| Throughout the City and County of Kilkenny you will find an array of modern and traditional parks and gardens. In the city itself, the stunning castle park includes a duck pond and children's playground as well as a formal rose garden and wild flower areas. Other highlights in the county include the superb Woodstock gardens and the Castlecomer Demesne. |
 | Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum,Woodstock Estate,
Inistioge,
Kilkenny Website: www.woodstock.ie |
The beautiful Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum are located overlooking the River Nore Valley and the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens date to the 1740's with the main development taking place in the 1800's. A period of disrepair followed during the 1900's following the burning of Woodstock House, however in 1999, Kilkenny County Council undertook an ambitious programme of garden restoration which is now well advanced. Features include a walled garden, rose garden, rockery garden, a recreated Turner Conservatory, a collection of rare and exotic trees in the arboretum and much more including many tranquil woodland walks.
Group tours by request. Phone John on 087 8549785 or Claire on 087 8580502 or go to www.woodstock.ie
Admission fee is €4 per car which includes admission for all occupants to the gardens. Large groups and coaches, price on request.
Tea Rooms open summer months only - please phone to check opening hours.
Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum
Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny
Phone 087 8549785 or 087 8580502
Admission fee €4 per car to car park, includes access to gardens for all occupants. Pedestrians and cyclists free.
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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 includes 6km of woodland walking trails complete with picnic areas, two rainbow trout angling lakes and a children's playground.
At the heart of the park is the Visitor Centre with its interactive multimedia exhibition 'Footprints in Coal' which explores the complete story of the Castlecomer coal from fromation to extraction. A must-see exhibition and fun for all the family. The is also a gift shop, toilets and Jarrow Café and the design craft yard is home to a number of crafts people and artists who sell direct from their workshops.
DISCOVER CREATIVE STONE CARVING AND WILLOW COURSES AT THE TRAINING CENTRE IN CASTLECOMER DISCOVERY PARK
Creative Stone Carving Course
Tutors Aileen-Anne Brannigan and Alan Counihan
Date 17th & 18th July 2010
Time 9.30am to 4.30pm each day
Cost €150 per person
A weekend course in stone carving will take place 17th & 18th July in the lovely setting of the Castlecomer Estate Yard. The instructors will be stone carver Aileen-Anne Brannigan and (depending on numbers) sculptor Alan Counihan.
This two day course is designed not only for those who already have some experience working with stone but also for those with none. It will be project based and tailored to each participant's needs, goals and abilities.
The focus will be on working in the traditional method of carving by hand, using hammer and chisel. Following a hands-on introduction to the tools and techniques required for the handling, cutting and dressing of stone, participants will learn how to carve their chosen material both in relief and in the round in a relaxed and easy atmosphere. Don't forget your safety glasses, steel-toed boots, dust mask and work gloves on the day!
The course fee for the 2 days is €150 per participant which is payable in advance. Places are limited so early booking is advised.
Creative Willow Course
Tutor Heike Kahle
Date 7th August 2010
Time 10.00am to 4.00pm
Cost €70 per person
Spend a day learning a traditional skill and bring home a beautiful willow basket. Get to know basic basketry techniques in a small group under the tuition of Heike Kahle, an experienced basket maker and teacher. All materials and tools provided. Classes are suitable for both beginners and those wishing to improve their skills.
Heike trained as a basketmaker 17 years ago. At Baurnafea WillowWorks she creates a large selection of traditional and contemporary willow baskets, produces woven garden structures and reseats chairs with different materials. Living willow structures like woven fences, tunnels and arbours can be commissioned. Heike greatly enjoys teaching basket making skills hosting both day courses and evening classes.
The course fee is €70 per participant which is payable in advance. Places are limited so early booking is advised.
For further information on either of the courses above, please contact Castlecomer Discovery Park on 056 444 0707 or by email at info@discoverypark.ie
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 | Jenkinstown ParkJenkinstown,
Co. Kilkenny |
Consists of a walled deer park, picnic sites and forest walks through the mixed broadleaf and conifer plantations.
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Tranquil town garden owned and run by Jerpoint Camphill Community. Great Coffee and home baked goodies. Garden and Garden Centre.
Open Hours:- Monday to Friday (November to March) 9.30am to 5.00pm
Admissions to Gardens by donation Café Open Tuesdays to Fridays 10am - 5pm. Tea / Coffee and Cakes only on Sundays. 2-5pm April to October.
Closed Mondays and Saturdays
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Go back in time to a 12th Century castle, set in 1830's splendour and extensive parklands; includes Art Gallery, bookshop and playground.
Guided tours only, delays may occur in high season.
Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor and the gardens only.
Opening Arrangements:
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
Admission Charges
Adult.............................. € 6.00
Senior / Group (20+)........... € 4.00
Student / Child (over 6)....... € 2.50
Family............................. €14.00
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. Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors may experience a delay during the summer months.
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 | Newpark Marsh/FenNewpark,
Kilkenny. |
Newpark Fen is a diverse habitat with open water and a rich variety of bird, mammal, plant and insect species. It is a proposed Natural Heritage Area. It includes a bird feeding area, wildlife information boards and a wheelchair accessible walkway.
The fen is located approximately 2km north-east of Kilkenny, off the Castlecomer Road, a short distance from the Newpark Hotel.
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1790's Romantic Era Garden, complete with Waterfall and Cottage Orné.
Opening Hours: During July and August, the garden is open every day from 11am to 6pm.
Situated 2 miles north of Thomastown, off the N9. Follow signpost opposite Long Man Pub.
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 | Public Playgrounds in Kilkenny City and County |
You'll find a choice of public Childrens adventure playgrounds in the city at:
Garringreen
Newpark Close
The Butts
And in the county at:
Castlecomer
Mooncoin
Thomastown
Callan