House of Waterford Crystal. Located on the Mall in the heart of the Viking Triangle in Waterford City, the House of Waterford Crystal brings a visit to Waterford to a whole new level. Our staff will be pleased to welcome you on arrival and take you on a journey to see exquisite pieces of crystal created before your very eyes.
Tramore. Welcome to Tramore… the South East’s leading Holiday Resort! Tramore Trá Mhór, meaning “big strand/beach”) is a seaside town in County Waterford on the southeast coast of Ireland. A small fishing village until the arrival of the railway in 1853, the town has continually expanded since. Initially the town flourished as a tourist destination and latterly it has developed as a seaside satellite town of Waterford City, which is 13 km to the north. Waterford Airport is located about 6 km northeast.
Mount Juliet golf course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Mount Juliet golf course first opened in 1991. The course has established itself as a premier venue for top professional and leisure golfers from around the world.
Bishops Mountain Shooting Centre. At Bishops Mountain aim to provide you with one of the best shooting experiences possible. Individual coaching sessions for beginners or holiday makers and those wanting to improve on clay target shooting skills. Our combination of friendly faces and challenging targets ensure that your going to have a good time.
Dunbrody Famine Ship and Emigrant Experience. Centred on an authentic reproduction of a 1840’s Emigrant Vessel, the Dunbrody Visitor Centre also houses world-class themed exhibits, and the Irish America Hall of Fame.
Kilkenny Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands a crossing on the River Nore and dominates the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City. Over the eight centuries of its existence, many additions and alterations have been made to the fabric of the building, making Kilkenny Castle today a complex structure of various architectural styles.
Waterford Castle Golf Resort. For the ultimate golfing experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, Waterford Castle truly is an island dream! The unique Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Club is Ireland’s only true island golf resort. Completely detached from the mainland yet ideally located for an Irish golfing vacation or exploring the many Irish golf courses nearby. Designed by renowned former Ryder Cup player, Des Smyth, former Ryder Cup player, and opened in 1992, this 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, complete with luxurious clubhouse utilizes the natural landscape of the Island. The layout of the golf course reveals attractive rolling fairways and subtle contoured greens, which magnificently blend into the natural landscape. A number of man-made features further accentuate the Island’s beauty including four additional water features on the second, third, fourth and sixteenth hole, which are both aesthetically pleasing while providing golfers with added challenges! The golf course also boasts its own Swilken Bridge.
New Ross Golf Club is one of the driest golf courses in South East Ireland, rarely closed due to bad weather and therefore can be enjoyed throughout the year. The Par 70/73 golf course provides a great test for all abilities, with tree lined fairways and superbly contoured greens complemented by a number of water hazards. We welcome all golfers –
Mountain View Golf Club. The brainchild of the O’Neill Family, Mountain View Golf Club opened its gates in 1996 and boasts 18 holes of breathtaking golf. Spread over 120 acres of rolling Kilkenny countryside, the course consists of sweeping fairways, imaginative bunkers, elegant water features, sensational views and superbly manicured sand-based Tee’s & Greens ensuring year round play.
Kiltorcan Raceway. Kiltorcan Raceway is one of Ireland’s best go-kart circuit’s and is known to be challenging, exhillarating and fun, while still being an extremely safe track. So whether you are coming as an individual, group of friends, on a corporate team building day or that all important fun filled hen or stag party the team at Kiltorcan Raceway will make sure your time here is packed with excitement and fun while ensuring your safety at all times. If you are new to go-kart racing or are an experienced driver our state of the art kart’s paired with our outdoor super smooth 1000 metre, all weather, floodlit go-kart track will offer you the buzz of a lifetime.
Mahon Falls Walk. The Mahon falls Walk is a pleasant and easy family walk, which is popular with visitors and locals a like. Spectacular at any time of the year. Mahon Falls is especially impressive after heavy rain, when water can be seen cascading down the steep rock face to the pools several hundred feet below. Mahon Falls Walk is a linear walk to the foot of the magnificent Mahon Falls. This waterfall tumbles from the highest point in the Comeragh Mountains at the southeastern corner of the Comeraghs. Unlike the many other coums (hollows) in the Comeragh Mountains, Coum Mahon is a V-shaped coum.
