County Kilkenny - Environment

Here's a selection of Kilkenny Environment. Click on the 'Go to ALL' link to get the full list.

1. Caves	Go to ALL Caves in Kilkenny
Dunmore Cave Mary Whearty , Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny Located off the N78, Castlecomer Road, 11km from Kilkenny. Known in Old Irish literature as one of the darkest places in Ireland and as the place where the monster Luchtigern 'The Lord of the Mice' was slain, this cave was plundered by Godfry and the Vikings of Dublin in 928. In this raid, 1,000 people were killed, and the numerous human bones found in the cave are thought to be the remains of the victims. The cave is divided into three main parts, of which Haddon Hall and chambers leading off it are difficult of access. The wide entrance shaft leads to the second part, which is the main chamber. Ahead lies a high chamber which is practically a cul-de-sac, while the portion to the left has a floor of eccentric blocks and a stalagmite on the east wall. From here an ascent leads to the third part, the chamber with the 'Market Cross' - a huge stalagmite in the middle of the triangular chamber. To the right and left of the chamber are other dripstone formations, and the blocks forming the floor are covered in stalagmite bosses. The geology and history of the cave are explained in an interpretive centre and site museum at the entrance to the cave. Show me all the details for Dunmore Cave

2. Water Falls	Go to ALL Water Falls in Kilkenny
Kilfane Glen & Waterfall Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny This award-winning 18th Century garden harkens back to the Romantic era, when nature was worshipped for her power and wildness. A waterfall flows opposite a cottage orne and winding walks present the picturesque in all its forms. A wonderful place to visit and one of Ireland's real beauty spots. The upper garden presents work by modern artists in a garden setting. Works by James Turrell, Bill Woodrow, David Nash, Sean Mulcahy, and others will be on view. Show me all the details for Kilfane Glen & Waterfall

3. Memorial Parks	Go to ALL Memorial Parks in Kilkenny
Carrickshock Memorial Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny Near Kilmoganny is the site of the Carrickshock Memorial which commemorates a bitter land war battle on Dec. 15th, 1831. The distinguished Irish artist, Sir John Lavery, died here in Rossenarra House, the later home of the American author, Richard Condon (The Manchurian Candidate, amongst others). A memorial by the noted modern Irish Sculptor, Seamus Murphy, can be seen in the graveyard. Show me all the details for Carrickshock Memorial

4. Open Farms	Go to ALL Open Farms in Kilkenny
Nore Valley Park/Open Farm Samuel & Isobel Harper , Nore Valley Park, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny "Learn Where Your Food Comes From". Conducted tours available. Programme adapted for all age groups. Handle small animals. Facilities include: Picnic area Barbecue Souvenir Shop Tea Room Crazy Golf All weather facilities and toilets Coach Parking. Show me all the details for Nore Valley Park/Open Farm

