The Final Draft > The Best of Kilkenny - The Kilkenny Food and Craft Experience Trail
The Best of Kilkenny - The Kilkenny Food and Craft Experience Trail
Looking for some weekend discoveries in Kilkenny? The Kilkenny Food and Craft Experience Trail is sure to have something to whet your appetite. Fusing history, culture and gastronomy in the best way possible, this trail comes from Trail Kilkenny – an award-winning non-profit organisation that specialises in a range of routes around Kilkenny. Take a look at the trail stops and save room on your agenda for a final stop at the Barrel Yard Sessions for delicious food from around the world in the heart of Kilkenny!
For Kilkenny Craft Experiences…
The craft side of this trail showcases Kilkenny’s wonderful craftworks. Chief among them is Jerpoint Glass Studio which has been producing high quality Irish handmade glass from their studio in Kilkenny since 1979. Glass blowing demonstrations which draw on over 2000 years of expertise take place at select times from Monday to Friday which offer an engaging way to discover this distinctive tradition. From glassware to pottery, Nicholas Mosse Pottery features next, a world-famous studio situated next to the River Nore. Bringing back insight from training in England and Japan, each hand craft piece is made on site to encapsulate the charm of rural Ireland. Stop inside to find a unique piece suited to any occasion and find out more about their creation. The trail also includes the famous Cushendale Woollen Mills where you’ll find quality Irish natural wool throws and blankets. Inside, you’ll see their historic mill which has been spinning excellence over six generations alongside a range of soft handmade textiles.
For Kilkenny Food Experiences…
The food portion of the trail highlights some of Kilkenny’s most renowned produce. Dating from the 17th century and spanning five generations, at the Highbank Orchards you’ll identify the delicious apples that go into their cider and apple juice. Book a guided tour and you can explore the orchards from a tractor train and see firsthand how the experts grow and produce their moreish products. At their onsite store, don’t miss the chance to take some home with you and taste them for yourself. Meanwhile, at Goatsbridge Trout Farm you’ll get the chance to learn about the secret to trout fishing which has been passed down through three generations. On a tour around the farm and fishponds, you’ll uncover exactly why the trout from this farm is so delicious and sold nationwide. Finally, at Ballykeefe Distillery gain an insight into whiskey making in the Irish countryside with a tour of the eco-friendly, award-winning farm and distillery. Each stop on this trail offers a piece of the puzzle that encompasses Kilkenny’s rich gastronomy and farming traditions.
The Barrel Yard Sessions
For even more food experiences be sure to check out the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny’s Barrel Yard Sessions taking place every weekend from May to September 2024. Along with electrifying live music performances and free entry, a choice of delicious food truck vendors will be on rotation serving up mouth-watering international cuisine. Depending on the weekend, you can choose from appetising fare from The Spice Genie, The Sausage Experience, Bad Ass Burritos, Socafro Kitchen, Brownstone Pizza or Gaelic Burger. Keep an eye on our social media or click here for more details.
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