Activities, Attractions...and Things to do in Kilkenny City
Kilkenny City Information & History
With Ireland’s mediaeval capital at its heart, Kilkenny has an abundance of historical sites. We are very proud of the facilities we provided in our self-catering accommodation but we don’t want you to stay indoors for all your holiday, we have a list of activities and things to do during your stay. There are castles, forest parks, natural wonders, rolling river valleys, with rich pastureland and breathtaking scenery together with a delight concentration of craft studios and workshops for you to visit and enjoy.
Experience Kilkennys world-famous design tradition by watching the skill and creativity of local and international craftsmen at first hand. Kilkenny is also an excellent sporting county. Witness the artistry of hurling at regular local fixtures. Kilkenny and Carlow provide good opportunities for angling, fishing, walking and golf.
There are many quality restaurants, award-winning pubs, talented musicians and warm-hearted people to make this an ideal holiday destination.
Fishing / Angling on the Nore and the Barrow
Within easy reach of Coolgreany Holiday Homes are two of Irelands finest angling rivers. The rivers Nore and Barrow meander through Kilkenny and neighboring County of Carlow providing fishing, angling, boating, and water-sports.
North of Coolgreany is Castlecomer Demesne www.cdem.ie where two lakes provide fishing, platforms have been constructed along the west side of each lake. At Inchbeg Fishing School on the River Nore, will offer tuition in dry fly fishing on private waters. We are more than happy to provide our self-catering guests with guides to the best angling spots in the region.
Beaches in South East Ireland
Coolgreany self catering accommodation is located in the Sunny South East of Ireland and within driving distance of some of Irelands finest beaches including Tramore, Dunmore East, Curracloe & Woodstown to mention but a few. Have an action packed sports day at Dunmore East Adventure Centre renowned for its idyllic sailing and water sports conditions.
Bird Watching
Our holiday home is located in a quiet rural part of Ireland and these conditions and a haven for wildlife, especially bird watching.
Dunmore Cave
History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique situation. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. The most interesting reference however, comes from the Annals which tells of a Viking massacre at the cave in the year 928 A.D.. Very interesting tour around the cave and a must see if you are in Kilkenny. Exhibitions and displays in the Visitor Centre. The cave is inaccessible for wheelchair users.
Festivals in Kilkenny
| January | Castlecomer Wellie Race |
| May | Rhythm & Roots Music Festival |
| June | Murphy's Cat Laugh's Comedy Festival EIGSE - Arts festival in Carlow |
| July | John F. Kennedy Dunbrody Festival |
| August | August Kilkenny Arts Festival Carlow Floral Festival |
| September | Heritage Week |
| October | Carlow Autumn Walking Festival Irish Conker Championship |
Garden Parks - Walks
On our doorstep is of one of Ireland’s largest garden centers the Arboretum Lifestyle and Garden Center Leighlinbridge. Oak Park Forest Park is a mature mixed species woodland ideal for leisure strolls and walks.
The Garden and Arboretum of Woodstock Estate at Inistioge has some very rare examples of far-eastern species of trees and shrubs with imposing monkey puzzle avenue.
Golf
Golf in spectacular parkland courses. The most noticeably Jack Nicklaus designed course at Mount Juliet in Thomastown. The Castlecomer 18 hole golf course benefits from its setting by the River Deen. Take time to visit Callan, Gowran, Kilkenny City, Mountain View and Carlow all have tees and greens built to GUI standards and in only 10 minute drive to Coolgreany Self catering Accommodation.
Heritage Tours and Historic Landmarks
Castlecomer Discovery Park, the ‘Footprints in Coal’ Interpretative Center tells the intriguing tale of per-dinosaur fossils found deep in the Castlecomer coal mines.
Horse Riding and Pony Trekking in Kilkenny
The nearest canter to us is Top Flight Equestrian Centre, Warrington . It caters for all levels of riders and is open all year.
Horse Racing in Gowran
Gowran Park Race Course has frequent meetings and is within easy reach of us.
Parks and Forests
Ballyrafton Wood is located about half way between Kilkenny and Castlecomer on the main road. It's facilities include riverside forest walks, picnic tables, seats, and free car park.
Jenkinstown Wood is located within 10 minutes' drive from Kilkenny City. This wood is formerly part of the Bryan Bellew Estate. Thomas Moore wrote 'The Last Rose of Summer' while staying at Jenkinstown. It is an ideal location for picnics and nature walks. Jenkinstown Wood also has a deer farm onsite.
There are few locations which could rival the beauty and tranquility of Oak Park Forest, Carlow. This nature and wildlife reserve is ideal for leisurely strolls and walk. A visit here is a relaxing and pleasurable experience and a must for any visit to County Carlow. Colour coded circular walkways of varying lengths with excellent surfaces and easy gradients make a visit here an enjoyable experience for young and old alike.
Tours - Guided Tours of Kilkenny
Worth checking out is Tynan Medieval Walking Tours of the City, available daily from Kilkenny Tourist Office, Rose Inn Street. Tynan tours give a brilliant insight into the historical content of the heart of Kilkenny City. Experience tours of Rural Kilkenny, excursions A, B, and C will give you a rest from driving.
Walking - Hill Climbing and Trekking
Some of Irelands most satisfying walks are to be found in County Carlow. Home to three of Ireland’s key national walking routes – The Leinster Way, The Wicklow Way and the Barrow Way this follows a towpath by the river and can be explored in short sections. Information of each Stage 1 – 6 is available at our accommodation.
Driving - Discover the South-East.
Coolgreany is ideally located within an hours drive of anywhere in Irelands entire South-East region. Experience The Sunny South-East at your leisure by following these great driving routes.
Contact us today to check availability and our competitive rates.
+353 59 97 26148
enquire@coolgreanyhouse.com