5. Parks	Go to ALL Parks in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle - Butler Gallery Frank Kavanagh , Co. Kilkenny Kilkenny is one of the most attractive and quaint of the inland towns of Ireland, and the considerable number of medieval monuments it contains help to preserve its medieval atmosphere. Originally the site of a monastery set up by St. Cainneach, its importance really began when William the Marshall built the first stone castle of Kilkenny in the early years of the 13th century. The castle was bought in 1391 by James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormond, and under his successors the town grew to be one of considerable note, and the seat of the Irish Confederates in 1645. The Castle: Strongbow probably built a motte here shortly after he gained possession of the land in 1172. In 1204 William the Marshall built the first stone castle on the same site. Its shape - square with rounded turrets at the corners - has still been largely preserved despite a number of reconstructions blotting out all veiw of the original castle. The castle retained much of its original form until the first Duke of Ormonde altered it in the 1660s, but the present exterior is largely due to a 19th century reconstruction. There is a fine classical gateway in the west wall dating to 1684, and one wing of the present castle is an Art Gallery designed by Woodward in the last century. In the old castle stables on the opposite side of the road is the Kilkenny Design Workshop. Rothe House: Situated in Parliament Street, not far from the fine 18th century Tholsel, this Elizabethan house was built by John Rothe in 1594 and is the best preserved rich merchants house of an Irish medieval town. Its front ground floor is arcaded, and the first second floors, with their mullioned windows, house the museum of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society. The roof of the second floor has been expertly restored. A vaulted passage leads from the street into a courtyard (from whence entrance to the museum) and behind this is a second house which was the home of the Kilkenny Branch of the Gaelic League for some time. Behind this house is a second courtyard and a third house which has not been restored. St. Canice's Cathedral: this beautifully kept Cathedral occupies the site of an earlier church which was burned in 1085 and again in 1114. The cathedral, with nave, choir and two transepts, was begun by Bishop Hugh de Mapilton (1251-6) and was probably finished by 1280. Most of the existing Cathedral dates to the thirteenth century, though the tower was added in the 14th century after the original tower had fallen in 1332, and considerable restorations were carried out in 1863-4. In the chancel are three sets of three lancet windows. An unusual feature of the church is a gallery under the west window; there is also a fine but simple west doorway. The glories of the Cathedral include one of the finest collections of 16th and 17th century tombstones, including that of James Shortal (1508) by O'Tunney. There is also a good 13th century baptismal font. To the south of the church stands the Round Tower which has lost its conical roof. The tower may be climbed on payment of a small fee. St. Francis' Friary: This Franciscan friary was founded by Richard the Marshal around 1232. it was given a royal grant in 1245, but the only part of the building dating from this period is the choir. However, the choir was further extended in 1321, and during the course of this extension the graceful and unusual 7-light east window was built. The tall and slender tower, which includes pleasant sculptural details such as the figures supporting the arches, is one of the earliest of the Franciscan towers in Ireland. There is a Gothic baptismal font in a niche at the base of the tower. A chapel or sacristy, and some remains of the domestic buildings of the Friary were situated to the south of the church and now form part of the buildings of Smithwick's brewery. Black Friars' Church: This church was founded for the Dominicans probably soon after 1226 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Four general chapters of the Irish province of the order were held here. During the Black Death in 1349 eight friars died in one day. It was suppressed in 1541, but was repaired again by the Dominicans in 1643 though abandoned once more shortly afterwards. it now serves as a Catholic church. The chancel of the old church has disappeared, and the present church consists of the nave and south transept of the old church. The nave dates to the 13th century; the transept was added in the 14th century, while new windows were inserted and the tower added in the 15th century. Note the medieval alabaster statue of the Trinity and the crude statue of St. Dominic in the nave. St. John' Priory: This Priory was founded by William Marshal the younger of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine in the first quarter of the 13th century. The choir is the only considerable part of the church remaining; it contains a mutilated double effigy tomb dating from about 1500. It is noted for its twin 3-light windows in the east wall with its capitals carved with heads. The Lady Chapel to the south which was built in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1817 is still used for divine worship, and it had so many windows that it was known as the 'Lantern of Ireland'. In 1780 most of the priory and the church was demolished to make way for a military barracks. Show me all the details for Kilkenny Castle - Butler Gallery

6. Rivers	Go to ALL Rivers in Kilkenny
Angling - River Nore Tourist Information Office, Shee Alms House,, Rose Inn Street, Co. Kilkenny The river Nore is a noted trout and salmon river. The season dates from February 1st for Salmon and March 1st for trout to end of September each year. Angling permits are available from Kilkenny tourist Office and, in general from angling suppliers. The coarse angling enthusiast will find that the Graiguenamanagh area provides all his requirements. Show me all the details for Angling - River Nore

7. Woods and Forests	Go to ALL Woods and Forests in Kilkenny
Jenkinstown Co. Kilkenny Jenkinstown, offers delightful and well-sign-posted forest walks, craft centre and caf� appproximately 5 miles (8 km) north of Kilkenny City. Show me all the details for Jenkinstown

8. Walks	Go to ALL Walks in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Walking Tours Tynan's Walking Tours, 10 Maple Drive, Co. Kilkenny Tynan Tours were appointed official tour guides of Medieval Kilkenny in 1985 by the city authorities. Enjoy an hour's strolling introduction to the city's many historic and architectural delights, accompanied by a humorous and informative guide. Tynan Tours also cater for School Tours, Group Tours, Company or Conference Tours, Day Breaks, Private Tours and Pub Tours. Walking Tours of Mediaeval Kilkenny departing from the Tourist Office in Rose Inn Street at set times (see rates/opening times). Other group tours at any time by prior arrangement. Pub tours in the evenings. Language tour leaders and guides provided. Show me all the details for Kilkenny Walking Tours

9. Gardens	Go to ALL Gardens in Kilkenny
Kilfane Glen & Waterfall Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny This award-winning 18th Century garden harkens back to the Romantic era, when nature was worshipped for her power and wildness. A waterfall flows opposite a cottage orne and winding walks present the picturesque in all its forms. A wonderful place to visit and one of Ireland's real beauty spots. The upper garden presents work by modern artists in a garden setting. Works by James Turrell, Bill Woodrow, David Nash, Sean Mulcahy, and others will be on view. Show me all the details for Kilfane Glen & Waterfall

10. Bird Watching	Go to ALL Bird Watching in Kilkenny
Birds & Wildlife - Ballyragget Co. Kilkenny Wanders, golden plover, lapwing and wild swans along the river bank and in the Lisdowney Road area. Show me all the details for Birds & Wildlife - Ballyragget

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