Now is the time. The time to Keep Discovering all that Kilkenny has to offer… Discover The Ancient; The Contemporary; The Mystical; The Majestic and The Traditional all in one county.
All of your best memories are about to be made on our hills, in our towns; in our city and on our rivers… so what are you waiting for… it’s time to Keep Discovering Kilkenny!
The Adventure at Castlecomer Discovery Park
For families who love an adrenaline filled day followed by a picnic, then Castlecomer Discovery Park is the ideal place. The 80-acre activity park features a wide range of exhilarating activities for all ages, from the fun and challenging tree-top walk high amongst the sycamore trees to archery and zip line. For the younger children, there’s a playground, an elf and fairy village, a giant bouncing net and a Junior Woodland Adventure Course where children navigate a series of low-risk challenges, balancing and steering their way through the obstacles.
Visit: www.discoverypark.ie
River Kayaking with Pure Adventure or Go with the Flow
For families looking for outdoor adventure, Kilkenny offers a range of kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle-boarding activities, taking you right into Kilkenny’s unspoiled countryside. Around every corner, you’re bound to come across a waterfall, a fallen tree, an old mill or the remains of a castle as you experience the thrill of the rapids.
Canoeing and kayaking trips take advantage of Kilkenny’s dramatic landscapes, mysterious wooded valleys and the old navigation systems that were once used by the historic Guinness barges. So, pack a picnic and take a half-day guided tour for a truly memorable experience.
Pure Adventure and Go with the Flow both offer a half-day guided tour.
Family Picnic at Kilkenny Castle Parklands
Few buildings in Ireland can boast a longer history of continuous occupation than Kilkenny Castle. Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years.
Kilkenny Castle Parkland comprises of an incredible 21 hectares of land providing the ideal spot for a picnic no matter how big the family are!! The park also has woodland walks & a superb children’s playground with swings, slides, bridges and benches for adults too and is open until 8.30 pm during the summer.
Visit: https://kilkennycastle.ie/
The Ancient Past at Jerpoint Abbey
Jerpoint Abbey in Thomastown is one of the most intact monastic ruins in Ireland and is an exemplary experience of Ireland’s Ancient East. Wandering around this 12th century Cistercian abbey, it’s easy to visualise how our ancestors in Medieval Ireland once lived, with magnificent ornamentation and mythical figures sculpted into its cloister arcade.
Feel empowered and informed about the history and stories of the monks who called the Abbey home, with a free, guided tour, or soak up the natural beauty and rich heritage of this incredible site alone, before continuing your exploration in the visitor and exhibition centre. It’s a must visit for all you historians out there!
Learn the Ancient Art of Glassblowing at Jerpoint Glass
Learn the art of glassblowing at Jerpoint Glass, an Irish handmade glass company and a true family business. Established in 1979 by Keith and Kathleen Leadbetter, together with their small team of glass blowers, they have built Jerpoint into an internationally recognised name.
Here you can learn all about their glass makers’ studio, the gallery shop and about a day and a day in the life of an Irish handmade glass company! Visitors to the studio and shop are welcome to view the glassblowing free of charge during working hours.
Visit: www.jerpointglass.com
Kilkenny's History at the Medieval Mile Museum
Step back in time, even centuries and experience Ireland’s Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny city. Let experienced and entertaining guides lead you through the museum revealing the secrets behind the most famous pieces on display. Learn how the High Crosses were made, what their engravings represent and the stories that they tell.
Visit: www.medievalmilemuseum.ie
Shopping at The Kilkenny Design Centre
Kilkenny Design Craft Centre offers an unrivalled selection of Irish handcrafted gifts. The Centre is Ireland’s most prestigious source of Irish gifts of exceptional quality, all chosen with a discerning eye for quality, uniqueness and style.
The Centre’s unequalled supplier list, drawn from Ireland’s most eminent craftspeople and designers, gives visitors a uniquely special shopping experience, allowing visitors to purchase the best of Irish crafts and design under one roof.
Visit www.kilkennydesign.com
Stroll Through the Land of the Giants in Woodstock Gardens
Explore the Kilkenny countryside with a visit to Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, overlooking the River Nore Valley and the picturesque village of Inistioge. Features include a walled garden, rose garden, rockery garden, a recreated Turner Conservatory, a collection of rare and exotic trees in the arboretum and much more including many tranquil woodland walks. A relaxing and beautiful environment to spend your day!
Visit: www.woodstock.ie
