Driving Routes from kilkenny Detailed route maps, places to see & driving tips The South East driving brochures were compiled in collaboration with travel writer ól Ó Conghaile. ól has written for National Geographic Traveller, The Irish Independent and Cara Magazine amongst other publications, and has three times been voted Irish Travel Journalist of the Year. There s something about the South East that makes you want to get behind the wheel, he says. Be it sandy beaches or craggy coves, wild mountains or winding rivers, ancient heritage gems or the tingle of excitement as you arrive into Kilkenny, Wexford or Waterford. It could be old. It could be new. But there s always something different around the next bend. ól Ó Conghaile Kilkenny Castle! For full details on visitor attractions featured in this guide and a detailed regional map, pick up your copy of the South East ocket Guide, or download from www.discoverireland.ie Every care has been taken in the compilation of this brochure to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for printed errors or omissions, or alterations occurring after the brochure has been published.
Driving Routes from Kilkenny Route Route Route The open road. Rolling mountains and river valleys. Brushing hedgerows, Blue Flag beaches, lingering lunch stops and random detours leading to discoveries you ll talk about for years to come. the urban triangle Tantalise yourself with a taste of Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford - and all the countryside in-between over the course of one or several days Caves, Castles & Gardens Route Route Route Route Route Route Ancient caves, haunted castles and dramatic dolmens are all dotted along this drive. And there s cutting edge art, gardens and a reptile village too The Butler Trail Follow in the footsteps of the Butler family, who dominated the South East for centuries, from their finest castles to a remarkable Swiss Cottage folly. Route approx. 0 km approx. 0 km approx. 0 km approx. km approx. km The River Valley Route Craft trails, stone-arch bridges, monkeypuzzle avenues and monastic sites are just some of the discoveries on this enchanting journey along the Rivers Nore and Barrow. An enchanting journey be it a day trip or a several day tour. You choose! The Ocean Road A coastal drive from Kilkenny? You bet. The hidden coves and scenic wonders of Waterford s Copper Coast are little more than an hour s drive away There s nothing like driving in Ireland. And there s nowhere like the South East for doing it. Within the space of a leisurely few hours here, you can cruise from cobbled streets to cliffcraggy coastlines, from fishing villages to lush farmland, from heritage highlights like Kilkenny Castle and the Dunbrody Experience to buzzing pubs, delicious food and dynamic arts and crafts. The South East is forever happening and Kilkenny is right in the thick of it. This is Ireland s medieval capital, home to historic buildings like Rothe House and St. Canice s Cathedral, but also to cutting-edge comedy, spirited culture and food worth travelling for. In Kilkenny, you can travel through several centuries in just a couple of steps. From here, Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Tipperary and mile after mile of tantalising coastline and countryside are just a short drive away. It s a perfect base for your South Eastern safari.
Route THE URBAN TRIANGLE R00 LACES TO SEE Jerpoint Abbey Woodstock Gardens Dunbrody Experience Irish National Heritage ark Johnstown Castle Gardens & Irish Agricultural Museum Tintern Abbey Duncannon Fort Waterford Crystal Reginald s Tower R R Bishop s alace Scenic viewpoint The Urban Triangle If you re the town and country type, this is the driving route for you. The Urban Triangle not only takes in some of the most beautiful countryside in the southeast, it also provides a tantalising taste of the urban buzz on offer in Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny. Kilkenny Castle Restored to its former glory!
