kilgraney

country house and herb gardens

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local activities

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local attractions

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local events

Activities:

Walking South Leinster Way

Way Map Guide / Way Marked Trails of Ireland by Michael Fewer

This varied trail leads the walker between some very fine lofty summits in County Carlow and along forest tracks over the northern slopes of Mount Leinster. The trail then drops down into the neat little town of Borris and, from there, follows a towpath along the River Barrow where life sometimes seems to stand still in old world solitude.

South Leinster Way - Kildavin to Borris

Stage One of the South Leinster Way is Kildavin to Borris, longest stage - 22km. From Kildavin, our way takes us along quiet country roads but soon ascends via steep dirt roads to the forest. Magnificent views of the surrounding lowlands may be had on a fine day. The way now changes as we leave the dirt track and head along quiet country roads and across the slopes of Mount Leinster before reaching the town of Borris. The Nine Stones at Mount Leinster offers amazing views of the Barrow Valley and Brandon Hill.

South Leinster Way - Borris to Graiguenamanagh

Stage Two of the South Leinster Way is Borris to Graiguenamanagh, total distance 12km. This stretch follows the town path along the River Barrow and is particularly attractive as it passes through rich deciduous woodland and old mills. Graiguenamanagh, at the end of the walk, is a peaceful quayside village lying in the county of Kilkenny but connected via a bridge over the River Barrow to its twin village of Tinnahinch in County Carlow.

t: +353 (0)59 9131554 e: kdowling@southeasttourism.ie

Golf

There are an impressive variety of golfing facilities within a short drive from Kilgraney House.

Borris Golf Club, Borris, County Carlow.

9 hole parkland, 5680 metres, par 70

t: 059 9773310 f: 059 9773750 e: borrisgolfclub@eircom.net

Carlow Golf Club, Deerpark, Dublin Road, Carlow Town, County Carlow.

18 hole parkland, 5974 metres, par 70

t: 059 9131695 f: 059 9140065 w: www.carlowgolfclub.com

Killerig Golf Club, Killerrig, Tullow, Co Carlow.

18 hole championship parkland, 6165 metres, par 72

t: 059 9163000 f: 059 9163005 w: www.killerig.com

Mount Wolseley, Tullow, County Carlow.

18 hole championship parkland, 6558 metres, par 72

t: 059 9151674 f: 059 9152123

w: www.hilton.co.uk/mountwolseley

Gowran Park Golf Club, Gowran Park, Gowran, County Kilkenny.

18 hole championship parkland, 6110 metres, par 71

t: +353 (0)56 7726699 f: +353 (0)56 7726173

w: www.gowranpark.ie e: gowranpk@eircom.net

Kilkenny Golf Club, Glendine, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny.

18 hole championship parkland, 5857 metres, par 71

t:+353 (0) 56 7765400 f: +353 (0) 56 7723593

w: www.kilkennygolfclub.com e: enquiries@kilkennygolfclub.com

Mount Juliet Golf Club, Mount Juliet, Thomastown, County Kilkenny.

18 hole championship parkland, 6,500 metres, par 72

t: +353 (0) 56 7773064 f: +353 (0) 56 7773078

w: www.mountjuliet.com e: golfreservations@mountjuliet.ie

Horse Riding

Carrigbeg Riding School, All year - Mon - Sat. 10am to 5pm.

Local riding school offering tuition for all level of rider from beginner to experienced. The following topics are taught: show jumping, cross-country riding and jumping, dressage and stable management. The school is located off the Bagenalstown to Myshall road, and just a short drive from Kilgraney House.

Carrigbeg Riding School, Carrigbeg, Bagenalstown, County Carlow

t: +353 (0)59 9721962

Coole Equestrian Centre, All year round 7 days per week.

Coole Equestrian Centre is situated adjacent to Lisnavagh Estate by the picturesque village of Rathvilly. Amenities include one of the largest trekking facilities in Leinster with over 500 acres and a range of natural and manmade fences to cater for all level of riding.

Coole Equestrian Centre, Rathvilly, County Carlow

t: +353 059 9161000 e: doyles@coole-equestrian.com

Warrington Top Flight Equestrian Centre, Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Warrington Stud Riding Club is run by the Moloney family who have been involved in all aspects of the horse industry for many years, and have competed internationally in show jumping and eventing. The centre has excellent facilities and carries approval from the Association of Irish Riding Establishments. Warrington has a wide choice of horses and ponies on offer to sit every standard of rider.

