Kilkenny Castle

Local Attractions

Ireland’s South East region promises a wonderful holiday experience, with the sunniest climate in Ireland, a unique heritage, vibrant towns and villages, scenic landscape and most importantly a warm Irish welcome.

On your arrival at the Welcome Lodge you will find a visitors information pack giving more details on these and other sites in the area.

Kilkenny

Rothe House

Kilkenny City is the capital of a beautiful and ancient county where history, modern living and rich culture fuse together. The ancient medieval city of Kilkenny is today a thriving, modern capital that has protected its precious heritage while evolving as one of the most vibrant and enjoyable cities. Its narrow slipways, side streets and preserved buildings are matched by its reputation for fine dining, great shopping and entertainment.

Kilkenny has a wealth of fascinating visitor attractions, from the beautiful Rothe House and St. Canice’s Cathedral, to the magnificently restored Kilkenny Castle.

County Kilkenny’s attractions include the wonders of Dunmore Cave, Castlecomer Discovery Park, The Kells Priory, as well as celebrated monastic settlements such as Jerpoint Abbey.

Callan

Rice Home in Callan

The ancient market town of Callan was founded in 1207 on the King’s River and is currently the third largest town in the county of Kilkenny.

It has a wealth of historical and architectural sights. These range from one of the finest intact “Norman Mottes” in Ireland, the ruins of two magnificent Medieval churches, the 19^th century Workhouse to the thatched farmhouse where one of Irelands greatest benefactors, Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice(1762 – 1844), founder of the Irish Christian Brothers was born.

Few places anywhere have produced such an impressive list of sons and daughters. The list includes the Candler family who gave the world Coca-Cola, the Cudahys who revolutionized the Food industry, the world famous artist Tony O’Malley, and James Hoban, architect of the White House in Washington DC.

Neil Jordan’s film “Breakfast on Pluto” staring Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson was shot in Callan.

Tipperary

Tipperary is a county of immense natural beauty, with a unique and ancient heritage. Shaped by the rugged Galty Mountains and the River Suir, Tipperary has some of the South East’s most breathtaking scenery. The county’s distinctive set of landmarks include the mighty Rock of Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster, and the magnificent 12^th century Cahir Castle.

The Rock of Cashel

Other heritage highlights include the 1848 Famine Warhouse in Ballingarry, Swiss Cottage in Cahir, the Ormond Manor House in Carrick on Suir, the Main Guard in Clonmel, Holycross Abbey & Farney Castle both near Thurles, Fethard Medieval walled town, and the Bru Boro Cultural Centre in Cashel celebrating Irish music, song, dance and theatre.

It is also a county of spectacular natural beauty with the Glen of Aherlow and the Vee Valley of particular note. In fact, the county is one of Ireland’s premier horseracing centres.

More information on Tipperary here www.discoverireland.ie/tipperary

Local Activities

Craft studios and workshops are in abundance such as Kilkenny National Craft Gallery, Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Chesneau Leather goods, Rudolf Heltzel Gold and Silversmith, Moth to a Flame Candle Maker, Castlecomer Estate Yard Art and Craft Centre.

Golfers will be spoiled for choice with a number of challenging courses including the world famous Mount Juliet, Callan, Kilkenny City, Gowran Park, Slievenamon, Clonmel, Carrick-On-Suir, Cahir Park, Faithlegg and Waterford Castle.

Horse Riding: The region is famed for its long history in breeding some of the finest bloodstock in the world and is the ideal destination for any equestrian fan. Equestrian centres of note, which cater for all levels of experience from beginner to advanced rider, include: Warrington Top Flight Equestrian Centre in Kilkenny, The Iris Kellet Mount Juliet Equestrian Centre in Thomastown, Nuenna Farm Equestrian Cente in Freshford, Crossogue Equestrian in Thurles.

The region’s world-renowned nucleus of stud farms and training stables include Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle Racing Stables.

Horse racing enthusiasts can head for Gowran Park, Clonmel, Thurles,, Tipperary , Tramore and Wexford Town. Meetings are held throughout the year.

Fishing: The region’s rivers are great for wild brown trout fishing, salmon fishing and sea trout fishing in season. Tuition in dry and wet fly fishing is available through a number of local clubs. The South East’s coastline also holds many spots for beach and rock angling, while deep-sea fishing trips are available through a number of registered boat charter operators.

• Game Fishing
  • Rainbow Trout Angling Lakes, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny
  • Inchbeg Fishing School, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny
  • Suir Valley Fishery, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
• Coarse Fishing:
  • Mount Juliet, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny
• Sea Fishing:
  • Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
  • Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

www.srfb.ie

Beaches: Some of Irelands most incredible beaches are within easy driving distance of the Welcome Lodge, such as Dunmore East, Bunmahon, Clonea, Woodstown, Duncannon and Tramore.

Gardens & Parks: The area is home to some of Ireland most beautiful gardens and parks, such as The Woodstock Gardens in Inistioge, Jenkinstown Park, The Kilfane Glen & Waterfall, Altamont Garden in Carlow and Kilmacomma Garden in Clonmel.

Festivals: The South East is alive with a colourful mix of festivals, a lively music and arts scene and a feast of award winning, gourmet restaurants and farmers’s markets. Join in the year round festivities as local and tourists enjoy the unique and rich culture at festivals such as Kilkenny Arts Festival, Kilkenny Cat Laughs, Waterford Spraoi, Clonmel Junction.

Information On Festivals in Kilkenny

www.southeastireland.com