Seasons Holidays Knocktopher Abbey

Rothe House is a 16th Century Merchant's House Built in 1594 consisting of 3 separate town houses, 3 courtyards and a restored garden. Home of Kilkenny Archaeological Society, with a Museum, Library and local Family History Service.

T 00353 56 772 2893
E info@rothehouse.com

From factory tour to elegant restaurant and retail stores, you are invited to experience the magic and spirit that lies behind Waterford and its legendary crystal. The factory tour is definitely a must see and you will also be spoiled for choice shopping at the retail store. Here you will find the world's largest display of crystal as well as some of the jewellry collections. The restaurant provides a perfect location fro refreshments while you relax and consider your favourite pieces.

This town, in beautiful surroundings in the Nore valley, is named after Thomas FitzAnthony Walsh, Anglo-Norman Seneschal (Governor) of Leinster. He is credited with building a wall, complete with 14 towers around the town and in it a religious house and a castle in the 13th century. The castle was destroyed by Cromwell in 1650. There are some interesting monuments among the ruins of a large, 13th century church together with a very ancient high cross.

Dunmore Cave, formed by an underground river contains some of the finest examples of calcite formations in any Irish cave. In 928AD it was the scene of a Viking Massacre and as a result an extensive range of artefacts were discovered. The visitor centre features an exibition area and audiovisual presentation. Admission is by guided tour only.

Opening Times
March - June, Daily 10am-5pm
June - September, Daily 9.30am- 6.30pm
September- end of October Daily 10am-5pm
November - March weekends & Bank Holidays, 10am-4.30pm

T 00353 5677 67726

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum are approximately half an hours drive from Knocktopher Abbey, located in the south east of Kilkenny just outside the charming village of Inistioge. The gardens, overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer visitors an assortment of attractions and are a most relaxing and stunning environment in which to spend a day.

Duncannon Fort is a star shaped fortress on an important promontory in Waterford Harbour.

It was built in 1588 in the expectation of an attack on the area by the Spanish Armada. The Fort is surrounded by a 30 ft high dry moat and has one of the oldest lighthouses of its kind in Ireland. All the major buildings in the Fort surround a parade ground. A walk around the outer ramparts afford spectacular views across the estuary to Co.

Castlecomer Discovery Park is approximately 45 minute drive from Knocktopher Abbey and offers an array of activities for the whole family to enjoy! From nature trails to fishing and the footprints in coal experience to an adventure playground!

A gift shop stocks a wide range of inexpensive gifts, toys and souvenirs for all the family with an emphasis on education and the outdoors.

Kilfane Glen and Waterfall is a perfect example of a romantic era garden dating from the 1790s. Untouched for 200 years, it is a charming paradise with a waterfall tumbling its way to a rushing stream and woodland paths leading to a cottage orné. Tiny bridges sit among ancient trees, wild fox-gloves, ferns and other historically correct 18th century planting.

St Canice's Cathedral was completed in 1285. It is at the heart of the heritage of the vibrant city of Kilkenny. The 9th century round tower may be climbed (weather permitting) for fantasitc views of the surrounding area.

T 00353 56 776 4971
E catherdral@ossory.anglican.org

A light on Hook Head has marked the entrance to Waterford Harbour for at least two thousand years. The present structure, the medieval tower of Hook, is about 800 years old - one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. Facilities include a café, craft shop and carparking for both cars and coaches. The Visitor Centre at Hook Lighthouse offers guided tours of the lighthouse tower culminating with spectacular view from the balcony.

Kilkenny's rich medieval heritage is evident in the city's treasure trove of historical buildings and landmarks, exemplified by the magnificent Kilkenny Castle. Kilkenny is arguably the pre-eminent medieval city in Ireland, with the current layout of the city clearly grounded in the city's medieval roots.

However, the city's origins predate the medieval landmarks existing today. Saint Canice founded a monastic settlement in Kilkenny in the sixth century, unfortunately the sole remaining landmark from this settlement is the round tower positioned alongside the cathedral.

The Centre tells the epic and heroic tale of the 1798 Rebellion and it's aftermath using the latest multi-media and interactive computers.

A spectacular audio-visual presentation places the story in an international context and state-of-the-art exhibition techniques are used to give visitors a glimpse of our fascinating journey to modern democracy.

The visitor experience starts outside the building by crossing 'the bridge to democracy'. On the inside, the exhibition display follows a range of themes.

Just 20 minutes away from Knocktopher Abbey is one of the finest Elizabethan buildings in Kilkenny city, a former merchant house first built by John Rothe-Fitzpiers in 1594 and served as the family home for Rothe, his wife and their twelve children. The intricate features and the restored facades of three houses, each separated by cobbled courtyards, is now home to a range of exhibitions tracing the collective history of the city.

Located alongside the New Ross Docks, the Dunbrody Famine Shipe is a full scale replica of the original ship buildt in 1845 which transported emigrants to North America. Visitors to the ship are admitted by means of an 1840's ticket, and meet actors in costume and character who tell of the conditions endured on board and in Ireland during the famine period. A computer database of over two million individual passenger records supported by audiovisual and interactive displays.

The Reptile Village Zoo is Ireland's only dedicated and licensed reptile zoo. Completely indoors with over 50 displays from alligators to rattlesnakes,geckos to giant spiders.

T 00353 5677 26757
E reptilevillage@eircom.net

A permanent exhibition of the dramatic Ros Tapestry Narrative
tells the epic story of Ireland’s romantic Norman past as
a significant historical event unfolds in each of the fifteen tapestries.

This unique attraction is an exciting blend of innovative design where visitors
can browse through the fascinating historical resource at their leisure,
view a tapestry in progress,
spend time in the design-oriented gift shop
or relax in the fine pastry café.

Exhibition admission fees will apply

The Multi award winning Langton's Bar & Restaurant in the centre of Kilkenny City offers a wide choice of dishes and good value for money. It is at the centre of Kilkenny's Nightlife whether you want live music, a quiet meal or a night's dancing - Langton's has something to suit every taste.

T 00353 5677 65133

Lunch 12pm-3pm
Bar Food 3pm - 6pm
Dinner 6pm-10.30pm

FULL BAR LICENCE

Enjoy an hours walking tour through Ireland's medieval city, accompanied by a humourous and informative guide. A popular and enjoyable way to get to know the medieval capital of Ireland - and to spot the best shops and stores to explore later on!

A popular and enjoyable way to explore the Medieval Capital of Ireland. Departing from 16th century Shee Alms House, the leisurely stroll tells the compelling story of this city’s remarkable history. Read more about Tynan Walking Tours of Kilkenny City Read less about Tynan Walking Tours of Kilkenny City.

Jerpoint Abbey is a Cistercian abbey near Thomastown, County Kilkenny, Ireland.
It was constructed in 1180, probably on the site of an earlier Benedictine monastery built in 1160 by Domnall Mac Gilla Patraic, King of Ossory. Jerpoint is notable for its stone carvings.

Cushendales Woollen Mills, Graiguenamangh, Co Kilkenny is a 20 minute drive from Knocktopher Abbey. It is a traditional woollen mill and has a wide range of colourful textiles in natural fibres.

Open Hours
Monday - Friday 8.30am-5.30pm
Saturdays 9.30am-12.30pm

T 059 9724118