Walking

  • Lacken Walk

    The Lacken Walk, which forms part of the River Nore Linear Park, follows the east bank of the River Nore as it flows south for Bennetsbridge. Access from either the ring road at Ossory bridge or from the "Lacken Steps" at the end of Maudlin Street/Dublin Road (near the viewing area). The Lacken Walk comprises a mix of old pathway dating back to the 1950's which travels to the rear of the old Health Board grounds at St. Canice's. As the path opens out into the flood plain a board walk is provided to take walkers across the often wet and flooded ground.

  • Woodstock

    Woodstock Gardens and arboretum are located in Inistioge, Co Kilkenny, overlooking the picturesque River Nore valley. The gardens were once regarded as one of the greatest gardens of Ireland created in the Victorian style and represent the gardens created by Colonel William Tighe and his wife, Lady Louisa, in the mid-1800s.

     

  • Walking Trails Kilkenny

    Trail Kilkenny Ltd leads and facilitates the development, management and promotion of a range of high quality walking, cycling and other leisure trails for the benefit of visitors and residents of Co Kilkenny. Trail Kilkenny’s Walking Trails are a series of scenic walks developed and designed to allow you to explore more of the great outdoors, bringing Kilkenny’s wonderful countryside to walkers. The walks are essentially ‘mini hikes’ and the character of each walk varies. Choose a walk to suit your fitness level and the nature of your walking party.

  • Thomastown Water Garden

    Attractive streamside gardens with unusual water features, tucked away in the middle of Thomastown. Complete with a garden centre, craft workshop and café. Run by Camphill Community, including people with special needs. Café and garden centre wheelchair accessible.
     

    Gardens and Garden Centre: Open all year. Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
     

    Cost: Free. Donations appreciated.
     

  • The Nore Valley Walk

    Walk along the banks of the River Nore from Ossory bridge to Bennettsbridge. The 11km walk on grasslands and roadways can be started from the park at the top of Maudlin Street or from under Ossory bridge (watch out for the signpost on the Ring Road). Access at Bennettsbridge is down the steps beside Tynan’s Butchers at the bridge. For further details see the Trail Kilkenny Website.
     

     

     

     

  • The Nore Linear Park

    The Nore Linear Park is located on the banks of the River Nore running through Kilkenny City. A network of approximately ten kilometres of footpaths and cycle lanes have been developed running from Fennessy’s Mill, to the south of the city, to the weir at the Bleach Road in the north. Parallel to the Dublin Road at Lacken, you can connect into the Nore Valley walk south to Bennettsbridge.

     

     

     

  • O’Gorman’s Lane Loop

    Distance and time 4km, 1 hr 30mins. Difficulty: Easy. Country roads, old laneways, woodland track and river bank. Suits all levels of fitness. Minimum gear: hiking boots, raingear, snacks and fluid, mobile phone. Start at Bennettsbridge Primary School, for full directions check website

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Kilmacoliver Walk

    This 6km loop walk starts and finishes at the Watering Place – wildlife lakes fed by fresh water springs 1km from Tullahought on the Kilkenny/Tipperary border. This walk is unsuitable for large groups and walkers should be aware that they may encounter livestock. No dogs permitted on this walk. For more information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
     

     

     

     

  • Kilkenny Castle Park

    A beautiful park whatever the season. Plenty of open lawns. Children’s play area. At the far end of the park away from the castle is a wildlife sanctuary and pond – a great incentive to walk just that little bit further! Opening times vary with the seasons (see sign on main entrance gate).

     

     

     

  • Castlemorris Wood Walk

    Three looped walks that start and finish at the Grand Gates which lies west of the villages of Newmarket and Hugginstown and east of the village of Kilmoganny in south Kilkenny. The Holly Loop is 6km in length, the Fern Loop is 3km and the Pheasant Loop is 7km. For more information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
     

  • Castlecomer Discovery Park

    Come and see the new Tree Top Adventure Walk among the tree tops at the park (from seven years, and for all ages) and try our Climbing Wall and Leap of Faith activities. Harnesses, helmets and safety instructions all provided - ideal for birthday celebrations. Also, new orienteering trails, (1, 2, 3km).

    Themed woodland walking trails with sculptures and picnic tables. Themed events throughout the year, including Easter activities and Santa at Christmas! Open daily all year round. Boating activities, weather permitting. Check website.

  • Brandon Hill

    Climb to the top of the hill and enjoy the fabulous views. There’s a couple of routes and you can drive some of the way before parking. For more information check the Trail Kilkenny website.
     

     

     

     

  • Tyndall Mountain Club

    The core activity is hill walking, although walks on the flat are organised, as well as other mountain activities – hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering. There are also occasional slide shows, and in-house map reading courses, lectures, social evenings and trips abroad to pursue the activities. Details of events are available on the club blog or Facebook. We walk every Sunday, with a choice of two walks every second Sunday. We also walk Wednesdays and do some night hikes too.
     

  • Kilkenny Walkers Club

    A very popular club with walks to suit all ages and abilities. Annual foreign trips organised.
    Details of fortnightly Sunday walks in the Kilkenny People. Meet on the Parade in Kilkenny
    every second Sunday, 9.30am. There is a minimal charge to cover travel expenses.
    Beginners very welcome!