Things To Do in Kilkenny & South East

The Watershed Kilkenny

This is your watershed moment…
If you want to get fit, learn to swim, train for a marathon,
score a hat-trick, lose weight, improve your personal best or simply have fun and feel great then the Watershed will mark a turning point in your life.
The Watershed is the only sports and leisure facility in Kilkenny offering a vast range of activities and classes in one place.
We’re here for everyone, regardless of age, fitness or ability- contact one of our members of staff for more info.
Contact Details

The Watershed,
Bothar na Tounish Road,
Kilkenny.
Phone: 056 7734620
Email: info@thewatershed.ie

K-Bowl

Experience our state of the art bowling lanes and computers. Wait your turn to bowl in comfort on our leather sofas enjoying the atmosphere. All lanes are fully accessible to wheelchair users and are fitted with side bumpers to ensure the best chance of a STRIKE every time!!
Prices

Peak Off Peak
Per hour (Up to 6 per lane) € 39.00 € 29.00
Per Game (per person) € 7.50 € 5.50

Contact Details
K Bowl,
Mc Donagh Junction,
Carlow Road,
Kilkenny.
056-7788200

Tynan Walking Tours

Tynan Walking Tours of Kilkenny City
Kilkenny City Kilkenny - Ireland South
Enjoy an hours walking tour through Ireland's medieval city, accompanied by a humorous and informative guide. A popular and enjoyable way to get to know the medieval capital of Ireland - and to spot the best shops and stores to explore later on! A popular and enjoyable way to explore the Medieval Capital of Ireland. Departing from 16th century Shee Alms House, the leisurely stroll tells the compelling story of this city’s remarkable history.

Contact
Telephone: +353 (0)87 265 1745
Email: tynantours@eircom.net
Website: http://www.tynantours.com
Address: Tynan Walking Tours, C/O Kilkenny Tourist Office,, Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland

Gowran Park Horse Racing

If somebody asked you to put a racecourse anywhere in Ireland the chances are you would set it down in Gowran Park.

Gowran Park, in County Kilkenny, has developed into one of Ireland’s most picturesque race courses. The track hosts 16 race meetings throughout the year culminating in top quality National Hunt and Flat Race Meetings. Whether you are a racing fanatic or simply coming along for a day out racing at Gowran Park has something for everyone.

There is a fine symmetry to the racing season at Gowran Park with quality fixtures spread evenly throughout the year. The Thyestes Chase starts the ball rolling in January; everyone who is anyone descends upon Gowran Park on the third Thursday in January to watch National Hunt Racing at its best. Legendary horse such as Arkle have triumphed in this race. Previous winners include Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde.

February brings another flagship day, the highlight being the Red Mills Trial which is often used as a prep run for Cheltenham. In early April the Tetratema Cup is a popular hunter chase event followed by the Listed Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes in May.

The Summer Sundays throughout May, June and July feature lots of competitive and some high-class jump and flat racing. The highlight in October is the two day racing festival featuring Gowran’s only Group 3 race, The Denny Cordell Lavarack and Lanwades Stud EBF Fillies Stakes.

Course Characteristics
The course is a right-handed undulating track of one mile and four furlongs in length.
Contact Details
Gowran Park Golf,
Gowran,
Co Kilkenny

Racing Office: +353 (0)56 7726225
Fax: +353 (0)56 7726173
For general enquiries please email reception@gowranpark.ie

Kiltorcan Karting Circuit Raceway

A very high proportion of our current Formula One Grand Prix drivers began their careers in Kart Racing.
Karting, at any level, is challenging, exhilarating fun. At Kiltorcan Raceway Karting Circuit, we ensure that it is also extremely safe. Probably the safest in Ireland.
We operate a 1000 metre, super smooth, all weather, floodlit track and supply everything you will need for a fantastic driving experience.
Whether you are new to the sport, or an old hand with loads of experience, Kiltorcan Raceway offers the buzz of a lifetime.

Our karts are superb, our facilities are second to none and our staff are all selected and trained to ensure that you are in the very best hands.
As well as offering a range of events for groups of 10 or more, we also provide 15 or 30 minute 'Practice Sessions' for individuals or smaller groups.
This works on the 'Arrive & Drive' principle and booking is not necessary. However, to avoid un-necessary waiting, we suggest that you phone the circuit prior to leaving home to so that you can be appraised of the approximate waiting time.