Waterford Greenway. The Greenway is a spectacular 46km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line, venturing from the quays of Waterford, a city founded by the Vikings, all the way through an area rich in Irish heritage to the historic port of Dungarvan, a vibrant seaside market town with a pretty quay-side setting. Discover the stories of the past as you stop at attractions along the way and uncover the secrets that they hold — from the stunning gardens of Mount Congreve, known as one of the great gardens of the world — to Viking settlements, medieval ruins, a Norman castle, deserted railway stations, an Ice Age rock with fascinating mythical powers and a heritage railway train that still runs along part of the track.
Traditional Boat Charters. A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY ON THE SAILING SHIP BRIAN BORÚ. Sail on the Sea Estuary from Waterford City to Dunmore East, and follow in the footsteps of the Celts, Vikings and Normans whilst admiring the beautiful wildlife found on the deepest running river in Ireland’s Ancient East. We offer voyages, departing from and returning to Waterford City Marina, opposite Reginald’s Viking Tower, sailing on the river estuary from Waterford City to Hook Head and beyond.
Tory Hill – Sliabh Greine Loop. This loop is the shorter of two developed on the hill through the Trail Kilkenny Programme. the other walk at Tory Hill is Frochans loop. This loop follows forestry roads and woodland tracks in Carrickinane Woods and takes you to near the top of Tory Hill with views of the countryside below.
Dumnore Caves. The show cave at the Dunmore Cave is very well-developed and includes an exhibition centre. History and geology blend at Dunmore Cave to give an interesting and unique insight into this County Kilkenny landmark. Consisting of a series of chambers formed over millions of years, the cave contains some of the finest calcite formations found in any Irish cave. The cave has been known to man for many centuries and is first mentioned in the 9th century Irish Triads. The most interesting reference however, comes from the Annals which tells of a Viking massacre at the cave in the year 928 AD. Archaeological finds within the cave confirm Viking activity.
The Marble Arch Caves are one of Europe’s finest showcaves and allow visitors to explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, winding passages and lofty chambers. Lively and informative guides conduct tours past a bewildering variety of cave formations. Stalactites glisten above steamways and chambers, while fragile mineral veils and cascades of creamy calcite coat walls and create shimmering terraces. Spectacular walkways allow easy access while powerful lighting reveals the stunning beauty and grandeur of the caves. Electrically powered boats glide through the huge caverns carrying visitors along a subterranean river. Tours last for 75 minutes and are suitable for people of any age and of average fitness. They consist of a 1.5km guided walk with 154 steps to climb at the end.
Hook Lighthouse & Heritage Centre. Hook lighthouse in Wexford offers guided tours all year round of the 800-year-old medieval tower and this is one of the top things to do on Ireland’s Ancient East. Climb the 115 well-worn steps …
Rock of Cashel. A spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions. Access for visitors with disabilities by prior arrangement.
Cliffs of Moher. Step on to the edge of the world and into an awe-inspiring view that dreams are made of – at the Cliffs of Moher you will encounter nature in its wildest, purest form – see the rugged cliffs facing the mighty ocean, taste the salt air, hear the birds cry, feel the ancient rocks beneath your feet, smell the wind. Decide today to grant your highest wish to visit Ireland’s most spectacular natural wonder at the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way – the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience.
The South Leinster Way runs south-westwards from the village of Kildavin in County Carlow, through part of County Kilkenny to finish in the town of Carrick-on-Suir in County Tipperary. It is a route that passes through varied terrain, including the heathery flanks of Mount Leinster (796m) and Brandon Hill (515m), a fine riverside stretch on the River Barrow, a large decayed demesne, and coniferous woodlands, but it finishes with a long stretch of 30 km on quiet tarmac roads. The highpoints include fine old country towns such as Borris, Inistoige and Graiguenamanagh that are on the route, and where many walkers will want to linger and overnight accommodation is available. The route is part of the European E8 walking route which links Dublin with Dursey Island off the south west coast: its northern terminus is close to Clonegal, the southern terminus of the Wicklow Way, and the East Munster Way begins in Carrick-on-Suir. The total aggregate ascent over the route is about 1500m, but there are no significant climbs.
