 | Kilkenny's rich history can be traced through its many historical buildings and sites. These sites include a number of important eclastical sites such as the The Black Abbey, Kells Priory, Jerpoint Abbey and Tullaherin Church and Round Tower. More recent heritage sites include Woodstock gardens and house, Kilkenny Castle and the Lory Meagher Heritage Centre. Many of these sites are including in the Sli walking tours - for further details contact the Kilkenny Tourist Office on 056 7751500. |
Castlecomer Discovery Park comprises 30 hectares of mixed woodland 20kms North of Kilkenny city on
the main N78 road. Originally part of the Demesne of the 17th Century Castlecomer House owned by the
Prior-Wandesforde family, the Park is an ideal location for a family day out, or for bus tours, school groups
or individuals.
Full details of events are available on www.discoverypark.ie
Facilities include:
Visitor Centre
Our Visitor Centre opening in June 2007 will play host to the interactive multimedia 'Footprints in Coal'
exhibition whichfocuses on all aspects of the coal deposits of the Castlecomer area linking geology and
history to tell the story of the region's past. 'Footprints in Coal' charts the formation of the coal in the
enormous swamp forests of 300 million years ago, the plants that made up those forests and some of the
earliest animals to walk on land. It also allows the visitor to experience over 300 years of coal mining history,
including working methods and social conditions and to hear the stories of those involved in the mines.
The visitor centre also houses a delightful gift shop, toilets and the superb Jarrow Café and is open all year
round. The visitor centre is fully wheelchair accessible and there is parking on site for cars and buses.
There is an admission charge for entry to the visitor centre.
Walking and Angling
We have 6km of walking trails complete with picnic areas centred around two rainbow trout angling lakes, one
reserved for fly angling and the other for bait angling. Angling is by daily permit available at reception. There is
also a fantastic children's playground based around the themes of the exhibition.
Design Craft Yard
www.castlecomerestateyard.com
The old Estate Yard is home to a number of crafts people and artists who sell quality craftwork direct from
their workshops.
Crafts include pottery, jewellery, textiles, photography, paper-craft, painting and furniture restoration.
Schools Programme
Our Primary School Science Day is based around the 'Footprints in Coal' exhibition with complementary activities
in the surrounding woodland and parkland.
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The show cave at the Dunmore Cave is very well-developed and includes an exhibition centre.
Admission is by guided tour only.
Open 7 days a week with tours commencing at 9.30am.
From November to March the caves are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.
Admission:
Adult: €2.90
Group/Senior: €2.10
Students/Children: €1.30
Family: €7.40
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 | Kells Augustinian Priory Kells,
Co. Kilkenny. Tel: 056 7728255,
Mobile: 086 2701082. |
An Augustinian Priory founded in 1193. Adjacent is an old mill recently restored with original features and structures
open as a visitor centre and crafted area. Round Tower originally protected a wooden church.
The Celtic cross dates from the 9th century and stands over the burial site of Niall Caille, High King of Ireland.
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 | Kells Mills |
There were 16 mills in operation on a 5-mile stretch of the Kings River. One is restored and open to the public,
known as Mullins Mill it features a Mill Museum.
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 | KILKIERAN |
Three High Crosses - overlooking the Suir Valley they are all that remain of the monastery
of Kilkieran and date from the 9th century.
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 |
KNOCKTOPHER / NEWMARKET
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Gairdin An Ghorta - opened by President of Ireland, Mary McAlese, a commemorative garden for the victims of the famine.
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 | Jerpoint Abbey Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny Tel: 056 7724623 |
Visit monastic ruins at this 12th century Cistercian abbey with a magnificently sculptured cloister arcade.
Includes visitor and exhibition centre.
Open Daily: Mar 10am to 5pm,
June - Mid Sept - 9.30am to 6.30pm,
Mid Sept to 31st Oct - 10am to 5pm,
Nov: 10am to 4pm.
Rest of the year open to groups.
Advance bookings only.
Last tour 1 hour before closing.
Adm Adult €2.90
Senior/Group: €2.10
Student €1.30
Family €7.40.
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The most remarkable feature is the effigy of Cantwell Fada from mid 13th to early 14th century. Situated 2 miles north
of Thomastown, off the N9. Follow signpost opposite the Long Man Pub. Open July and August - 11am to 6pm daily.
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1790's Romantic Era Garden, complete with Waterfall and Cottage Orné. Top level features contemporary art.
A member of Houses, Castles and Gardens of Ireland.
Opening Hours: Sundays, 2 to 6, from the beginning of April to the end of September.
During July and August, the garden is open every day from 11am to 6pm.
Location: 3.2km north of Thomastown on N9 (opposite Long Man Pub)
Admission: €6.00pp
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The Lory Meagher Homestead A 17th century thatched mansion recreated as it was
at the turn of this century. The Kilkenny GAA Exhibition centre and museum.
Open: March-November and any time for group booking by appointment only.
Mon to Sat 10am to 5.30pm and Sundays 2pm to 6pm.