Please wander about our website and maybe get a feel for the place. Then call us and arrange a visit. We guarantee you the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Read more about Kiltorcan Raceway Kart Circuit Read less about Kiltorcan Raceway Kart Circuit

Contact Details
Address: Kiltorcan Raceway Kart Circuit , Ballyhale, Co Kilkenny, Republic of Ireland
Telephone: +353 (0)87 2464872
Telephone: +353 (0)56 7768914
E-mail info@kiltorcan.com
Web http://www.kiltorcan.com

Nore Valley Open Farm

Nore Valley Park has operated as an open farm and caravan park since 1989 and attracts many families and groups each year. There are a whole variety of animals to see and enjoy. Baby kids and lambs are bottle fed and rabbits can be handled. As well as animals to see there is a playground, sandpit with diggers, straw play area and Giant chess. Additional attractions for all age groups include Pedal go-karts, Crazy golf , Indoor 3D Maze and Trailer Rides. A small tuck / Souvenir shop is available with Tea/coffee To Go and home baked specialties e.g. scones, biscuits and carrot cake. Each year our Easter egg hunt is a feature. It is held on the Saturday a week before Easter and is a great days fun for all the family with loads of eggs to be found.
Contact Details
Samuel and Isobel Harper,
Nore Valley Park, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

Tel: 056 7727229
Fax: 056 7727747
Email: norevalleypark@eircom.net
Opening Times:
March - October, Mon - Sat, 9am - 6pm. Closed Sundays

GOLF – GOWRAN PARK

About the Golf Course

Golf Course

In 2001 Gowran Park, in County Kilkenny, developed this unique 18 hole golf course to compliment its renowned race meetings. Incorporating a mixture of established woodland and lakes, this Jeff Howes designed par 71, 18 hole golf course provides and excellent test for the low handicap golfer whilst also being very enjoyable for the middle to high handicappers.

Gowran Park warmly welcomes:

• Casual Green Fees
• Societies
• Corporate Golf Days and Groups
• Clubs
• Classics

The team at Gowran Park will ensure that your day out is memorable from start to finish and endeavour to look after everything with the greatest attention to detail.

Golf Course Features

The key feature of Gowran Park golf course would be that five holes of the golf course are located within the centre of the race course. The first three holes start inside the track, and then proceed in an anti-clockwise direction, returning inside again to play the 9th and the 18th under the watchful eye of the clubhouse. Holes 2 and 17 also face the extra challenge of avoiding the two lakes.

The course is a wonderful parkland golf course with tree-lined fairways and superb greens complemented by various water hazards, lakes and streams. The 15th hole is arguably the most picturesque hole on the course, no bunkers, no water, just a corridor of fairway cut between two rows of 100ft plus trees.

The signature hole is the 4th hole. A fantastic hole based on “Azalea” the 13th hole at Augusta. Playing to 100ft high trees in the distance you have to avoid the trees to the right and the creek to the left, expected to play your second shot over the creek which surrounds the green. A real index 2 hole.

This exciting, beautiful, dramatic and challenging golf course leads to an enjoyable golfing experience. No trip to the South East is complete without a trip to this Kilkenny Golf Course.

Contact Details
Gowran Park Golf and Leisure,
Gowran,
Co Kilkenny

Golf Shop: +353 (0)56 7726699
For golfing enquiries please email golf@gowranpark.ie

Touring Routes

There are 7 sign posted touring routes that were developed to provide an introduction to various areas of the county using a planned route to lead you through places of natural, historic and cultural interest.
All tours are suitable for vehicular access although Route 3 is particularly good for walking or cycling.

Slí 1 - Fassidinan (84km approx)

(Maps 60 & 61) - Sign: White on Black - Fassidinan Sli
Kilkenny - Jenkinstown - Ballyragget - R694 towards Castlecomer (optional detour at Seven Cross Roads) - R694 to Castlecomer - R426 to Clogh - Cloneen Bridge - Moneenroe - Castlecomer - N78 to Kilkenny.
The Dinin River valley provides some of the scenic charm on this tour while the towns and villages associated with mining tradition in the area are explored.

