Activities - Graiguenamanagh Area - Walking

Graiguenamanagh is the ideal base for walkers wanting to explore the south east region. There is a range of walks available in the area suitable for people of all abilities.

The Barrow Way (Easy)

The Barrow Way follows the towpath (locally known as walking the "line"), originally a path alongside the River Barrow to allow the pulling of barges or boats for transport. The ground is level throughout, passing good land where cattle and sheep farming is predominant.

The Barrow Way allows for sightings of a rich variety of river life - swans, mallard, heron, kingfisher and hen pheasant are regularly to be seen. The path also offers much of architectural interest to the visitor - bridges, many arched, and pretty lock houses, some still in use. Many interesting historical features are located in close proximity to the river including castles, abbeys, old bridges and derelict mills.

The full length of the Barrow Way from Lowtown to St. Mullins is 113 kilometres (70 miles). However, there are various sections you can walk depending on how energetic you're feeling. The Barrow Way can be walked North or South from Graiguenamanagh.

Graiguenamanagh to St. Mullins – 6km (4 miles).

This stretch has beautiful woodland surroundings with a strong ecclesiastical theme in the religious settlement at St. Mullins. The complex includes a medieval church ruin, the base of a round tower and the former Church of Ireland church, built in 1811, which now hosts a heritage centre. The lower settlement is set on a glorious stretch of the Barrow Valley and includes a picnic area and a coffee shop. Walking time is a comfortable one and a half hours each way.

Graiguenamanagh to Borris – 12km (7 ½ miles).

This stretch passes through rich deciduous woodland and old mills. If you follow the road away from the towpath at Clashganny carpark, you will come to the ruins of an old mill at Clashganny. There were many such mills along the river which used water power by means of a water wheel to grind grains into flour. Barges were then used to transport the flour and grain onto the river. The village of Borris nestles in the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains and has retained its charms of former days. Many shops have kept their traditional fronts and the local public houses have earned nationwide recognition for their friendly, old world atmosphere. Walking time is a comfortable three hours each way.

Visit irishtrails for more information and to download maps.

Also, Visit IWAI Waterway Walks for more information and for a clickable map of the Barrow navigation system. Graiguenamanagh is located on Map 20. Click here

Brandon Hill

Brandon Hill, Kilkenny’s highest point (515m) is a focal point as it towers above the village. You can walk from the village or drive up part of the way. There are a few different routes to the top thus catering for people of all abilities. There are magnificent 360 views from the summit. There is also a large metal cross, a cairn and a stone pillar that locates and names features visible on the surrounding landscape. You can stop and visit Freney’s Well on your way up.

Visit trailkilkenny to view and download the GPS route.

Visit mountainviews for more information.

Consult Irene and Ted in St Judes to determine which route suits you best.

South Leinster Way (moderate)

The South Leinster Way is a long distance walking route which runs from Kildavin, Co. Carlow to Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary covering 102 kilometres (64 miles) in length.

Graiguenamanagh - Inistioge 16km (10 miles).

This walk crosses the slopes of Mount Brandon by a series of forest walks before reaching the pretty village of Inistioge. The village has featured in films such as Widow's Peak and Circle of Friends.

Visit irishtrails for more information and to download maps.

Mount Leinster

Mount Leinster at 796 metres is the highest hill in the Blackstairs Mountains. There are walks catering for all abilities which allow you to explore the ridge along the Blackstairs Mountains.

Visit mountainviews for more information.