Telephone Frank Curran on 087 6688881
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 | WINDGAP |
Grotto - Largest Grotto in Europe covering 4 acres with detail of Italian mosaic
featuring 3 languages and Ogham stones.
The Coiseal - Undeveloped prehistoric stone and tombs in Knockroe where people gather to see the miracle
of the winter solstice on 21st December.
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 | Black Abbey Abbey St,
Kilkenny.
Tel: 056 7721297 |
Don't miss the Black Abbe a Dominican Church founded in 1225 by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke,
this Domincan Church has been restored to its original splendour with spectacular stained glass window.
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Situated opposite Kilkenny Castle, these former stables and coach houses are owned by
Kilkenny Civic Trust and include craft studios and workshops, Kilkenny Design Centre and Restaurant.
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| | Grace's Courthouse Parliament St.
Kilkenny.
|
The remains of this fortress, which was built in 1210 and converted to a prison in 1568,
are now incorporated into the basement area of the 19th century courthouse in Parliament Street, Kilkenny.
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Go back in time to a 12th Century castle, remodelled and restored and set in 1830's splendour and extensive parklands:
includes art gallery, bookshop and playground. Guided tours only delays can occur in high season.
Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor and the gardens only.
Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a
delay during the summer months.
Opening Arrangements:
Opening Times| Date | Day | Time |
| October - February | Daily | 09.30 - 16.30 |
| March | Daily | 09.30 - 17.00 |
| April - May | Daily | 09.30 - 17.30 |
| June - August | Daily | 09.00 - 17.30 |
| September | Daily | 09.30 - 17.30 |
Admission: Adults €6
Senior/Group (20+) €4
Child/Student €2.50
Family €14
Closed over Christmas and on Good Friday. Unscheduled closure may occur over the winter months for essential
maintenance, please check with the site for details.
KILKENNY CASTLE EVENTS
See www.kilkennycastle.ie for updates throughout the year
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Rothe House & Garden: 52o 39.3' N, 7o 15.3'W
Rothe House is a unique Irish merchant's townhouse, built between 1594 and 1610. The property comprises three houses,
three enclosed courtyards and a large garden. John Rothe, who was a wealthy merchant and landowner in Kilkenny, built
the first house in 1594 and as his family grew (to 12 children) he built the second and third houses.
The property is now owned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, and is home to their large collection of artefacts relating
to Kilkenny city and county. The garden to the rear of the house has been reconstructed to reflect a typical 17th century
garden of the period. It measures ½ an acre approximately, and is made up of two enclosed spaces, with a large Orchard to
the west beside the City Wall, and a pleasure garden and vegetable beds to the east beside the House.
There is a genealogical service at Rothe House, using the extensive database of Kilkenny city and county records compiled
by the Society. There is also an online Family History Service available at www.kilkenny.brsgenealogy.com
Rothe House is open to the public daily throughout the summer and six days a week in the winter months. Group Tours of
the house and garden are available by pre-booking.
Open: Mar to Nov: Mon to Sat 10.30am to 5.00pm,
Sun 3.00pm to 5.00pm.
Dec to Feb: Mon to Sat 1.00pm to 5.00pm and Sun 3.00pm to 5.00pm
Adm: Adults €5 Senior Citizens/Students €4. Groups (10+) €3
Online Family History Service available at www.kilkenny.brsgenealogy.com
Rothe House is open to the public and to group tours daily, and it also hosts events and receptions in the unique 16th
century surroundings.
Upcoming Events at Rothe House
Friday 2nd October: Kilkenny Celtic Festival presents Brian Merriman's 'The Midnight Court', an adaptation of the 18th century Irish poem set to music. 'Hilarious, boisterous, risqué, irreverent.'
At Rothe House 7.30 pm, Tickets €25.00 (concession €20.00)
Saturday 10th October: 'Antiques Roadshow': Valuation and Auction - do you have an item (furniture, silver, books etc.) which you would like to have valued? Bring it to Rothe House on 10th October between 3.00 and 5.30 and our experts will value it for you (€5 valuation for each item). You can then choose to auction it that evening, and donate the proceeds to the Rothe House Re-Presentation Fund. Auction starts at 7.30, and refreshment will be served during it.
Saturday 24th October: Apple Pressing in the Rothe Family Garden - as part of the Savour Kilkenny Festival. A fun-filled event for all the family.
For more details on all of this, please contact Rothe House at 056 7722893, or email info@rothehouse.com
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ST CANICE'S CATHEDRAL
(Anglican/Episcopal)
Built between 1202 and 1285, St Canice's has been preserved in its original style and form. Worship has taken place
here for over 800 years. See the wonderful stained glass and the largest collection of ancient monuments. View Kilkenny
and the surrounding area from the 9th century round tower (weather permitting) and see the seat of the bishop of Ossory
dating back to 1120AD.
Facilities include:
Gift shop, toilets, wheelchair access. Information leaflets are available in 15 languages. Group and guided tours available
by booking in advance.
