Activities
Golf at Mount Juliet
To play golf at Mount Juliet is to experience up to 7,200 yards of visionary, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Designed Parkland, set across 180 acres of rolling Irish countryside. Magnificent specimen trees, miles of rushing river and verdant pastures all play their part, bringing sensational natural beauty to a course that is ranked among the world’s finest parkland courses and has played host to numerous unforgettable tournaments. From hosting a Tiger Woods-winning Championship in 2002, to recently being voted Ireland’s Best Parkland Golf Course by the Golfer’s Guide to Ireland and being chosen to host The 2021 Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open… We continue to both maintain and evolve a course that is eye-catching from the moment you step up to the first tee-off and unforgettable by the time you tally up at the 18th hole.
The course is complemented by both a clubhouse for all your pre- and post-game needs and desires, while the shop will keep you kitted out with the equipment and clothing befitting of a course such as this.
Mount Juliet Equestrian
MJ Equestrian centre is a rider’s paradise in the midst of the award winning Mount Juliet Estate with a wide variety of pasture, park and woodland. Our Experienced instructors along with our excellent facilities allow us to cater to groups and individuals of all abilities with activities to satisfy their ambitions, expectations and professional goals. Our offering includes Trail rides, livery, horse sales as well as horse riding lessons.
Falconry
Lyrath Estate is home to the Hawkeye School of Falconry, the ancient sport of Kings. This Falconry School is a first of its kind in the Southeast of Ireland. Our skilled falconers provide guests with a memorable experience using a selection of birds of prey. Birds of prey at the Falconry School include Hawks, Falcons, Owls, and an Eagle. Select between four packages, the Private Hawk Walk, Private Falconry Experience, Private Family Experience, and the Private Eagle Experience.
Adventures
Rock of Cashel
It’s huge, it’s complex, it’s iconic, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world and it’s right here in Cashel at the heart of Tipperary. The Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig), more formally St. Patrick’s Rock, it is also known as Cashel of the Kings.
Reputedly the site of the conversion of Aenghus the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century AD. Long before the Norman invasion The Rock of Cashel was the seat of the High Kings of Munster, although there is little structural evidence of their time here. Most of the buildings on the current site date from the 12th and 13th centuries when the rock was gifted to the Church. The buildings represent both Hiberno-Romanseque and Germanic influences in their architecture.
Brú Ború
Located at the foot of the historic Rock of Cashel, the Brú Ború shows of traditional music, song and dance run for five nights each week (Tuesday – Saturday inclusive) beginning in late June right up until late August commencing at 9p.m.
The unique Brú Ború performing group have achieved international recognition on five continents. They are in constant demand throughout the world because of their performance of Irish authentic traditional music, song and dance.
Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. It stands proudly on a rocky island on the River Suir.
The castle was was built in the thirteenth century and served as the stronghold of the powerful Butler family. So effective was its design that it was believed to be impregnable, but it finally fell to the earl of Essex in 1599 when heavy artillery was used against it for the first time. During the Irish Confederate Wars it was besieged twice more.
At the time of building, Cahir Castle was at the cutting edge of defensive castle design and much of the original structure remains.
An excellent audiovisual show now provides sightseers with a detailed appreciation of the castle’s long history. Visitors also flock to the castle because of its role as a film and TV location – it has featured in productions like Excalibur and The Tudors.
Swiss Cottage
The Swiss Cottage, just outside the heritage town of Cahir, is a cottageorné – a fanciful realisation of an idealised countryside cottage used for picnics, small soirees and fishing and hunting parties and was also a peaceful retreat for those who lived in the nearby big house.
Built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall, who, we believe, managed to persuade world-famous Regency architect John Nash to design it. Originally, simply known as “The Cottage” it appears to have acquired its present name because it was thought to resemble an Alpine cottage.
Waterford Copper Coast
The Waterford Copper Coast is now a UNESCO Global Geopark. It extends along the County Waterford coastline for 25km and is named after the 19th century copper mines that lie at the heart of this spectacular stretch of cliffs.
The Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark and Visitor Centre is located on the South East coast of Ireland, between Tramore and Dungarvan in County Waterford. It extends between Fenor in the east to Stradbally in the west and up to Dunhill in the north. The area was declared a European Geopark in 2001. In 2015 Waterford’s The Copper Coast Geopark, became a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Copper Coast gets its name from the 19th Century copper mines that lie at its heart. It comprises some 25 kilometres of spectacular coastline consisting of scalloped beaches and coves buttressed and enclosed by rocky headlands. Oceans, volcanoes, deserts and ice sheets all combined to create the rocks, which provide the physical foundation of the natural and cultural landscapes of the Copper Coast.
