The Final Draft > Discover The Best Walking Trails in Kilkenny
Discover The Best Walking Trails in Kilkenny
Embracing the New Year in Kilkenny along its Best Walking Trails
Whether your New Year’s resolution is to up your step count, get out in nature or simply improve your work life balance, January is a great time to explore the great outdoors and take advantage of the routes nearby. With an abundance of natural beauty, Kilkenny’s walking routes will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this wonderful county. From easier city trails to miles long loops, there’s a range of options to explore this New Year.
Nore Valley Walk
Stretching from Kilkenny to the charming village of Inistioge, The Nore Valley Walk is the perfect way to kick off the New Year with fresh air and stunning scenery. This picturesque trail is divided into three sections: Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge, Bennettsbridge to Thomastown, and finally, Thomastown to Inistioge. For an especially scenic experience, take the Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge portion, where you’ll meander through farmland, pass by the remnants of old mills, and wander through tranquil woodlands before reaching the postcard-perfect village of Bennettsbridge. Start your adventure at the end of Maudlin Street, where a small car park provides easy access to the Lacken Walk. Follow the serene riverside path to Ossory Bridge, and from there, let the well-marked Nore Valley Walk guide you along the picturesque riverbanks all the way to Bennettsbridge. Once you arrive, take your time exploring the village’s rich history, vibrant craft scene, and delicious local cuisine - an ideal way to round off your day before making the return journey.
Brandon Hill Loop
For those craving a more demanding adventure, the Brandon Hill Loop is a must. This exhilarating route leads you up and down the summit of Brandon Hill, making it the ideal challenge for anyone eager to push their limits this year. Spanning 15.7 kilometers, the loop winds through scenic country roads, dense forest trails, and vibrant heather-covered hillsides, offering a variety of terrain to conquer. The full trek takes approximately five hours, rewarding hikers with a real sense of accomplishment. As you ascend the impressive 515-metre-high summit, be sure to pause and take in the sweeping 360-degree vistas. From here the rolling countryside of County Kilkenny stretches as far as the eye can see, a patchwork of lush fields, winding rivers, and distant mountains. Whether you're seeking solitude in nature or a rewarding test of endurance, the Brandon Hill Loop promises an unforgettable experience.
Tory Hill Walk
Ideally suited for a New Year’s family walk, the Tory Hill Loop is a delightful 4.2km trail near Mullinavat, offering a blend of gentle challenge and scenery. Taking approximately an hour and a half to complete, this moderate loop rewards walkers with stunning 360-degree panoramic views stretching across the rolling landscapes of the Comeragh Mountains, Galtee Mountains, Slievenamon, and the distant Blackstairs Mountains. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, weaving through a mixture of forest paths and open hilltops, but it's wise to wear waterproof footwear during the wetter months to navigate any muddy patches with ease. Best of all, this pet-friendly trail ensures that your four-legged friend can join in the adventure, making it an outing the whole family can enjoy together.
A different kind of Trail…
After exploring the great outdoors, embark on a different kind of discovery at the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. Perfect before heading out, or unwinding afterwards, our experiences are designed to reward your curiosity and ignite your taste buds. With tours running on the hour, every hour from November to February join us for an exploration of 300 years of history on our standard tour or dive deeper on our Masters of Ale Experience.