Kilkenny Castle Park Kilkenny Castle Park is a haven from the busy streets of Kilkenny with its tranquil tree-lined river walks and huge meadows. It is also a refuge for thousands of species of flora and fauna.
Ducks, grey herons and swans can be seen on the river along with occasional sightings of the
brilliantly coloured kingfisher  Five of Ireland's seven species of bats hunt the river at night and there is an unusual species of freshwater pearl mussel which can live to up to 120 years of age - native to the River Nore - above Ballyraggett Bridge. There ash, beech, oak, alder, copper beech, silver birch, horse chestnut, cedar of Lebanon and yew trees abound among others.
| Newpark Marsh NEWPARK Marsh is a fen which was once a lake and became colonised by reeds and floating vegetation, such as pondweed. It is a diverse habitat with open water, tussocks of sedge and a rich variety of wild plants, including Ragged Robin, Lady's Smock, Yellow Iris, Yellow and Purple Loosestrife. The fen is situated about two kilometres north-east of Kilkenny, off the Castlecomer Road, a short distance from Newpark Hotel.  It is classified as a valley fen and designated as an Area of Scientific Interest and a proposed Natural Heritage Area (NHA). Woodland adjoining the fen beside Kilkenny College is part of the wetland system and is included within the NHA.
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