Kilkenny City, characterised by its beautifully restored old buildings and winding slipways, contemporary shops, design galleries and restaurants, is small and compact enough to explore on foot.
The Normans arrived in the twelfth century and their legacy, the ancient city of Kilkenny, remains preserved as the historic capital of Ireland. Kilkenny, from the Gaelic ‘Till Cearmaigh’, was named after a 6th century monk named Saint Canice. His memory lives on in the beautifully preserved St. Canice’s Cathedral, built overlooking the city in the thirteenth century. Kilkenny, renowned for its superb and fully restored Kilkenny Castle, is a thriving and cosmopolitan merchant city, whose unique selection of historic sites and buildings from the 7th century onwards reflects a tradition of monastic settlement and gracious living.
The Laid Back Approach …
Kilkenny Castle
A 12th Century castle, which has been remodeled and fully restored. For Guided Tours, please contact the booking office on:
+353 (0)56 772 1450
Castle Yard
Situated opposite Kilkenny Castle, these former stables and coach houses are owned by Kilkenny Civic Trust and include craft studios, workshops and the famous Kilkenny Design Centre.
www.kilkennydesign.com
Kilkenny Craft Trail
The perfect way to explore Kilkenny craft. This trail features 9 studios and workshops in Kilkenny, incorporating jewellers, potters, leather and wood workers, glass blowers as well as candle makers. During the trail you will visit the shops of well known names such as Chesneau – Nicholas Mosse pottery – Stoneware Jackson Pottery – Jerpoint Glass.
Castlecomer Discovery Park
Visit Castlecomer Discovery Park, 30 hectares of mixed woodland in the south-east of Ireland just 20kms North of the medieval city of Kilkenny and 24kms from Carlow town.
The visitor centre also plays host to a delightful giftshop and the superb Café Jarrow. Open all year round the Discovery Park is an ideal location for a family day out, or for bus tours, school groups or individuals.
Telephone 056
4440707
Waterford Crystal
Take the factory tour where you will see skilled crafts men at work as they give shape and form to the molten crystal and transform it into perfectly exquisite shapes, with expertise and craftsmanship that has taken over 200 years to develop. Less than a 1 hour drive from The Kilkenny River Court Hotel.
www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com
Gowran Park Racecourse
With 15 meetings throughout the year, Gowran Park is the perfect place to enjoy the excitement and spectacle of a day at the races. Dine in the rooftop restaurant and experience the thrill of the horses crossing the finishing line. This Grade A racecourse has had numerous famous winners such as the legendary Arkle, Hedgehunter and Kicking King.
T: 056 7726225 (W) www.gowranpark.ie
Shopping in the City
MacDonagh Junction is the new city quarter in Kilkenny combining a mix of high quality retail, business and leisure developments, adjacent to Kilkenny’s MacDonagh Railway Station. The new city Quarter is bringing leading Irish and international retailers to the city. Restaurants, performance spaces and leisure facilities including a bowling centre are also planned. With fifty retail units combining shops, cafés and restaurants, leisure amenities and performance spaces, a unique heritage and a vibrant community, MacDonagh Junction offers visitors and shoppers alike an experience to enjoy and remember.
The Action & Adventure approach …
Dynamic Events
Dynamic Events work in partnership with Ireland’s beautiful Country Estates, Hotels and Castles. Providing the ideal day in the country with the A-Z of Country Pursuits. Some examples include: Clay Pigeon Shooting, Air Rifle Shooting, Falconry, Archery all of which can take place at Lyrath Estate.
Phone +353 (0)45
891 100 or go to www.dynamicgroup.ie
Team Dynamics Kilkenny
Provide Tailor made packages including indoor and outdoor challenges such as archery, river adventures, abseiling, climbing and shooting. Arrive as a group leave as a team.
Phone +353 (0)56 776 3635 or go to www.tdk.ie
Countryside Activity Centre
Group activities such as go carts, indoor rifle target shooting, archery – long bow and clay pigeon shooting.
Phone +353 (0)56 7761791 / 7767649 or go to www.goireland.com
Country Quads
Cross Country Driving on a scenic livestock farm. Just a half hour’s drive from Lyrath Estate. Clay pigeon shooting also available on request.
Phone +353 (0)59 972 4624 or go to www.countryquads.net
Warrington Top Flight Equestrian
Indoor & Outdoor Arena. Cross Country also available.
Phone +353 (0)56 7722682 or go to www.topflightkilkenny.com
Kiltorcan Raceway Karting Circuit
All weather, outdoor circuit for events, parties, tuition and practice.
Phone +353 (0)56 776 8914 or go to www.kiltorcan.com
Golf & Fishing…
Kilkenny Golf Club
Lyrath Estate Hotel has an affiliation directly with this course our reservation team can supply you with further details upon request
Phone 00353 (0)56 7765400 or go to www.kilkennygolfclub.com
Gowran Park Golf Club
Lyrath Estate Hotel has an affiliation with this course. Our reservation team can supply you with further details on request
Phone +353 (0)56 7726699 or go to www.gowranpark.ie
Mount Juliet Golf Club
Championship 18 hole golf course. Less than 30 minutes drive from Lyrath Estate Hotel.
Phone +353 (0)56 777 3000
Castlecomer Golf Club
A new 18 hole golf course. Less than 30 minutes drive from Lyrath Estate Hotel.
Phone +353 (0)56 4441139 or go to www.castlecomergolf.com
Lyrath privately owned fishing Island in St.Mullins
Recently purchased, the island is ideal for small groups wishing to go fishing and is less than a 40 minute drive from the hotel.
Contact our Events Team +353 (0)56 7705846
