The South Leinster Way is an often neglected walking route
in Ireland yet it passes through magnificent scenery, it
links lovely unspoilt villages and opens up part of the
country that few ever visit.
The village of Graiguenamanagh – our base for this
short break - is located at one of the ancient crossing
points of the Barrow and Duiske Abbey that remains from
the community of Cistercian monks that first estabished
themselves at Graigue in 1204.
Day 1 – Arrival at Graiguenamanagh
Accommodation and evening meal at Waterside
Days 2 & 3 – Please choose
2 of the following 3 walks:
Barrow River walk
Walk the South Leinster Way from the lovely little village
of Borris. The route follows the River Barrow towpath as
it swings majestically through the winding wooded valley
past a number of locks with fine lock keepers cottages to
Tinnahinch. It then continues to the tidal limit of the
Barrow at St. Mullins where you can explore the remains
of the Early Christian and Medieval Monastic site. The monastery
was founded by St. Moling in 696. (14 km, 150 m ascent)
Accommodation and evening meal at Waterside
Ascent of Brandon Hill
There are two options available – a full day circuit
around and over the hill (I, of course recommend this option!)
and a more direct up and down ascent. Both routes follow
the lanes up from the village and then follow the South
Leinster Way initially up the lower slope of the hill. The
longer route then follows the eastern flank of the hill
with great views over the Barrow Valley and across to the
slumbering Blackstairs Mountains. The route then swings
behind the hill and up and over the summit for the magnificent
panorama over the Southeast of Ireland. (16 km, 650 m ascent
; or 11 km, 520 m ascent)
Accommodation and evening meal at Waterside
South Leinster Way to Inistioge and
Woodstock House
Follow the South Leinster Way across the slopes of Brandon
Hill with great views across the winding Nore valley and
the Kilkenny hinterland into the picturesque village of
Inistioge. From the village follow the banks of the river
Nore past the old ice house and then climb up the slopes
of the valley to the wonderful gardens and arboretum of
Woodstock House. The house, like many big houses, was lost
to fire and is unstable but the magnificent trees grew on
for the next 80 year sand were completely neglected before
Kilkenny County Council suddenly realised what a treasure
they were holding! The garden and arboretum are now undergoing
considerable restoration and there is a car parking charge,
which you will not have to pay because you are on foot.
From the house you return to Inistioge via Mount Sandford
Castle for a wonderful view of the valley of the River Nore
overlooking Inistioge and its 10 arch bridge.
Accommodation and evening meal at Waterside
Please indicate which 2 walks
you wish to take when booking.
What does the tour price of €329.00
per person include?
Three nights accommodation in Waterside Guesthouse
All breakfasts
All dinners
Full route details with a map of the tour
taxi transfers to and from the start and end points of the
walks as required