The Urban Triangle Heading east out of KILKENNY City (via R00), you ll find Bennettsbridge, Thomastown and Inistioge - the kinds of places you might pull into for a mosey, and pull out of carrying a piece of hand-crafted glass, a scrumptious scone, or a photo of an old, stone-arch bridge. Watch out for anglers too. The Nore is famous for its salmon, and the R00 criss-crosses it at several points. In NEW ROSS, travel back in time at the Dunbrody Experience, where costumed actors and a three-masted barque combine in an interactive adventure evoking famine times (you ll even receive a ticket issued as if it were ). As you leave the famine ship for Wexford (via N), keep your eyes peeled for rocky outcrops north of Newbaun. These are the plugs of extinct volcanoes. WEXFORD itself is full of surprises. The combination of tight-knit streets and airy waterfront, of old town walls and modern eateries, of Selskar Abbey and skyline views from its state-of-the-art Opera House, create the unique feeling of a medieval town in the st century. After lunch, it s time to strike for WATERFORD City (via R). The assage East ferry is the highlight of this stretch, with tickets issued from a vintage machine on the ferryman s belt, and views stretching south to the Hook Lighthouse. It s at once a Suir Estuary shortcut, and a scenic detour. WATERFORD is Ireland s oldest city, and you can explore its roots in the Viking Triangle, a new historic quarter housing the Viking Museum in Reginald s Tower, Waterford Crystal and a Georgian Museum in Bishop s alace. It s not all ancient history, of course funky shops, cafes and festivals like Spraoi and the Tall Ships ensure Waterford City continues to sparkle in the st century. Inistioge Visit the old, stone-arch bridge driving tip Depending on stop-offs, this route can be undertaken as a day-trip or spread over several days. It can also be shortened by taking the N from New Ross to Waterford. Return and one-way fares are available on the assage East Ferry. Total Distance approx. 0 km Time Kilkenny City Wexford Town Wexford Town Waterford City Waterford City Kilkenny City h 0 mins h 0 mins 0 mins All times are best estimates, and do not allow for stop-offs.
Route R R0 Caves, Castles & Gardens R R LACES TO SEE Dunmore Cave Castlecomer Discovery ark R R0 Brownshill Dolmen VISUAL at Carlow Carlow Museum Altamont Gardens Huntington Castle The River Barrow Way Shankill Castle Gardens Reptile Village, Gowran Scenic viewpoint Caves, Castles & Gardens Ancient caves, haunted castles and dramatic dolmens are all dotted along this drive. And there s cutting edge art, gardens and a reptile village too VISUAL at Carlow Centre for Contemporary Art
Caves, Castles & Gardens The first highlight of this drive lies not on the road, but below it. The spectacular series of chambers in Dunmore Cave contains some of the finest calcite formations in Ireland, and some intriguing Viking links too. The Annals tell of a massacre here in AD, and recent archaeological digs have unearthed not just human bones, but a stash of Viking coins. Back above ground, continue (via N) towards Castlecomer Discovery ark. The Footprints in Coal exhibition here tells the story of the mines that operated in the Wandesforde estate s heyday, but there s much more to the place including looped walks, a fishing lake, and craft workshops. roceeding towards CARLOW Town (via R/0), you ll pass the ruins of Killeshin Church in the Rossmore Hills. It boasts one of the most beautifully carved Romanesque doorways in the country. In Carlow Town itself, twin a lunch and gallery or museum stop at the stunning VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art or Carlow Museum before visiting the huge Brownshill Dolmen outside the town on the Hacketstown/Rathvilly Road (R). The,000-year-old megalithic portal tomb seems to grow and grow as you approach - it s probably the heaviest of its kind in Europe. The N0 between Carlow Town and BUNCLODY incorporates several stops on the magnificent Carlow Garden Trail, including Altamont Gardens. From its February explosion of snowdrops to its centuries-old sessile oaks, there s something for all seasons here. Nearby, there s a wonderful (and quite possibly haunted) yew tree walk at Huntington Castle. Huntington Castle Gardens are a great picnic location too, or why not stop by their lovely tearooms for refreshments? Beyond Bunclody, carry on through the Blackstairs Mountains before crossing the River Barrow at BAGENALSTOWN. A stop here opens up a stroll along the towpaths of Ireland s second-longest river, and the old mills, warehouses and locks of its industrial heritage. Two final suggestions before Kilkenny City are Shankill Castle Gardens at aulstown and the Reptile Village at Gowran. The latter is a mini-zoo with a difference, and one whose monitor lizards and boa constrictors you could easily imagine back in the depths of Dunmore Cave Altamont Gardens Ireland s Most Romantic Garden! driving tip Depending on your stop-offs, this route can be undertaken in full, or shortened by taking the M back to Kilkenny City with possible detour en route onto the R0 to visit Leighlinbridge and Bagenalstown. Total Distance approx. 0 km Time Kilkenny City Carlow Carlow Bunclody Bunclody Kilkenny City mins mins h 0 mins All times are best estimates, and do not allow for stop-offs.