Warrington Top Flight Equestrian Centre, Warrington, Kilkenny.

t: +353 056 7722682 f: +353 056 7770792 w: e:

Curracloe House Equestrian Centre,

Curracloe house is situated eight miles north east of Wexford Town, close to the Raven pine forest and sand dunes. Enjoy a canter on the spectacular Curracloe Beach or trek through the farm. The A.I.R.E. approved facilities include a spacious enclosed arena, an all weather outdoor arena, one grass arena and a cross country course. Well trained horses/ponies available for hire/tuition at all levels of dressage and jumping.

Curracloe House Equestrian Centre, Curracloe House, Curracloe, Co Wexford

t: +353 053 9137582 w: e:

Fishing

Inchbeg Fishing School

Located on the River Nore the school offers tuition in wet and dry fly fishing on private waters. A further 3 / 4 mile private stretch is available for experienced fishermen.

Inchbeg Fishing School, Freshford, Co Kilkenny

t: +353 (0)56 8832576

Castlecomer Lakes, All year

It is now possible to fish in the two lakes found within Castlecomer Demesne in County Kilkenny. Fishing platforms have been constructed along the west side of each lake to allow the best possible access to the water. Both Lakes have been stocked with rainbow trout. The upper lake can be used for bait fishing while the lower lake is used for fly fishing.

Castlecomer Lakes, Estate Yard, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny

t: +353 (0)56 4440707 w: www.cdlakes.ie e: info@cdlakes.ie

Fishing Tackel and Permits

Mr. A. McCullagh, Market Square, Bagenalstown t:+ 353 (0)59 9721381

Mr. Liam O' Connor, O' Connor's Newsagents, The Square, Tullow t: +353 (0)59 9151337
Murph's Fishing, Tullow Street, Carlow. t:+353 (0)59 9132839

Horse Racing

Gowran Park Races

Gowran provides great entertainment for the race-goer. The beautiful wooded race course setting makes for a very relaxing atmosphere.

Gowran Park Races, Gowran, County Kilkenny.

t: +353 056 7726225 w: www.horseracingireland.com w: www.gowranpark.ie

Cookery

Tasteworks Cookery School

Christine Jordan runs innovative cookery classes, at advanced and basic levels, for adults and children embracing the diversity of Irish cuisine.

Tasteworks Cookery School, Leighlinbridge, County Carlow.

t: +353 (0)59 9722786 w: www.tasteworks.net e: info@tasteworks.net

Attractions:

Celtic County Carlow

Brownshill Dolmen

One very unmistakable monument dating back to pre-historical times is the great Dolmen at Browneshill to the east of Carlow town. The Dolmen has a granite capstone weighing about 100 tonnes. It is thought that religious rites, possibly even human sacrifices were performed there for four and a half thousand years (2500 B.C.)

Situated 3km from Carlow Town on the Hacketstown Road. Access is direct from car park.

Hacketstown Road (R726), Carlow, County Carlow

Haroldstown Dolmen

A well-preserved example of a portal dolmen consisting of two slightly tilted capstones supported by ten vertical stones, two of which acted as the "door" to the tomb. The dolmen is located near Tullow, off the R727. Access is direct, but on private land.

Haroldstown Dolmen, Tullow, County Carlow.

w: www.megalithomania.com

Medieval Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle

April & May, daily from 10.30 am-5.00 pm. June to August, daily from 9.30am-7.00pm.
October to March, daily 10.30am to 12.45pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Please note that visitors may have to queue for some time during the summer months.

A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler Family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. The Castle was occupied from the 13th to the 20th century, with the Butler Family in residence from 1391 until 1935. The 19th century Picture Gallery is 45 metres long and contains many Butler portraits as well as some fine tapestries, while the other rooms display the authentic fabrics that existed in the house in the 18th and 19th centuries. The central block now includes a library, drawing room and bedrooms decorated in 1830’s splendour. A suite of former servants rooms is the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.

Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny.

t: +353 (0)56 7721450 f: +353 (0)56 7763488

w: www.heritageireland.ie e: izabel.pennec@opw.ie

St, Canice’s Cathedral

Easter to Oct., Mon - Sat. 10.00 am - 1.00 pm, 2.00 pm - 5.00pm. Sun. 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm.

Saint Canice's Cathedral (Anglican), the second longest of Ireland's medieval cathedrals, provides a seminal influence on Kilkenny life. Built on the site of an earlier church, which in turn replaced an earlier timber structure, the major portion of the work that produced the beautiful Gothic structure was carried out by Bishop Hugh de Mapilton in the middle of the 13th Century. Except for the spire, which collapsed in 1332, the present building is largely unchanged from the 13th century. Features of the cathedral include the fine collection of 16th and 17th century tombstones; black marble monuments to lords, ladies and bishops, and to Edmund Purcell, 16th century captain of the Ormond's notorious gallowglasses, or mercenaries; the 12th century font and St. Kieran's chair, built into the cathedral walls and still used in the enthronement of the bishops of Ossory; the Bishop's Palace and library, founded in 1679 and containing 3000 works from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Red Book of Ossory, a 15th century manuscript which chronicles the lives of early saints. Outside, the 9th century round tower, once used by the monks for refuge, may be climbed (weather permitting)

St. Canice’s Cathedral, Irishtown, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny.

t: +353 (0)56 7764971 f: +353 (0)56 7723646 e: cathedral@ossory.anglican.org

Kells Priory

All year round; tours by prior arrangement.

Although there is evidence that there were priests already on site serving the nearby mediaeval parish church, Geoffrey FitzRobert de Marisco brought four Augustinian Canons from Cornwall to establish Kells Priory in 1193. It suffered many vicissitudes in a turbulent period, when it was sacked twice, once in 1252 and again in 1327.

After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1540-41, the priory, together with a substantial proportion of its lands, was granted to James, Earl of Ormond, but continued to elect priors well into the following century. In the time of Cromwell, the strength of the barony was further dissipated and the once thriving mediaeval settlement that had built up around the foundation went into permanent decline. The existing extensive ruin mostly dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. It consists of a church, a chapel, prior's residence or sacristy, and a number of domestic buildings, all standing on an enclosed site of some 4 acres.

Kells Priory, Kells, County Kilkenny.

t: +353 (0)56 7728255

Jerpoint Abbey

March to May, daily from 10am-5pm. June to mid-September, 9.30am-6pm
November - daily 10am -4pm. Charge applies.

An outstanding Cistercian abbey, a mile to the south-west of Thomastown, founded in the latter half of the 12th century by Donal MacGillapatrick, King of Ossory. The abbey was occupied some 30 years later by the Cistercians from Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow. The remarkable 12th century foundation is very impressive, even as a ruin, with a beautifully carved 15th century sculptured cloister arcade.

Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, County Kilkenny.

t: +353 (0)56 7724623 f: +353 (0)56 7754003

w: www.heritageireland.ie e: jerpointabbey@opw.ie

Duiske Abbey

All year round, Monday to Friday, 10.00 am-5.00 pm; closed weekends.

Duiske Abbey, now the Catholic parish church, but once the church of a 13th century Cistercian monastery, founded in 1204, the remains of which have been incorporated into the building. The name derives from the Gaelic for Black Water – dubh uisce – a river that joins the Barrow a little downstream of the abbey. Duiske Abbey, the largest of Irish Cistercian monastery churches and whose buildings encompassed much of the town, began to fall apart in 1536 when it was suppressed. Although the monks continued to occupy it for many years, it gradually fell into ruin. The last tragedy was in 1744, when the tower collapsed into the nave. However, the debris from the tower was smoothed over to create a new floor and the west end was re-roofed to make a place of worship for the Protestant Church of Ireland. In 1812 the church was returned to the Catholic community and the long work of restoration began – to be completed finally in the 1980’s.

Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny

t: +353 (0)59 9724238

Gardens

Altamont House and Gardens

Summer: Mon. to Thurs., 9am - 5pm; Fri. 9am - 3.30pm; Weekends, 2pm - 5.30pm
Winter: As above but closed at weekends.

