19 Jerpoint Glass, Stoneyford Tel: 056 772 4350 www.jerpointglass.com Moth to a Flame, Bennettsbridge 21 Tel: 056 772 7826 www.mothtoaflame.ie 5

33

Kilkenny Trails Festival Join in this annual, month long festival of trails, walks and so much more. An action packed events programme with something for everybody – challenging walks for enthusiastic walkers, walk series for those looking to improve their fitness or to start a walking habit and themed walks for those interested in exploring the countryside at a gentle pace. Pack a picnic and bring the family to Forage for Food on the riverbank. Meet the Head Gardener and enjoy a spot of afternoon tea on great country estates.

Get on your bike on a Bike’n’Hike, cycle to Bennettsbridge and walk back along the riverbank into Kilkenny City.

Check out www.kilkennytrailfestival.ie for more information.

Summer Saturday Bus Hop on a bus in Kilkenny City and travel out to Bennettsbridge to enjoy a leisurely 2 hour walk back along the riverbank. This walk described by The Irish Times as ‘a delightful walk’ and by The Independent as ‘one of the most delectable river walks in Ireland’ will give you a memorable perspective on the stunning countryside; rich in wildlife, flora and fauna.

Bus picks up every Saturday at 11.30am from Padmore & Barnes, Wolfe Tone Street, Kilkenny. This service runs from June till September and is operated

by Ring-a-Link Tel: 1890 42 41 41.

34

activity providers and support services Cycling Tours & Bike Rental Kilkenny Cycling Tours Hire a bike and head off to experience a Bike’n’Hike cycle along scenic country roads to Bennettsbridge. Leave your bike there and walk back along the riverbank into Kilkenny City or Pedal and Paddle; returning by canoe along the river. Guided cycle tours for groups of 10 or more also available.

Waterside Bike & Hike Hire your bike from Waterside Bike & Hike and take a cycle along the River Barrow towpath from Graiguenamanagh to the picturesque village of St. Mullins or on quiet country roads to Inistioge. Adult and children’s mountain bikes, as well as electric bikes available.

Contact: Jason Morrissey, Kilkenny Cycling Tours Tel: 086 895 4961 Web: www. kilkennycyclingtours.com Prices: From €15 bike hire per day

Contact: Brian Roberts, Waterside Bike & Hike Tel: 086 408 4008 Web: www.watersideguesthouse.com Prices: Mountain Bike €15.00 per day

Electric Bike €25.00 per day Discounts for all residents of Waterside Guesthouse

Foraging in the Wild and Riverbank Eco Trails Go on an unhurried adventure to gather wild food and discover all kinds of natural goodies on the river bank or explore the secret natural life of the river to discover who likes nesting where, why butterflies love some spots, see if you can spot an otter or even a kingfisher.

Blackstairs EcoTrails Web: www.blackstairsecotrails.ie Tel: +353 87 270 7189

Lavistown House Web: www.lavistownhouse.ie Tel: +353 86 840 7754

Outdoor Clothing, Footwear and Supplies Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 6.00pm.

Sundays and Public Holidays, 2.00pm to 6.00pm

Padmore & Barnes Wolfe Tone Street, Kilkenny Web: www.padmore-barnes.com Tel: +353 56 772 1037

35

Trail Kilkenny is a non-profit company established to develop, promote and maintain leisure trails in County Kilkenny. New trails are being developed all the time so, check out our website www.trailkilkenny.ie to view the full range including trail map downloads.

Alternatively to find and navigate Trail Kilkenny walking, cycling, food and craft trails, download our free App. Simply search for Trail Kilkenny in the App Store.

www.trailkilkenny.ie Scan the QR code opposite with your smartphone (iPhone, etc.) to link to the Trail Kilkenny App. Download the app for a free interactive guide to the best walking, cycling, food and craft trails in Kilkenny - free QR reader apps can be downloaded from the app store by searching for “QR reader”.

Follow us on FACEBOOK

Follow us on twitter

978-0-9557776-9-1

Front cover image: Left to right: Sharon, Beatrice and Molly O’Shea

Designed by www.penhouse.ie

If you would like to take a break away and sample a selection of trails during your stay in County Kilkenny, you’ll find a range of breaks and offers on www.discoverireland.ie/Places-To-Go/Kilkenny or www.kilkennytourism.ie