Route The Butler Trail R R R LACES TO SEE R Kells riory Ormond Castle R The Main Guard Cahir Castle Swiss Cottage Mitchelstown Cave R0 R Glen of Aherlow Rock of Cashel Brú Ború Cultural Centre Medieval Walled Town Scenic viewpoint The butler trail Butler roots run deep in the South East. As deep as AD, in fact - the year Theobald Fitzwalter, Chief Butler to rince John, was granted over 00,000 acres of land in Tipperary. Fitzwalter s title became the family name in the 00s and the rest, as they say, is history. Cahir Castle [left] One of Ireland s largest and best preserved castles
The butler trail Setting out from KILKENNY City (via R), whose castle served as the Butlers principal Irish residence for 00 years, this route stops at Kells riory before proceeding south to CARRICK-ON-SUIR. Ormond Castle here was built by Black Tom Butler in the 0s. The Earl was famed for his unnaturally dark complexion (some even suggest he had black eyes), and his broodingly elegant manor house is an architectural ode to Queen Elizabeth. Alas, the Virgin Queen never visited From Carrick (via N), continue along the River Suir and Comeragh Mountains to CLONMEL, a bustling shopping town where James Butler built a courthouse in. The Main Guard s glowing sandstone arches are just a taste of the restoration that awaits inside. CAHIR s chief Butler legacy is an exquisitely-preserved castle on the River Suir. The Earl of Essex laid siege to the stronghold in, and cannonballs remain stuck in the exterior walls to this day. From here, a short river walk takes you to the Swiss Cottage, a Butler family folly whose rustic thatch and cedar shingles contrast playfully with the arisian wallpapers inside. The cottage ornée is watched over by a stately yew tree, said to be,000 years old. After Cahir (via R0), carry on towards CASHEL, where heritage gems range from the Rock of Cashel to the Bolton Library and Brú Ború Cultural Centre, before continuing towards KILKENNY City via (R) one final stop at FETHARD. The medieval ruins, remarkable town walls and scattering of Sheela-na-gigs here will provide lots to talk about on your final stretch through the Slieveardagh Hills. Ormond Castle A castle built for a Queen. driving tip If you have time, a short detour will take you to the Mitchelstown Caves (just off the N, half way between Cahir and Mitchelstown), a jaw-dropping series of caverns and calcite formations discovered in. Conversely, if time is tight, you can shorten the route by taking the R between Clonmel and Fethard. Total Distance approx. 0 km Time Kilkenny City Kells Kells Carrick-on-Suir Carrick-on-Suir Clonmel Clonmel Cahir Cahir Cashel Cashel Kilkenny City mins mins mins 0 mins 0 mins h mins All times are best estimates, and do not allow for stop-offs.
R Route The River valley Route R00 R0 R LACES TO SEE R0 Kilkenny Castle Rothe House Jerpoint Abbey Jerpoint ark Woodstock Gardens R00 The Dunbrody Experience Ros Tapestry R Duiske Abbey Borris House Reptile Village, Gowran Scenic viewpoint The River Valley Route The necklace of towns and villages threaded along the River Nore is one of the South East s most beguiling hidden gems. Road and river intertwine as you pass from one to the next, coming within kissing distance before shying away again. It s truly a timeless drive. The River Barrow Ireland s second longest river
The River Valley Route There s no end of potential stop-offs on this route ranging from river views to heritage husks like Jerpoint Abbey, or the bustling shops and cafes tucked away in the towns themselves. Discover a deserted medieval town at Jerpoint ark, where you can also enjoy a horse and cart ride, sheepdog demonstrations, a nature walk, or an elegant afternoon tea in the tearooms. Or why not dip into the Made in Kilkenny Craft Trail, sampling handmade candles in BENNETTSBRIDGE, the flour mill that serves as Nicholas Mosse s pottery studio, or vibrant ceramics in THOMASTOWN? Continuing south through the NORE VALLEY (via R00), watch out for wading anglers, or take a photo stop at a lay-by overlooking the Anglo-Norman Grennan Castle. At INISTIOGE, don t miss Woodstock Gardens, home to the longest monkey-puzzle avenue in Europe, or the handsome -arched bridge. Unusually too, Catholic and rotestant