One of Ireland's very special places, Altamont House and Gardens are now in State care and managed by The Office of Public Works. The extensive gardens, divided into three distinct sections or elements, are the work of succeeding generations of the Watson family and were first laid down almost two hundred years ago. A delightful formal garden, adjacent to the house, leads to the lake area which is a gem in itself. This in turn leads to a very different garden - the rough or Wild Garden which features many rare and most interesting shrubs and trees from many countries - the result of the family's travels over the last two hundred years. This in turn finally leads to the awesome and dramatic Ice Age Glen overlooking the River Slaney with its delightful river-side walk.

Altamont Gardens, Tullow, County Carlow.

t:+353 (0)59 9159444 +353 (0)59 9159510

w: www.heritageireland.ie e: altamontgardens@opw.ie

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum

Summer – 9.00 am to 8.00 pm. Winter - 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Car park fee €4.00.

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum are located in the picturesque village of Inistioge on the banks of the River Nore. The gardens were once regarded as one of the great gardens of Ireland and Kilkenny County Council has embarked on an ambitious scheme of restoration. The gardens offer visitors a wide variety of interesting features such as the Flower Terraces, the Winter Garden, the Monkey Puzzle Walk, the Noble Fir Walk, and the Arboretum with its rare collection of trees from all over the world. The Dovecote and the curious Grotto provide an interesting focal point in the gardens. Also at Woodstock are the ruins of Woodstock House, built in 1745. Unfortunately it was destroyed by fire in 1922 and has since become unstable. Works are now underway to stabilise the building and prevent further deterioration of the structure. Access to the gardens is through the car park .5 km from the main gates.

Woodstock Estate, Inistioge, County Kilkenny

t: +353 (0)56 7758797 / +353 (0)87 8549785 f: +353 (0)56 7794004

w: www.woodstock.ie e: claire.murphy@kilkennycoco.ie

Huntington Castle & Gardens

Home of the Durdin-Robertson family, continuously occupied since the original tower house was built in 1625 by the first Lord Esmonde. The present castellated house is the result of additions and alterations of many periods, its nucleus being the tower house. There is also an ancient vine in the conservatory and a Temple to the Goddess Isis in the basement.

Huntington Castle & Gardens, Clonegal, County Carlow.

t: +353 (0)53 9377552 f: +353 (0)53 9377160

w: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html e: genova@eircom.net

Kilfane Glen & Waterfall

Please note that this is not open at the moment.

Kilfane is a pristine example of a Romantic era garden dating from the 1790’s. Untouched for 200 years, it is a picturesque paradise with a 30-foot waterfall tumbling its way to a rushing stream and woodland paths leading to a cottage orné. The top part of the garden is comprised of open areas and woods with interconnecting paths. Works of art by artists such as David Nash, James Turrell Bill Woodrow, and William Pye are on display. Near the house you can enjoy the white garden, lily pond and orchard.

Kilfane, Thomastown, County Kilkenny

t: +353 (0)56 7724558 f: +353 (0)56 7727491 e: susan@irishgardens.com

Ducketts Grove

Ducketts Grove was designed in a Castellated Gothic revival style by Thomas A. Cobden for John Davidson Duckett circa 1825. The gardens are undergoing restoration works.

Ducketts Grove, Rainstown, Carlow, County Carlow

t: +353 059 9131554

Crafts

Kilkenny Design Centre, Monday to Saturday 10am-7pm, Sundays 11am-7pm.

The Kilkenny Design Centre is a delight, both in ambience and in style. Here, under one roof, you will find the very best of Irish design and workmanship, carefully selected from over 200 studios and workshops around the country.

Kilkenny Design Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny.

t: +353 (0) 56 7722118 f: +353 (0) 56 7765905

w: www.kilkennydesign.com e: info@kilkennydesign.com

Crafts Council of Ireland

January-March: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm. April-December: Monday-Sunday, 10am-6pm.

Ireland's National Craft & Design Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny

t: +353 (0)56 7761804 w: www.ccoi.ie

Jerpoint Glass Studio, Mon-Sat 10.00am-6.00pm, Sun + Bank Holidays 12.00pm-5.00pm

Studio workshop and shop in a rural setting where wonderful hand-blown glassware is produced and sold by Keith Leadbetter. Glass blowing is on view, Mon-Thurs. 10.00am-4.30pm and Fri. 10.00am-2.00pm.

