Kilkenny Castle
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Irelands South East region promises a wonderful holiday experience, with the sunniest climate in Ireland, a unique heritage, vibrant towns and villages, scenic landscape and most importantly a warm Irish welcome.
On your arrival at the Welcome Lodge you will find a visitors information pack giving more details on these and other sites in the area.
Kilkenny City
Kilkenny city – a beautiful and ancient county where history, modern living and rich culture fuse together. The ancient medieval city of Kilkenny is today a thriving, modern capital that has
Rothe House
protected its precious heritage while evolving as one of the most vibrant and enjoyable cities. Its narrow slipways, side streets and preserved buildings are matched by its reputation for fine dining, great shopping and entertainment.
Kilkenny has a wealth of fascinating visitor attractions, from the beautiful Rothe House, St. Canice’s Cathedral to the magnificently restored Kilkenny Castle. The wonders of Dunmore Cave, Castlecomer Discovery Park, The Priory,
Kells and celebrate monastic settlements such as Jerpoint Abbey.
Callan
Callan
The ancient market town of Callan was founded in 1207 on the King’s River and is currently the third largest town in the county of Kilkenny. It has a wealth of historical and architectural sights. These range from one of the finest intact ‘Norman Mottes’ in Ireland, the ruins of two magnificent Medieval churches, the 19th century Workhouse to the thatched farmhouse where one of Irelands greatest benefactors, Blessed Edmund Ignatius Rice(1762 – 1844), founder of the Irish Christian Brothers was born. Few places anywhere have produced such an impressive list of sons and daughters. The list includes the Candler family who gave the world Coca-Cola, the Cudahys who revolutionized the Food industry, the world famous artist Tony O’Malley and James Hoban, architect of the White House in Washington DC. Neil Jordan’s film “Breakfast on Pluto” staring Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson was shot in Callan.
Tipperary
Tipperary is a county of immense natural beauty, with a unique and ancient heritage. Shaped by the rugged Galty Mountains and the River
Rock of Cashel
Suir, Tipperary has some of the South East’s most breathtaking scenery. The county’s distinctive set of landmarks include the might Rock of Cashel, once the seat of the Kings of Munster and the magnificent 12th century Cahir Castle. Other heritage highlights include the 1848 Famine Warhouse, Ballingarry, Swiss Cottage in Cahir, the Ormond Manor House in Carrick on Suir, the Main Guard in Clonmel, Holycross Abbey, Thurles, Farney Castle, Thurles, Fethard Medieval walled town, to the Bru Boro Cultural Centre, Cashel celebrating Irish music, song, dance and theatre.
It is a county of spectacular natural beauty with the Glen of Aherlow and the Vee Valley of particular note. In fact, the county is one of Ireland’s premier horseracing centres.
www.discoverireland.ie/tipperary
Craft studios and workshops are in abundance such as Kilkenny National Craft Gallary, Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Chesneau Leather goods, Rudolf Heltzel Gold and Silversmith, Moth to a Flame candle maker, Castlecomer Estate Yard Art and Craft Centre.
Golfers will be spoiled for choice with a number of challenging courses including the world famous Mount Juliet, Callan, Kilkenny City, Gowran Park, Slievenamon, Clonmel, Carrick-On-Suir, Cahir Park, Faithlegg and Waterford Castle.
Horse Riding: The region is famed for its long history in breeding some of the finest bloodstock in the world and is the ideal destination for any equestrian fan. Equestrian centres of note, which cater for all levels of experience from beginner to advanced rider, include Warrington Tip Flight Equestrian Centre, Kilkenny. The Iris Kellet Mount Juliet Equestrian Centre, Thomastown. Nuenna Farm Equestrian Cente, Freshford. Crossogue Equestrian, Thurles. Its world-renowned nucleus of stud farms and training stables include Coolmore Stud and Ballydoyle Racing Stables.
Horse racing enthusiasts can head for Gowran Park, Clonmel, Thurles,, Tipperary , Tramore and Wexford Town. Meetings are held throughout the year.
Fishing: The region’s rivers are great for wild brown trout fishing, salmon fishing and sea trout fishing in season. Tuition in dry and wet fly fishing is available through a number of local clubs. The South East’s coastline also holds many spots for beach and rock angling, while deep-sea fishing trips are available through a number of registered boat charter operators.
Games Fishing: Rain bow Trout Angling Lakes, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, Inchbeg Fishing School, Freshford, Co. Kilkenny, Suir Valley Fishery, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Coarse Fishing: Mount Juliet, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.
Sea Fishing: Dunmore East, Co. Waterford. Dungarvan
Some of Irelands most incredible beaches are within easy driving distance of the Welcome Lodge, such as Dunmore East, Bunmahon, Clonea, Woodstown, Duncannon and Tramore.
Gardens & Parks: It is also home to some of Ireland most beautiful gardens and park, such as the, the Woodstock Gardens in Inistioge, Jenkinstown Park, The Kilfane Glen and Waterfall, Altamont Garden in Carlow, Kilmacomma Garden in Clonmel
The South East is alive with a colourful mix of festivals, a lively music and arts scene and a feast of award winning, gourmet restaurants and farmers’s markets. Join in the year round festivities as local and tourists enjoy the unique and rich culture at festivals such as Kilkenny Arts Festival, Kilkenny Cat Laughs, Waterford Spraoi, Clonmel Junction