churches stand side by side in this village. After NEW ROSS (via R), this route swaps the River Nore for the River Barrow, veering north through ST. MULLIN S, GRAIGUENAMANAGH and BORRIS, before returning to KILKENNY. The River Barrow was a motorway before motorways existed, as the heritage jewels along its banks testify - from old mills to monastic sites, from grand treasures like Duiske Abbey to the old towpaths now serving as riverside walks. At St. Mullin s, scramble up the old Norman motte for a smashing panorama over the gorge and gravestones below. Further north, don t let the apparent modesty of BORRIS fool you. Borris House was not only ancestral home of the Kings of Leinster, but to the redoubtable Arthur Kavanagh. Born in, Kavanagh was an M, Lord Lieutenant of Carlow, an expert sailor, prolific ladies man, superb horse rider and an adventurer whose travels took him as far as the ersian Gulf. Amazingly, he achieved all of this despite being born limbless. Dunbrody Experience Follow the footprints of Ireland s past! driving tip You can read more about the Made in Kilkenny Craft Trail at madeinkilkenny.ie. If you wish to extend this route, follow the River Barrow north from Borris to Carlow and take in a visit to Carlow Museum or VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art, before returning to Total Distance approx. km Time Kilkenny City New Ross New Ross Borris Borris Kilkenny City h mins mins 0 mins Kilkenny City, a 0-minute drive along the M motorway. All times are best estimates, and do not allow for stop-offs.
Route The Ocean Road R LACES TO SEE R Waterford Crystal Reginald s Tower Bishop s alace The Metal Man Fenor Bog The Copper Coast Tankardstown Mine Mahon Falls R Ormond Castle Callan Abbey R Scenic viewpoint R R R Blue Flag Beach The Ocean Road Think Kilkenny, and coastlines don t exactly spring to mind. And yet, the hidden coves and seaside cottages of Dunmore East are little more than an hour s drive away. Why not breakfast in Waterford City en route? From either stop, the Copper Coast is your oyster. Reginalds Tower Waterford s most famous landmark!
The Ocean Road Little over an hour s drive south from KILKENNY (via R), a gem of a fishing village awaits at DUNMORE EAST. Heading west along the coast (via R), you ll come to TRAMORE, Ireland s quintessential Victorian seaside resort. Drive past the beach towards Newtown Head, keeping an eye out for the famous Metal Man on one of three pillars at the entrance to the bay. The -foot sailor was erected by Lloyd s of London to stem the flow of ships mistaking Tramore Bay for Waterford Harbour. Tramore is festooned with sandbanks, and its history tells of tides and winds claiming one shipwreck after another. The COER COAST (via R) is a European Geopark named for its th century mining heritage (watch out for the ghostly old engine house at Tankardstown). Take a left pretty much anywhere here and you ll end up in a hidden cove like Garrus or Boat Strand, beaches that could have been airlifted from the Algarve. At Ballydowane, the centuries-old remains of a mine shaft can still be seen in a sea stack. Nearby, the horseshoe-shaped Kilmurrin Bay was once a smuggler s paradise. It s a hypnotic route, strewn with pretty villages and stunning vistas. Think of ANNESTOWN, one of the few villages in Ireland without a pub, the mining boomtown of BUNMAHON or the old estate village of STRADBALLY, bedecked with flowers, forest, and a sugar-sandy beach running alongside the River Tay. Looking out to sea on the Copper Coast, you may even see a pod of whales After the Blue Flag beach at Clonea, consider breaking the journey with a bite of lunch and a browse in DUNGARVAN, before driving through the COMERAGH MOUNTAINS (via R) back to KILKENNY City. The Copper Coast See the beautiful vistas! driving tip If you plan on hitting the Copper Coast in the morning, it s best to drive west to avoid the sun in your eyes. The coastal section can be shortened by taking the R north to the N at Bunmahon. There are no petrol Total Distance approx. km Time Kilkenny City Dunmore East Dunmore East Dungarvan Dungarvan Kilkenny City h mins h 0 mins h 0 mins stations between Tramore and Dungarvan. All times are best estimates, and do not allow for stop-offs.
