Sunny Day Activities in Kilkenny
The heatwave in Ireland has led hoards of people to head straight for the beach – but after about 8 weeks of good weather, the beach may be starting to get a little tiring. The sunny weather opens the opportunity to get out in the great outdoors and enjoy yourself – not just at the beach – and Kilkenny is the perfect base for your Summer short break!
So, to help you plan your Summer visit to Kilkenny, we’ve put together our top recommendations for the best things to do on a warm, sunny day in Kilkenny and surrounds.
Paddle Boarding on the River Barrow
The beach isn’t the only option for water activities on a hot Summer’s day. Those of you who enjoy something a little more than sunbathing, can experience the coolness of the water with a little sense of adventure. Paddle Boarding – known as SUP – sounds difficult, but you would be surprised at how quickly you’ll be confidently paddling along the river.
The folks at Pure Adventure offer a 2 hour Paddle Boarding experience. The tour takes in all sights and sounds of the stunning Barrow valley while standing on a SUP board. This is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world and the perfect way to chill out and feel at one with nature. The perfect sport for everyone all ages, all abilities and all levels of experience.
Find out more here
There’s nothing like getting outside the centre of Kilkenny city and exploring the countryside surrounding our medieval city. The Bike ‘N Hike tour, offered by Kilkenny Cycling Tours is a fantastic day out that takes in the beauty of Kilkenny and Bennettsbridge. It works by simply hiring a bike from Kilkenny Cycling Tours and then taking off to enjoy the tranquillity and scenery as you cycle from Kilkenny City via the “Sion road” to the picturesque village of Bennettsbridge.
Take a break and visit Moth To A Flame candle makers and the Nicholas Mosse Pottery workshop, where you can experience the potters at work or just lunch and browse through the store. The bikes can be locked up and left at Nicolas Mosses. The return journey is on foot along the newly developed Nore Valley Walk. The whole travel time takes approx 45 – 50min to cycle to Bennettsbridge and if you opt to take the walking option – 2hrs for the return journey along the River Walk.
Cost of hire is €20 per person.
To find out more visit Kilkenny Cycling Tours
Explore the Hidden Trails of Kilkenny
Discover some of Kilkenny’s natural beauty through a guided hiking tour. From the calm and tranquil walkways along the River Barrow, to the stunning heights of Mount Leinster and the rolling walks around Brandon Hill. If you are looking to get away from it all , even for just a few hours, a hiking tour is an ideal option.
Hidden Trails in Graiguenamanagh offer a variety of walks to suit all ages and abilities, taking in the scenery and sharing a few stories along the way. There is so much history and beauty here just waiting to be discovered.
To find out more, visit Hidden Trails
Day at the Beach
And if the beach is what you really want, then you can be down to Waterford’s finest beaches, including Tramore and Duncannon in Wexford in just over an hour by car.
On a good day, Tramore gets very busy, so beaches such as Duncannon, Ardstown and Annemore can be better.
At the end of the day, regardless of your preference, Kilkenny is a great base for a Summer break that gives you plenty of options for fun things to do in the warmer weather.