Jerpoint Glass Studio, Thomastown, County Kilkenny

t: +353 (0)56 7724350 f: +353 (0)56 7724778

w: www.jerpointglass.com e: enquiries@jerpointglass.com

Castlecomer Estate Yard, 9.30am to 5.30pm and 10am to 4.30pm, depending on each shop.

Visit Castlecomer Estate Yard Arts and Crafts Centre. Here, you will find a variety of wonderful craft shops all coming together as one.
Castlecomer Estate Yard, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny

t: +353 (0)56 4440636 w: www.castlecomerestateyard.com e: potty@crannmorpottery.com

Nicholas Mosse Pottery and Mill Café

Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 6.00pm. Sunday 1.30pm to 5.00pm.

Browse among a selection of Nicholas Mosse pottery, linen & glass, over 3 floors of the store. You will also find a large selection of country inspired gifts from around the world.

Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Big Mill, Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny.

t: +353 (0)56 7727505 f: +353 (0)56 7727491

w: www.nicholasmosse.com e: info@nicholasmosse.com

Chesneau Design Studio

View the full range of handbags, belts, unisex executive and small goods, alongside limited edition pieces.

Chesneau Design Studio, The Old Creamery, Bennettsbridge, County Kilkenny.

t:+353 (0)56 7727456 f: +353 (0)56 7727329

w: www.chesneaudesign.com e: ches@indigo.ie

Cushendale Woolen Mills Ltd

Mill shop open Mon. to Fri, 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Sat 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Cushendale Woolen Mills, Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny.

t: +353 (0)59 9724118 w: www.cushendale.ie e: info@cushendale.ie

Farmers’ Markets

Kilkenny Farmers’ Market, Thursday morning 9.00 to 2.00pm

Outside Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny.

Carlow Farmers’ Market, Saturday mornings 9.00 to 2.00pm

Potato Market, Carlow Town, County Carlow.

t: +353 (0)59 9133457 e:cando@eircom.net

Enniscorthy Farmers’ Market, Saturday morning, 9.00 to 2.00pm

Abbey Square Car Park, Enniscorthy, County Wexford.

t: +353 (0)87 4114481 e:alltheshannons@eircom.net

Wexford Farmers’ Market, Dunbrody, Sunday afternoons 12.00 to 3.30pm

Dunbrody Abbey Centre, Dunbrody, County Wexford.

t: +353 (0)51 388933 w: www.cookingireland.com

Events:

Éigse Carlow Arts Festival, 11^th-20^h June 2010

One of Ireland’s largest arts festivals, this event is a ten-day celebration of visual art, performance, dance, music, literature, street spectacle, craft and film. Éigse brings renowned international and national artists and performers to the South East for a series of exhibitions, performances, recitals, workshops and talks for young and old, visitor and local alike.

Éigse Carlow Arts Festival, Foresters Hall, College Street, Carlow Town

t: +353 (0)59 9140491 f : +353 (0)59 9130065 w: www.eigsecarlow.ie e: eigsecarlo@eircom.net

Carlow Floral Festival, August 2010

Carlow Floral Festival is a gardening, flora and nature extravaganza. The festival features gardening and floral workshops, arts & crafts demonstrations and street entertainment.

t: +353 059 9130441 w: www.carlowfloralfestival.com e: info@carlowtourism.com

Kilkenny Arts Festival 6^th 15^th August 2010

The fabulous medieval city of Kilkenny makes a stunning backdrop to its annual international arts festival. Kilkenny Arts Festival takes place over 10 days in August and plays host to some of the world’s leading artists and performers in a range of art forms.
Kilkenny Arts Festival, 9/10 Abbey Business Centre, Abbey Street, Kilkenny City.
t: +353 (0)56 7763663/+353 056 7752175 w: www.kilkennyarts.ie e: info@kilkennyarts.ie

Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival 3^rd – 7^th June 2010

The Cat Laughs Festival is an internationally renowned Annual Comedy Festival featuring some of the best of both Irish and International stand up comedy in the relaxed surrounds of Kilkenny’s top venues.

The Cat Laughs Festival, 11 The Spires, Dean Street, Kilkenny City.

t: +353 (0)56 7763837