Outdoor attractions in Kilkenny can re-open at the end of the month.
Many of Kilkenny’s best loved family attractions; cultural sites and parks are preparing to re-open from April 26.
With travel restrictions set to ease people can soon travel anywhere in their county
For Family affairs
Nore Valley Park
At Nore Valley Park, you will find everything from pet farms, archery, mini golf, go karts and tractor rides.
There is a packed timetable of events which includes interactions with lambs, baby kids, chickens, ostriches, and rabbits, some of which children can bottle feed.
Nore Valley Park provides hours of amusement for the family. Walk the 3km nature trail or test your skills on a giant chess board.
Visit: www.norevalleypark.com
Castlecomer Discovery Park
For families who love an adrenalin-filled day, Castlecomer Discovery Park is ideal.
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 lines.
For 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
Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum
The stunning Woodstock Gardens are located in the south east of Kilkenny just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens, overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer visitors a wide variety of attractions and are a relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day with a picnic!
There are picnic tables around the gardens, a playground and an orienteering course for the more adventurous families. Visit: www.woodstock.ie
Kiltorcan Raceway
Kiltorcan Raceway Karting Circuit operates a 1000 metre, super smooth, all weather, floodlit track and supply everything visitors need for a fantastic driving experience. Karting, at any level is challenging, exhilarating fun and extremely safe. Kiltorcan also provide 15 or 30 minutes ‘practice sessions’ for individuals or smaller groups.
Visit: www.kiltoran.com
Culture
Jerpoint Abbey
An outstanding Cistercian abbey founded in the second half of the 12th century, this church with its Romanesque detail dates from this period.
In the transept chapels visitors can see a 13th to 16th century tomb sculpture, the majestic tower and its cloister.
Included in the admission fee, is a guided tour of the partially restored monastic ruins with its magnificently sculptured cloister arcade and exhibition centre.
Jerpoint Park
Jerpoint Park, Thomastown will take you on a tour of the footprints of a deserted 12th century medieval town dating back to 1200AD.
Your local guide will delve into the history and importance of this once thriving town called Newtown Jerpoint.
Jerpoint Park also offers angling for wild salmon and wild brown trout, or why not enjoy a sheep dog demonstration, showcasing man and dog working together as one.
www.jerpointpark.com
Kells Priory
Pack a lunch and head 15km outside Kilkenny City where visitors will find the Augustine Priory of Kellsalongside the King’s River beside the village of Kells.
Explore the priory’s most striking feature, a collection of medieval tower houses spaced at intervals along and within walls which enclose a site of just over three acres.
The priory includes a church, a chapel, prior’s residence or sacristy and a number of domestic buildings for visitors to explore.
Ireland’s Medieval Mile
A mosey down the Medieval Mile is as much an immersion in the sights, smells and sounds of the modern city as the heritage that set it on its way.
The Medieval Mile is a discovery trail through Kilkenny, City linking the 13th-Century St Canice’s Cathedral and a stunning Anglo-Norman Castle with all sorts of medieval sights in-between.
You will experience historic buildings, cobblestone streets and hidden slipways.
From a visit to a recreated medieval garden to St Canice’s Round Tower where you can take a glimpse inside the lives of the Butler family at Kilkenny Castle, there is lots to explore.
Chair of Kilkenny Tourism, Ciaran Conroy told Kilkenny Press: “The opening up announcement has brought about a much needed ‘air of optimism’ for the tourism sector that will see us once again start to re-open our doors to visitors safely and securely.
“It has been a difficult few months for many businesses in the sector, but this is a positive step closer to a full re-opening in the Summer.
For #moretoexplore in Kilkenny visit www.visitkilkenny.ie