Touring Highlights

• Jenkinstown Park
• Swiftheath
• Folksrath Castle
• Castlecomer
• Dunmore Cave
• Clogh Village

Activity Highlights

Walks in Jenkinstown Park
Walk on Cromwell's Road.

Slí 2 - The Happy Valley (82km approx.)

(Maps 60 & 67) - Sign: Green on Black - The Happy Valley
Kilkenny - Tullaroan - Urlingford - Johnstown - Ghatabawn - Freshford - Threecastles - Kilkenny.
This tour threads through islands of low hills and runs through rich farmland in the valleys of the Nuenna and Nore rivers.

Touring Highlights

• Brod Tullaroan, Tullaroan
Grangefertagh Church and Round Tower, nearJohnstown St. Lachtain's Church

• Freshford
• Ballylarkin Church

Activity Highlights
Freshford Angling School, Freshford
Nuenna Farm Equestrian Centre

Slí 3 - The Ridge of Leinster (94km approx.)

( Maps 60.61 & 67) - Sign: Green on Black - The Ridge of Leinster
Castlecomer - Smithstown - Uskerry - Uskerry Bridge - An Cuan - Bilboa Uisean Park, Rossmore Viewpoint - Clongrennan - Ridge Crossroads Viewpoint - The Butts - Coolcullen - Cassagh - Knockshanbally - Johnswell - Kilderry - Kilkenny - Castlecomer via N78.
This tour pivots on Castlecomer, with contrasting scenic appeals in the Dinin River valley and on the Castlecomer Plateau. The intimate landscapes of the valley contrasts with the marvelous panoramas from the plateau and the Ridge of Leinster.

Touring Highlights

• Church of the Immaculate Conception & Castlecomer Demesne, Castlecomer
• Rossmore Viewpoint
• Dunmore Cave
• Johnswell

Activity Highlights
Castlecomer Golf Club, 18 holes
Uisean Park, picnic and refreshment area, Rossmore
Walks in Castlecomer Demesne
Pococke par 3 Golf, Kilkenny
Kilkenny Golf Driving Range
Countryside Leisure Activity Centre, Bonnettsrath.

Slí 4 - The Gowran Tour (74km approx)

( Maps 61,67 7 68) - Sign: Red on Black - The Gowran Tour
Kilkenny - Kilderry - Clara Castle - Clifton - N10 - Paulstown - Wells Church - Goresbridge - (detour Borris) - Graiguenmanagh - Glencoum - Gowran - R702 then left to Blanchvillestown - Dunbell - Maddockstown - Kilkenny.
This tour stays predominantly under the scenic influence of the great River Barrow and its valley. History and beauty combine to give the drive its fascination.

Touring Highlights

• Clara Castle, Clara Upper
• Shankhill Castle, Paulstown
• Ullard Church
• Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh
• St. Mary's Church, Gowran

Activity Highlights
Walking the Barrow Towpath
Walking the Brandon Hill Way
Canoeing on the Barrow
Barge Cruising on the Barrow
Horse Racing and Golf in Gowran

Slí 5 - The Kilkenny Tour - (170km approx)

(Maps 67,68 & 75) - Sign: Yellow on Black - The Kilkenny Tour
Kilkenny -Clara Castle - Clifden - N10 - Paulstown - Wells Church - Royal Oak - Goresbridge (detour Borris) - Graignamanagh- Glencoum - Gowran - R702 then left to Blanchville - Dunbell - Maddoxtown- Kilkenny.
Absorbing some of the great historic and scenic gems in the county, this tour embraces the Barrow valley to the east, the Nore valley at its centre and the Suir valley to the west. These are the three great river valleys of the South-East Region. The tour is very long and will be better appreciated if driven over 2 to 3 days

Touring Highlights

• Burnchurch Castle
• Birthplace of Edmund Ignatiius Rice, Callan
• St. Mary's Church, Callan
• Augustinian Friary, Callan
• Killamery High Cross
• Ahenny Crosses
• Kilkieran Crosses
• Leac an Scial Dolmen, Harristown
• Knocktopher Church
• Sheepstown Church
• Gairdin and Ghorta, Newmarket
• Aghaviller Church and Round Tower
• Kilree Monastic Site
• Kells Priory
• Thomastown
• Jerpoint Abbey
• Thomastown Nore-side Town
• St. Mary's Church