Skellig Michael. We have two types of tours going to the Skelligs, a landing tour and an eco tour that goes around both islands. The eco tour has multiple daily departures from Portmagee marina. This boat tour circles both Islands and you get up close to Skellig Michael and the small Skelligs to see both the wildlife and the historical sites. The landing tour departs Portmagee marina in the morning at approximately 9:00am arriving back at the marina in the afternoon around 2pm. All our tours are dependent on the sea conditions. The tours are very popular especially in the busy season so it is advisable to book well in advance.
Ring of Kerry. It’s a road that takes you through 10,000 years of dramatic history. It’s a road that takes you from deep forest to the crashing waters of the wild Atlantic. It’s a road through rugged, majestic landscapes: where wild stag roam and where tumbling waterfalls crash into crystal streams teeming with wild salmon. It’s a road that shows you the real meaning of a holiday in Kerry, Ireland.
The Conor Pass is the highest mountain pass in Ireland, and provides the most dramatic and scenic way of entering or leaving Dingle. This narrow, twisting road runs between the town of Dingle and Kilmore Cross on the north side of the peninsula, where roads fork to Cloghane/Brandon or Castlegregory.
Fungie, the Dingle Dolphin. In 1984, Paddy Ferriter, the Dingle Harbour lighthouse keeper, first began watching a lone wild dolphin escort the town’s fishing boats to and from port. By August of that year, local Ministry of Marine manager Kevin Flannery was able to officially record the dolphin as a “permanent” resident of the entrance channel and self-appointed “pilot” of the fleet.
Newgrange is a 5,200 year old passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley in Ireland’s Ancient East. Newgrange was built by Stone Age farmers, the mound is 85 meters (93 yards) in diameter and 13.5 meters (15 yards) high, an area of about 1 acre. A passage measuring 19 meters (21 yards) leads into a chamber with 3 alcoves. The passage and chamber are aligned with the rising sun at the Winter Solstice. Newgrange is surrounded by 97 large stones called kerbstones some of which are engraved with megalithic art; the most striking is the entrance stone. Access to the Newgrange monument is via the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre.
Tayto Park. We are Ireland’s only Theme Park and offer a huge variety of things to see, do and experience! Tayto Park has attractions for all ages, from thrill-seekers looking for an adrenalin rush to our youngest guests who can enjoy fun and exciting activities.
Dunmore Adventure. Congratulations! You have just started on your journey to having the time of your life! At Dunmore Adventure we offer individuals and groups a unique adventure experience that you wont find anywhere else!
Here at G2 we are home to the largest indoor activity centre in Ireland, with a huge variety of activities available to suit all types of groups. Our huge site has been designed and equipped with the aim of providing fun activities for all age groups and skill sets. GO KARTING, BUBBLE SOCCER, ROLLER SKATING, TAG ARCHERY, WALL CLIMBING, ZIPLINE, SANTA TRAIN.
The Burren National Park is located in the southeastern corner of the Burren and is approximately 1500 hectares in size. The Park land was bought by the Government for nature conservation and public access. It contains examples of all the major habitats within the Burren: Limestone Pavement, Calcareous Grassland, Hazel scrub, Ash/Hazel Woodland, Turloughs, Lakes, Petrifying Springs, Cliffs and Fen. The word “Burren” comes from an Irish word “Boíreann” meaning a rocky place. This is an extremely appropriate name when you consider the lack of soil cover and the extent of exposed Limestone Pavement. However it has been referred to in the past as “Fertile rock” due to the mixture of nutrient rich herb and floral species.
Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way.
Eamon Tobin is an award winning basket maker from Kilkenny in the south east of Ireland. He grows 20 varieties of organic willow, which he uses to make both traditional and contemporary baskets.
