Things to do in Kilkenny while on holiday

Pottery

How about an hour or two of experiencing a new skill??? Try your hand at pottery – Carmen will teach you hand building or throwing a pot at the wheel.

Read more about pottery classes at Mount Brandon.

Hill Walking Holidays in Ireland

Mount Brandon Cottages holiday homes are tucked snuggly into the river Barrow valley, with Brandon Hill towering over one side, while in the distance the Blackstairs Mountain Range and Mount Leinster create a breathtaking backdrop. It is an area of fine upland scenery, panoramic views, lush deep valleys, and a maze of narrow winding country lanes.

We are ideally located for rambles over river trails and mountain walks and routes like the ‘South Leinster Way’, which passes by our door step. All you have to bring is a good pair of hiking boots and proper outdoor gear. We will then point you in the right direction of the best walks and provide you with maps & local knowledge! Why not walk from Mount Brandon Cottages holiday homes Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny right to Inistioge? A stunning walk across Brandon Hill. We can arrange a taxi for you to bring you back home, unless you are energetic enough to tackle the return journey by foot also. Just picture yourself putting the feet up in front of a roaring log fire after you have had an activity-filled day?

Alternatively you can walk down to the river and make the 4 1/2 mile track down the line (as the locals call it) to St. Mullins, where a nice cup of tea and freshly baked scones can be had… Sounds appetizing? Come and check it out!

Golfing Holidays in Ireland

Graiguenamanagh is at the centre of the south east sunshine circuit, with many courses nearby, such as:

• Mount Juliet, home of the American Express Championship in 2002, won by Tiger Woods
• Mount Wolseley, designed by Irish Ryder Cup golfer Christy O’Connor Jr.
• Carrigleade par 3 18 hole course, scenically situated in nearby St. Mullins
• Borris Golf Club, a top quality 9 hole course, set against the backdrop of the Blackstairs Mountains.

Fishing holidays in Ireland

The river Barrow offers good fishing for pike, salmon and trout, but there is also excellent Coarse Fishing with great catches of Roach and Dace in particular, and there is also very good Pike. But there are also Bream, Rudd, Hybrids, Perch, and of course a fantastic run of Twaite Shad in May.

If you simply fancy a swim there are diving boards in front of the boathouse and a lifeguard is on duty during July and August… Try and spot the local otter, which has been giving entertaining displays of his water agility.
And for all the photographers amongst you: we do have lots of ducks and swans and herons down here, but it is a particular treat to see the blue flash of a kingfisher passing. So make sure you have your camera at the ready when he comes in to perch…

Best Spots to fish

Best Spots to fish include St. Mullins, Bahana, Graiguenamanagh and Clashganny.

A catch and release policy is in operation for all coarse fish.

Ghillie

A number of local ghillies with good knowledge of the river are available to guide anglers.

Bait & Tackle: There is fishing tackle available at Mick Doyles in Graiguenamanagh or Michael McCullaghs in Bagenalstown, 059-9721381 059-9721381.

Oaklands Lake: There is a 4.5 acre coarse lake at New Ross on the Duncannon road, which is well stocked with carp, and also some tench, rudd and bream. 051-425196 or 087-6988979.

Southern County Fishing resort: Angling takes place on over 10acres of water on 3 different lakes. Southern County Fishing Resort, Milltown, Garryhill, Bagenalstown, Co.Carlow. 059-9157773 and 087-9655544.

Mountain Biking in the Southeast of Ireland

In 2012 Brian and Brigid Roberts have opened Waterside Bike & Hike 059- 9724246 or 086-4084008. They rent mountain bikes as well as electric bikes. On your behalf we have negotiated a 10 % discount off their current rates. Enjoy cycling along the many river trails or have Brian drop you and the bikes off to a distant start-point and make your own way back to Graiguenamanagh!

Canoeing / Kayaking

Pure Adventure Ireland is using Graiguenamanagh as their base for kayaking, canoeing and a new craze: Stand Up Paddle Boarding (also know as SUP boarding). Check out their website or contact Paddy on 087-2265550 . You will be pleased to find out that we have negotiated a 10 % discount for all our guests booking with Pure Adventure!

Charlie Horan’s GO WITH THE FLOW has also agreed to give our guests a 10 % discount when they book their canoeing fun with him. Contact Charlie on 087-2529700.

Eco Trails & guided hikes, foraging and wild herbal workshops

Do you want to discover the secret life of the Blackstairs Mountains in County Carlow, Ireland?

Want to know more about birds, flora, fungi, mammals and butterflies of the Blackstairs mountains and the River Barrow? Mary White will lead you on an unhurried, relaxing eco walk – low hills to no hills!

Mary and Robert also run eco trails, guided hikes, workshops, foraging, foraging hen events – elegant hen parties for elegant brides, teachers’ courses, school visits, children’s trails and fun in the wild! Again we have negotiated a special 10 % discount for all activities offered by Blackstairs Eco Trails on your behalf. Contact Mary on 087-2707189.

Horse Riding

For horse enthusiasts, there is horse riding at Meadow Lane Riding School in the Rower, and horse racing at nearby Gowran Park. You will be pleased to find out that we have negotiated a 10 % discount for all our guests booking with Meadowlane Riding School: 051-423877 or 087-2116670 .

The local game – HURLING

The skill of Kilkenny hurlers is legendary, and a trip to Nowlan Park Gaelic Games Stadium is an unforgettable experience.
For a more relaxing pastime you can enjoy shopping, follow the Kilkenny craft trail, or see local craft people at work with woollens, glass and pottery.

And if you would like to take some hand-thrown pottery home with you or are searching for the perfect gift – look no further, since some of Carmen Wenner’s ceramics are both on show and for sale here.

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