• Watergarden
• Clonamery Church
• Inistioge
• St. Marys' Church, Inistioge
• Graiguenamanagh Medieval Town
• Kilfane Church and Effigy
• Tullaherin Church and Round Tower

Activity Highlights
Mount Juliet Golf Club, 18 holes, Thomastown
Equestrian Centre, Mount Juliet, Thomastown
Woodstock Walks, Inistioge
Brandon Way Walk
Kilfane Glen and Waterfall
Nore Valley Park Open Farm, Bennettsbridge

Slí 6 - The Iverk - IDA Tour

(Maps 75 & 76) - Sign: Blue on White - The Iverk-Ida Tour
New Ross/Rosbercon - Glenmore - Slieverue - Ferrybank./Waterford - Mooncoin - Fiddown - Piltown - Carrick-on-Suir - Faugheen - Ahenny - Kilkieran - Owning - Mullinavat (detour Tory Hill) - Rosbercon/New Ross.

The Viking/Norman city of Waterford and riverside Norman towns, feature on this tour where the scenic interest is provided in and above the valleys of the Barrow, Suir and Black Water rivers.

Touring Highlights

• New Ross
• Dunbrody Famine Ship


• Ahenny High Crosses
• Kilkieran High Crosses
• Poulanassa waterfall
• Tory Hill Drive Activity Highlights
• Scarke 27-hole Golf Course and Driving Range
• New Ross
• Waterford 18-hole Golf Club
• Tory Hill Walk
• New Ross 18-Hole Golf Club

Slí 7 - Slieveardagh Tour (80km approx)

(Maps 67) Sign: Blue on White - Slieveragh Tour
Kilkenny - Ballycallan - Kilmanagh - The Commons - Grange - Kilcooly - Kilmanagh - Kilkenny.
The surprising beauty of the modest Slieve Ardagh Hills and the vivid colours in the rich valleys below them are some of the rewards on this pleasant tour.

• Ballycallan Church
• Ballykeefe Woods & Park
• The War House
• National Flag Monument, The Commons
• Slive Ardagh Hills
• Kilcooly Abbey Activity Highlights

Activity Highlights
Ballykeefe Woods & Park
Ballykeefe Amphitheatre

Fishing In Kilkenny

River Nore
Co. Kilkenny

The seasons for the different fish on the Barrow are as follows: The salmon season runs from February 1st to September 30th. The sea-trout season runs from February 1st to September 30th and the brown-trout season runs from March 1st to September 30th. The river nore is 87 miles long and its drainage catchment area is 977 square miles.

It rises on a sandstone base but the catchment soon turns to limestone and remains so to the sea. The countryside is one of mixed farming, with some tillage, quite a bit of pasture and dairying and some bloodstock. The river has a fairly steep gradient but the flow is checked by innumerable weirs and it is probably true to say that shallow glides are the pre-dominant feature.

Wading is quite safe and necessary in many areas for the trout fishing. The banks are lined with trees in many places. Aquatic vegetation is less than its sister rivers, the Barrow and the Suir.

The best of the salmon fishing is said to extend up as far as the the confluence of the River Dinin and the best trout fishing is upstream of Thomastown, though there is some below it too. This was once one of the best salmon fishing rivers in the country but has declined dramatically recently. It now gets very few spring salmon. The grilse run fluctuates and so too does the the autumn run. the peak of the grilse fishing is from mid June until early July and the autumn run arrives some time after mid-August. The fish can be big from 12lbs-20lbs, but the run is unpredictable. The best of the trout fishing is from early season to mid-June on the tributaries and throughout the season on the main river.

Kilkenny fishing club has extensive fishing rights on the River Nore and its tributary, the Dinin River. These waters hold salmon and brown trout. The best time for salmon on any of the stretches are from March to September, there is virtually no spring fishing. The June run of grilse is fair but not nearly as good as in the past.