Nicholas Mosse Pottery was established by Nicholas Mosse in 1976 after periods of training in England and Japan. His mission was to produce beautiful, functional pottery in the style of Irish Spongeware. Irish spongeware was the traditional pottery of Ireland used in the 18th Century. It was mainly made in simple honest shapes with a decoration applied with a cut sponge.
Grennan Mill Craft School is located in the converted grain lofts of the Island Mill, an old flour mill, dating from the 18th Century, on the banks of the River Nore in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Spacious and well equipped craft studios and also gallery areas for exhibitions have made their homes in the lofts.
Quad Adventure. The course is set out over 80 acres under the Scenic Backdrop of the Blackstairs Mountains. There are level fields, dug out ditches, dips and turns and waterlogged gripes to drive through. You can pause to take in the stunning scenery and then continue the adventure.
Laketour Stables is the premier equestrian centre in the South East. We have outstanding facilities including an indoor arena, cross country course, sand gallops, track to lake for trekking. Our staff have many years of experience and their attention to detail is exceptional. We take great care when picking our horses and ponies to ensure that their temperament and suitability for lessons and trekking will ensure a pleasurable experience for riders from beginner to advanced.
Woodstock Gardens are located in the south east of County Kilkenny, just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens, set overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer the visitor a wide variety of attractions and are a most relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day. The gardens have recently been restored by Kilkenny County Council, and further features and planting are being added all the time. The main development of Woodstock Gardens occurred in the Victorian Period, with the works being overseen by Lady Louisa Tighe and head gardeners, Pierce Butler and later Charles McDonald. The gardens were restored to the period 1840 to 1890 with every effort being made to use plants and materials typical of the era.
Inistioge. The Nore is highly rated as a salmon river with the stretch between Inistioge and Thomastown particularly popular during the season. Fishing is controlled and a license is required which can be obtained in O’Donnell’s pub.
Ardaire Springs. Situated in Ardera, Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny and covering over 2.5 acres of lakes, stocked with Rainbow and Brown trout ranging from 2lb to 20lb, we cater for family and group fishing activities – clubs, corporate events, associations, school tours. Our on-site tackle shop, restaurant, BBQ area and ample car parking together with our very experienced staff will ensure you have an enjoyable and pleasant day’s fishing.
Grennan Mill Clothing. Bob and Valerie (Formerly of The Fashion Depot, Kilkenny) launched their new venture in October 2012. With a beautiful selection of country clothing including hunting and wax jackets, classic knitwear and a dedicated hat room; they strive to offer excellent service & quality country clothing at affordable prices.
Cushendale Woollen Mills. For generations the Cushen family have continued to produce high quality Irish-made textile products at our mill in Graig-na-managh, Co. Kilkenny. We pride ourselves on our ability to craft natural-fibre textiles made with mohair, Irish wool and merino lambswool. These natural fibres and the skills acquired through many generations enable us to produce a broad range of products including Irish wool blankets, lambswool throws, mohair throws and a range of fashion accessories and knitting yarns.
Duiske Glass Gift Shop is regarded as one of Ireland’s best loved treasures with a wide selection of traditional and modern gifts. Duiske Glass Gift shop is renowned for its grapevine cut wine glasses, crystal and giftware which are now exclusively available at Duiske Glass. Duiske Glass Gift Shop offers a bespoke engraving service whereby almost any piece of glassware or crystal can be enhanced with personalised engraving to suit the occasion. From personalised gifts to sports awards, achievement awards & corporate gifts, we have a range to suit every occasion. Our Engraving Department can personalise your gifts by engraving logos, club/society crests and messages.
First built in 1204 by William Marshall, Duiske Abbey is the largest and perhaps the finest of the thirty-four medieval Cistercian monasteries in Ireland. The abbey is the parish church of Graiguenamanagh Town and beautifully dominates the town centre. Its name originates from the stream that flows nearby and the abbey was populated by monks from Stanley in Wiltshire, England at the time of its construction. The church was restored in 1974 – 1980 and consists of a nave and chancel with an aisle on each side. There is an excellent model of the original monastic settlement, inside the church door, which would have spread over some five acres. In the graveyard to the south of the chancel are two small granite high crosses and a large, imposing effigy of a Norman knight in the abbey interior. The adjacent Abbey Centre also houses a range of exhibits, including several examples of contemporary Christian art. To truly imagine what the church must have been like when the monks lived here, take a look at the chancel, the crossing and the east windows. The church originally had aisles extending along the full length of the nave on the south and the north.