Walking Trails
Along with an audio tour around Annestown, there are walking trail cards for the villages of Annestown, Boatstrand, Bunmahon, Dunhill, Fenor, Stradbally Trails, and Audio Trails along the Copper Coast. The trail cards can be printed or stored for viewing on your phone. Check the website for details and cards.
The Geological and Mining Heritage Exhibition at the Visitor Centre is suitable for all ages. Refer to the website for opening times and details. Guide service available to groups all year round. Or follow the self guided trail map which may be followed by motorists, cyclists or for the more energetic, on foot
Arts & Culture
The Kilkenny Arts Festival
The Kilkenny Arts Festival, formally known as Kilkenny Arts Week, is an arts festival which was founded in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1974. The festival covers a number of art forms, including classical music and performance. The playwright and poet Seamus Heaney gave a reading of some of his works during the inaugural event.
As of 2016, the event included theatre, dance, visual arts, as well as other forms of music and literature. The festival commissions works for the event locally and from abroad.[2]
The ten-day festival takes place each August in Kilkenny and is intended to be a showcase for Irish and international arts.
Around 50,000 people have attended previous festivals, with performances taking place on the streets as well as in indoor venues. Former venues across the city have ranged from rooms in pubs, to St Canice’s Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle.[3] The festival’s annual schedule includes a parade through the centre of the city.
Savour Kilkenny
One of Ireland’s favourite food festivals, Savour Kilkenny marks the end of autumn and is held in the stunning setting of Kilkenny’s Medieval city, in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Known for its diversity and quality of food producers, distilleries, breweries, restaurants and cafés, Kilkenny is home to some of Ireland’s and Europe’s best food.
Taking place over the October bank holiday weekend, the event celebrates the produce, food and culture of Kilkenny and the surrounding rich pasturelands.
Savour Kilkenny brings visitors on a journey of discovery and taste that will truly awaken the senses! The programme showcases the very best of Kilkenny and Irish products, chefs and culinary ideas.
Expect talks from experts, demos from top chefs, unique dining experiences and all the food stalls you can imagine packaged into a festive atmosphere in the beautiful surrounds of Kilkenny city.
Image Arts Festival
Imagine Arts Festival is a unique celebration of the arts here in Waterford City during the month of October. We are a community Arts Festival run by a voluntary committee.
We like to capture the essence of Waterford’s burgeoning artistic community and give it a national platform and therefore a bigger audience.
Our aim is to feature the best of national and international artists and inspire new ideas and thought within the local community by exposure to such talent and creativity. We promote established and emerging artists, from local, national and the international arena.
Spraoi Street Festival
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival has been staged in Waterford, Ireland, since 1993. For three days each year residents of this medieval city take to the streets and enjoy an international programme of street arts and spectacle. The festival is staged on August Bank Holiday Weekend, always marked by the first Monday in August.
Waterford’s narrow medieval streets, squares, quays and historic buildings provide an atmospheric backdrop to Spraoi’s celebration of contemporary performance culture. The majority of the events are free and suitable for all ages
FOOD, DRINK & MUSIC
What makes Ireland unique is it variety of food from top quality gastro pub food, a wide range of Irish an international food offerings to Michelin Star Restuarants
Rinuccini
Widely recognised as one of Kilkenny’s finest restaurants, Ristorante Rinuccini is a family owned and run multi award-winning Italian restaurant located in the heart of Kilkenny City for almost 30 years. Specialising in classic Italian cuisine, made using the finest of Italian and fresh Irish ingredients, Ristorante Rinuccini boasts an extensive menu selection offering lunch, dinner, group bookings and private dining in our city centre restaurant.
Visit: www.rinuccini.com
Campagne
Campagne serves up French-inspired fine dining in a relaxed space filled with bright and colorful art under the railway arches in Kilkenny’s Gas House Lane. Dishes are made from the best local and seasonal produce, and game such as wild venison, partridge, and wild duck features prominently on the menu. While carnivores will get their fill with dishes such as fillet of Hereford beef and duck breast with sausage, there’s also a separate vegetarian menu. Campagne prides itself on having a Michelin star since 2013.