Hannah Hamilton, Inchbeg Fishing School Freshford

Guide and Instructor for salmon and trout fishing
Notes: At Inchbeg Fishing School on the River Nore, we offer tuition in dry and wet fly fishing on private waters. Salmon from 1st of February, Trout from 1st March. Equipment and Tackle hire and Day permits available. Experienced evening guide available.
Address: Inchbeg Fishing School,Freshford, County Kilkenny
Telephone: +353 056 8832576
Email: inchbegfishingschool@gmail.com
Web: http://www.inchbegfishingschool.com

Noel Molloy

Guide and Instructor for salmon and trout fishing STANIC
Notes: Noel Molloy is a certified fly-fishing instructor Salmon and Trout Association National Instructors Certificate. "For some reason some people think that in order to be able to flyfish you have to be gifted with super human hand-eye co-ordination - not true! A few lessons from a qualified instructor and a some practice and you will be fishing in no time." 8 miles of River Nore to explore. Day permits/licences available. Member of the Fly Dresser's Guild.
Telephone: +353 86 360 8865
Email: noresideflyfishing@gmail.com
Jim Browne

Salmon and trout ghillie

Notes: Salmon and Trout flyfishing on the River Nore. The salmon on the Nore range in size from 7lbs to 30lbs+ the grilse up to 7 lbs. We have a run of seatrout up to 4 lbs. The fishing starts on 17th of March and ends the 30th of September. The trout fishing on the Nore is very good and the average size is about 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound but trout of 3 to 5lbs are caught occasionally during the season.
Address: Rosebank Lodge, Mount Alto, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny.
Telephone: +353-56-7758419
Email: jimmbrown@eircom.net
Web: http://www.noresalmon.com

Some of The 2010 Festivals in Kilkenny

Carlsberg Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival

29 Parliament Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
This annual event gets better every year and never fails to raise the roof. Last year there was a wide list of international stars of the best in roots music such as Shooter Jennings and The .357s, Dan Arborise, The Sadies, Po'Girl and the Magnolia Electric Co.. And remember that it’s always better to book early to avoid disappointment....

Kilkenny Celtic Festival-Feile Ceilteach Chill Chainnigh

College Road, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
Kilkenny Celtic Festival explores and celebrates all aspects of Irish language and Celtic traditions in the context of their shared history and culture with the Celtic Nations employing lectures, song, dance, music, crafts and art. The festival normally runs between the last week in September and the first week in October....

Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Parliament Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
This annual event has become the premiere comedy festival for all comedians from Ireland, the UK, overseas in the USA, Canada and even Australia. Though it may not be Ireland’s largest festival it is certainly has the most fun and is the best craic....

Kilkenny Arts Festival 2010

9/10 Abbey Business Centre, Abbey Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny

Kilkenny Arts Festival is entering its 36th year and has experienced phenomenal growth in recent times. The festival is recognised nationally and internationally as one of Ireland’s biggest and best multi-disciplinary arts festivals. The festival is renowned for attracting leading artists and performers across all art forms from around the world. Stunning visual art, original and innovative theatre productions, spectacular street entertainment,...
Dysart Festival And Concert Series

Dysart Castle, Thomastown, County Kilkenny
This festival is held on the weekend after the bank holiday in August....

Eigse Sliabh Rua

Slieveroe, Kilkenny
The village of Slieverue is located just two miles from Waterford City, so the Eigse Sliabh Rua festival is easily reached by anyone visiting the city during the month of November. Having started in the late seventies, this festival is a great venue for people to come and learn all about the local area straight from the mouths of local historians. There will also be plenty of other activities and entertainment to keep you going throughout the festival....

Ballykeefe Midsummer Festival

Brittis, Kilmanagh, Kilkenny
An outdoor summer long festival, from May to end of August. Events are held at various weekends.The events are held in a unique setting of and old disused quarry. Ballykeeffe Midsummer Festival is held to coincide with the summer solace. Hear the best of traditional , folk and classical music and more....

Graiguenamanagh Town Of Books

(Ballyogan House), Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny
The aim of the festival is to make Graigunnamanagh the book town of Ireland and encourage book sellers to open in the old shops of the town...
Machinery and livestock exhibition. 19 National finals.. Business, shopping and education arcades....

Irish Conker Championship

Freshford, Kilkenny
Once a schoolyard pastime now a highly skilled, eagerly contested competition for a holiday voucher for 1000 by young and old. On Sunday 28th expect to find lots of Halloween games, wonderful food, exhibitions, stalls, a treasure hunt and lots of craic....