driving tips for your trip Drive on the left Yes, it s obvious. Yes, everyone is doing it. But if you re used to driving on the right, it s easy to fall into old habits first thing in the morning, after a lunch stop, or pulling back onto a quiet country road after taking that latest awesome photo... ark smart You ll rarely have to pay to park in the Irish countryside, but pay-and-display charges are commonplace in towns and cities. Keep some coins handy for the meters, and remember to check the signs indicating times during which on-street parking is charged. Heed the speed limits The speed limit on regional (R) roads is 0kph/0mph, on national (N) roads 0kph/mph, and on motorways (M) 0kph/mph. In towns, the limit is 0kph/0mph. Car rental tips Most rental cars in Ireland are manual transmission, so if you prefer to drive automatic, stipulate this when booking. Rental companies provide numbers to call if you need breakdown assistance, and fuel tanks should be returned as full as you receive them. Get a good map Irish motorways are straightforward. Country roads not so much. That s why it s a good idea to have a reliable map (such as those available for purchase in Tourist Information Offices) or GS in the glove box before you set off on your South Eastern safari. Don t forget When driving in Ireland, you need to carry a valid licence as well as insurance and vehicle registration documentation. It s also illegal to hold a mobile phone when driving, so keep those calls, tweets, texts and Facebook updates for when you re safely pulled in! Safety first Whilst Ireland s roads are improving all the time, N and R routes can still be thin and bumpy, prone to ice in winter, and may not have hard shoulders. For many drivers, of course, that s all part of the charm. But it s wise to adapt your speed to the circumstances. Fill up There are very few online services on Irish motorways, and petrol stations can be irregular between towns. Keep your tank topped up! The tractor factor No matter how meticulous your plans, the chance of chugging along at 0mph behind a tractor, or being held to a standstill by a herd of sheep or cattle, is always there. It s nothing to worry about (it may even make your trip), just be aware that it may occur! Need to know In case of accident or emergency, call or.
kilkenny city map H Map Key Tourist Information olice Station Theatre Railway Station Car arking Fire Station Bus Stop National ost Office Library H Hospital Abbey / Monastery / Round Tower Cinema Walking Trails Shopping Centre Small Airfield Castle Art / Craft Centre WC ublic Toilet Church / Cathedral lace of Interest City / Town Hall Yacht Club/Marina Taxi Rank Heritage Centre WC M N Motorway National rimary Road Main Roads/Streets Other Roads/Streets 0 N R0 National Secondary Road Regional Road Narrow Streets / rivate Roads Road Under Construction WC LACES TO SEE Kilkenny Castle & ark Butler Gallery Kilkenny Design Centre & Castle Yard National Craft Gallery Shee Alms House / Tourist Information Kilkenny Walking Tours Rothe House & Garden Smithwicks Brewery & St. Francis Abbey St. Canice s Cathedral & Round Tower The Black Abbey WC J J J J St. Mary s Cathedral Kyteler s Inn The Hole in the Wall J Town Hall/Tholsel St Mary s Church & Graveyard Butler House & Garden Talbot s Tower & City Walls J J Court House/Grace s Castle Bishop s alace J J J The Watershed 0 Johns riory Magdelan Castle
Discover Ireland Visitor Information Centres For further information on suggested driving routes, visit one of the region s Discover Ireland Centres and speak to a travel advisor. Local & National Information Itinerary lanning Guide Books, Brochures & Maps Accommodation Booking COUNTY KILKENNY Kilkenny Discover Ireland Centre Shee Alms House, Rose Inn Street/ Mary s Lane, Kilkenny City. t + (0) 00 e kilkenny@failteireland.ie WaterFORD CITY Waterford Discover Ireland Centre The Quay, Waterford City. t + (0) e waterford@failteireland.ie COUNTY WaterFORD Dungarvan Discover Ireland Centre The Courthouse, Dungarvan. t + (0) e info@dungarvantourism.com COUNTY CARLOW Carlow Discover Ireland Centre College Street, Carlow Town. t + (0) e carlow@failteireland.ie COUNTY TIERARY Cahir Discover Ireland Centre* Castle Car ark, Castle Street, Cahir. t + (0) e cahir@failteireland.ie *Centre opens from April to the end of October COUNTY WEXFORD Wexford Discover Ireland Centre Quayside, Wexford Town. t + (0) e wexford@failteireland.ie beautiful FI/- www.discoverireland.ie Fáilte Ireland th Floor Wallace House, Maritana Gate, Canada Street, Waterford. t + (0) 00 f + (0) www.discoverireland.ie