OPENING TIMES:
April, May & September:
Mon - Sat: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm, Sun: 2pm - 5pm
June, July & August:
Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm, Sun: 2pm - 6pm
October - March:
Mon - Sat: 10am - 1pm & 2pm - 4pm, Sun: 2pm - 4pm
(Please note the round tower opens at 10am and is not open between October and March)
ENTRANCE RATES 2007
Entrance Fees: Cathedral Round
Tower Combination
(Cathedral and round tower) Rothe House & Cathedral Combination
(Does not include the round tower)
Adults €4.00
Concession €3.00
Groups: (10+ pax) €3.00pp
Groups (10+ pax) with a cathedral guide €3.50pp
Family ticket n/a n/a €12.00** n/a
*Please ring ahead to arrange combined entry to the cathedral and round tower for groups. Groups that wish to
book a Rothe House/St Canice's cathedral combined tour must also ring ahead.
**Family ticket includes entry to round tower and cathedral for 2 adults and up to 3 children between 12-18 years old.
Under 12's are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Under 12's will not be admitted unless accompanied by an adult.
Group bookings and guided tours
All group visits must be booked in advance. If a cathedral guide is required this must be indicated at the time of booking.
A cathedral guide will not be available if one is not requested at the time of booking. During June, July and August, guided
tours are not available between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
A cancellation charge will be made for groups who fail to arrive for guided tours and who have not cancelled the tour at
least 2 days before the intended visit date. (This will be 50% of the income that would have been due to the cathedral).
Payment for group visits may be made by cash, cheque or credit card. Vouchers will also be accepted. Payment of
vouchers must be made within 30 days of receipt of an invoice from the cathedral. Failure to adhere to this payment policy
may results in future tour bookings being refused.
Round Tower:
No under 12's are permitted to climb the round tower. The tower will be open depending on weather conditions and staffing.
The tower is generally not open between October and March. Please ring ahead to confirm.
Admission
Adults €3.00
Concession €2.50
Groups 10+ pax €2.50pp
Groups 10+ pax with Cathedral Guide €3.50pp
Combination & Family tickets
A combination ticket for an adult covers entry to the cathedral and round tower. A family ticket covers entry to the cathedral
and round tower for two adults and up to three children aged over 12 and under 18.
Parking
At present there are no parking facilities in the vicinity of the cathedral. Plans are in hand for a visitor car park. Coach parking
and other general parking is available on Dean Street, and at other convenient locations in the city.
For further information, bookings etc, please contact:
The Cathedral Administrator
The Cathedral Church of St Canice
The Close, Kilkenny, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 56 776 4971
Fax: +353 (0) 56 772 3646
Email:cathedral@ossory.anglican.org
Web: www.stcanicescathedral.ie
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John St. Kilkenny Early 13th Century Priory - The choir is all that remains of the original structure.
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 | The Tholsel High St.
Kilkenny
|
Built in 1761 by Alderman William Colles from the family who made Kilkenny black marble famous. Now the City Hall,
it was completely restored following a fire in 1987.
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 | Shee Alms House Rose Inn Street,
Kilkenny.
|
Established in 1582 to accommodate the poor. It has recently been refurbished and is home to Kilkenny Tourist Office.
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 | St. Marys Church Gowran ,
Co. Kilkenny. |
All that remains if the original 13th Century church is the west tower, the rest of the structure was built in the 15th century.
Features include some 16th and 17th century tombstones.
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| Nore View Folk & Heritage Museum Bennettsbridge
Co. Kilkenny |
When in Kilkenny take a trip out to the scenic village of Bennettsbridge. The museum is situated on the outskirts of this
beautiful village overlooking the silvery waters of the River Nore, looking across at some of the most beautiful scenery in
Ireland, including Mount Leinster and the Black Stairs Mountains.
The Museum houses a fine collection of objects of Irish Historical interest including a history of the Penal Times, the
Great Famine, 1916 Rising and the War of Independence. It also houses an old time kitchen, old fashioned pub, old
carpenters workshop, old forge, items from the Stone Age, dairy and threshing set, old horse threshing set, old Irish
transport, old G.A.A. items, old petrol station and a selection of Irish wildlife, all of which reflects the lives of the ordinary
people in Ireland long ago. There is also a fine display musical instruments and a collection of old church items. Also
on display at the Museum are a selection of old bicycles and old prams.
It houses over 10,000 some dating back to 2,000 B.C. Foreign visitors have rated it as being one of the best they have
seen. There is also a library of old history books and items from the Stone Age.
Open 7 days - 10am to 6pm
Contact Seamus Lawlor at 056 7727749
- Bus Tours Welcome
- Toilet facilities available
- Museum is self-financed
- No State funds used
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 | Hoban Memorial Desart,
Cuffesgrange,
Co. Kilkenny |
Hoban Memorial was constructed in 2008 to honour the 250th Anniversary of the birth of James Hoban (1758 - 1831)
Architect of 'The White House'.
Located at Desart, Cuffesgrange, close to the birthplace of James Hoban, the memorial arbour, which incorporates a
'Spirit of Place' was erected by architecture students from the Catholic University of Washington DC and local craftsmen.
The structure is 30 meters long and 3 meters high, is impressive, modern and well worth a visit.