Numbers visiting Kilkenny village 'should be far bigger'

The village of Gowran should be attracting more visitors due to the 'magnificent' St Mary's Church and its 'proximity' to Kilkenny City, according to Minister of State Patrick O'Donovan.

O'Donovan stated that there is currently a good working relationship between Kilkenny County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) but noted that more could be done, with additional funding, to enhance Kilkenny's tourism offering.

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"With some small money provided by Fáilte Ireland, Kilkenny County Council or both, that site [St Mary's Church] could be promoted as an add-on to Kilkenny Castle and the city's Medieval Mile trail, which would really help the village and community of Gowran," he said.

"It is a magnificent site. It is absolutely fabulous. There are permanent guides there. However, its proximity to Kilkenny suggests that the numbers visiting should be far bigger," he added.

"There is an opportunity, particularly in a county like Kilkenny, for villages to draw off the centre where there are OPW sites.

"We will work with any such villages. I do not have the number in front of me but, last year, close to 1 million people went through Kilkenny Castle between the parklands and everything. It is a very significant part of the city and county."