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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 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 |
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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. Medieval Kilkenny Kilkenny Castle April & May, daily from 10.30 am-5.00 pm. June to August,
daily from 9.30am-7.00pm. 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. Kells Priory, Kells, County Kilkenny. t: +353 (0)56 7728255 March to May, daily from 10am-5pm. June to mid-September,
9.30am-6pm 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 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. 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 s 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 |
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Events: Éigse Carlow Arts
Festival, June, 2007 (Dates to be confirmed) 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 Opera in the Garden,
July, 2007 (Dates to be confirmed) Blackstairs Opera holds an annual festival and this year it is
taking place in the grounds of Borris House, Borris, Co. Carlow. (3.5 miles,
6km from Kilgraney House). t: +353 053 9255071 w: www.blackstairsopera.com e: sales@blackstairsopera.com Carlow Floral
Festival, (Date to be confirmed) 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, 10th August to 19th August 2007. 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. Smithwick’s Cat
Laughs Festival, 31st May to 4th June
2007. 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 w: www.smithwickscatlaughs.com e: info@smithwickscatlaughs.com |
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