Visit: www.campagne.ie
Rive Gauche Kitchen and Cocktails
Rive Gauche is the latest addition to The Left Bank, one of Kilkenny’s most popular bars and venues. This Kilkenny restaurant offers a French feel combined with an Irish passion for the finest local foods from land & sea. Serving a beautiful Gourmet Lunch daily from 12pm – 4.30pm. Groups and parties of all needs are invited to soak up the atmosphere in our historic and impressive restaurant and bar.
Call: 056 7750016
Visit: www.leftbank.ie
Zuni Restaurant
Zuni Restaurant Bar & Boutique Hotel, situated on Patrick Street, in Kilkenny’s City Centre. Zuni restaurantis highly regarded as one of Kilkennys top restaurants. From their award-winning kitchen you can enjoy breakfast daily from 8am, Lunch from 12 noon with early bird and full a la carte evening service from 5.30pm. Serving great food for lunch or dinner seven days a week since 2000. Arrive early for a cocktail in their chic new cocktail bar.
Call: 056 7723999
Visit: www.zuni.ie
Chez Hans, Cashel
An imposing former Synod Hall built in 1861 houses this long-standing, family-owned restaurant; start with a drink in the bar, surrounded by contemporary Irish art. The classically based dishes are full of flavour and there’s a great value Sunday lunch; the Queen’s egg custard tart is a must-try!
Call: 062-61177
Visit: www.chezhans.net
Mani Restaurant, Clonmel
Mani restaurant welcomes guests to come relax and enjoy an experience of exceptional food and service, in a beautiful stylish setting. Serving modern Irish Cuisine in a stylish, contemporary atmosphere, experience exquisite service and taste creative passionate food
Call: 052-6170007
Visit: www.mani.ie
Pubs and Music
Mullinahone offers two traditional Irish Pubs named TJ Macs Bar and The Stack of Barley. At just a short 7-minute walk from Killaghy Castle, both pubs offer Irish Stouts and Whiskeys and Traditional and Contemporary Irish Music.
Shopping
Dove Hill
Shopping for Irish Design – The Dove Hill Design Centre offers the very best in fashion, homewares, furniture and food, all in one convenient location in Carrick-On-Suir, County Tipperary. Dove Hill Design Centre in Carrick-On-Suir, County Tipperary, offers a wide selection of products throughout it’s many stores. From Blarney Woolens Mills, designer Irish clothing and accessories to Tipperary Crystal, luxury homewares, fashion, gifts and books, all finished off by a relaxing break at Lilly Mai’s Café, the finest of locally-produced food in a modern,friendly setting. The Dove Hill Irish Design Centre is located between Carrick-on-Suir and Clonmel in the south east of Ireland known as the Golden Vale. It is an area of undulating green pastures, hills and mountains, and has been described as a haven of tranquillity and beauty. The Dove Hill centre is nestled in the midst of all this richness and natural beauty, and is the perfect place to stop and visit if you are in the area.
Kilkenny Design Centre
Kilkenny Design Centre offers an unrivalled selection of Irish handcrafted gifts. The center remains Ireland’s most prestigious source of Irish gifts of exceptional quality, all chosen with a discerning eye for quality, uniqueness and style.
The Centre’s unequalled supplier list, drawn from Ireland’s most eminent craftspeople and designers, gives visitors a uniquely special shopping experience, allowing them to purchase the best of Irish crafts and design under one roof.
A selection of Jewelry, Knitwear, Celtic Gifts, China & Crystal, Pottery & Glass, Home & Fashion Accessories and stunning one-off contemporary design pieces, are all available, ensuring that choosing that perfect gift for any occasion is a true pleasure.
One of Ireland’s most exciting artistic venues, the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny is the Craft Council of Ireland’s flagship exhibition space.
The Gallery is an inspirational outlet where craftspeople can develop new and innovative designs and have them showcased in a year-round exhibitions program.
Talented makers and imaginative curators are responsible for its critically acclaimed exhibitions program, which has included textiles, glass, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, baskets, and attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Kildare Village
Kildare Village is home to more than 100 boutiques of the world’s most exciting designers. Discover luxury shopping, exquisite eateries and five-star guest services including Hands-free Shopping, Virtual Shopping, Reserved Parking and more.-