Brandon Hill Loop. This walk includes country roads, forest tracks and hillside paths as it winds its way to the top of Brandon Hill, the highest point in County Kilkenny, where panoramic 360 degree views are indicated with the locations and names of the features visibile in the surrounding landscape. Feney’s well is passed on the descent.
St. Mullins Motte and Bailey. This Motte is located directly beside the main entrance to St Mullins monastic site. Although strategically placed overlooking the Barrow river, it is certainly one of the most beautiful locations I have seen for an Anglo-Norman Motte. The mound was built around the later part of the 12th century when Richard De Clare (Strongbow) granted permission. The Fosse, pictured right is very deep. The remains of an extremely long Bailey, pictured below, can be seen running north west from the Motte. This was where the castle’s Garrison and Household were located. Unfortunately the bailey has been damaged by quarrying.
Waterside Bike & Hike. Explore the Barrow river towpath from our base in Graiguenamanagh and discover a real adventure for the whole family. The towpath is a flat grass track following the river as it meanders south towards the sea. Safe and traffic free bike trail allows you to pedal at a relaxed pace and experience peace and freedom. keep your eyes peeled for some of the fabulous wildlife in this area.
The Barrow Way. The River Barrow vies with one of its sister rivers, the Suir, as the second longest river in Ireland. It rises in the Slieve Bloom Mountains in the southern midlands, and flows to join its two ‘sisters’, the Nore and the Suir, before flowing into the Celtic Sea at Waterford Harbour. The Barrow was made navigable in the eighteenth century by the insertion of short sections of canal along its course, and the 114km long Barrow Way follows surviving towpaths and riverside roads from the canal hamlet of Lowtown in County Kildare to the beautiful monastic site and village of St Mullins in south County Carlow. It is a peaceful route through a quiet sylvan landscape, with the constantly expanding river, growing more majestic every mile, for company. Terrain consists mainly of grassy towpaths, tracks and quiet roads. Overnight accommodation options are good: the route is frequently punctuated with villages and towns, many of which were founded at fording places by the Normans soon after the invasion. Among the interesting places the route passes through and walkers might wish to linger a while are the towns of Rathangan with its great hosting place, and Athy and Carlow. Borris in South County Carlow is a fine place that grew up around Borris House, the homeplace of the McMurrough Kavanagh clan, and Graiguenamanagh, a quaint old monastic town where a book festival is held every year, is Ireland’s Hay-on-Wye.
Tinnahinch Castle was built around 1615 by James Butler who later lost his lands because of his involvement in the Confederate War of 1641. It was built to control a crossing where a wooden bridge once spanned the Barrow. The castle was burnt around the year 1700 and has lain that way ever since.
Go with the Flow – River Adventures is a family run, adventure activity business established in 1996 by Charlie Horan. We offer affordable, guided canoe trails, canoe hire and canoe holidays on the beautiful Barrow river. No experience required – our adventures are available to complete beginners of all ages and abilities. Do something unique and go where few other tourists get to experience. Choose one of our half or full day activity excursions and spend some quality time paddling some of the most enchanting waterways in Ireland. Go With The Flow adventures take you into beautiful, unspoilt and exciting waterways. Our instructors will guide you along exclusive trails and show you how to shoot weirs and ride the rapids. We will pass through dramatic landscapes, mysteries wooded valleys and old navigations once used by the Guinness barges to deliver Ireland’s favourite tipple. You can bring a picnic, visit the playground of The Incredible Mr Kavanagh and take a swim in tranquil sheltered waters of our favourite remote pools.
YouTube Videos:
Top 11. Best Tourist Attractions in Kilkenny – Ireland