Heritage gems to explore this summer in Kilkenny

We are blessed with an abundance of heritage gems to visit across the county of Kilkenny. From unique buildings to fascinating walking trails, one is truly spoiled for choice.

Let’s start with a walking trail first, to get the legs going. It’s technically more of a hike, but a hike that can be done by people of all ages, including families - Tory Hill in South Kilkenny.

Legend goes that the hill got its name during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. Many of the young rebellious Irishmen of the district were seemingly branded as tories (toiraidh), meaning outlaws or bandits, because they often made raids on the attackers, taking shelter in the cover of the hill between raids.

These days, you can follow in their footsteps and let your imagination run wild. There are two looped walks that you can take from the nearby carpark, both of which are worth doing (you’ll want to visit again anyway).

Keep an eye out for Lough Cullen on your way up, the only lake in Kilkenny - home to legends of witchcraft and ghost hurlers.

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Each looped walk will take you about an hour and a half to complete, giving you plenty of time to check out some other nearby heritage gems including Kilmogue Portal Tomb.

Also known as ‘Leac An Scail’, the tomb is noted for being the tallest dolmen of its kind in Ireland. A jewel of local heritage, it can be found pitted amongst the sloping green hills of South-West Kilkenny.

Constructed all the way back around 4000-3000 BC, it has held up so incredibly well throughout the millennia.

Once again, it’s in a wonderfully peaceful spot and new car parking facilities were recently installed for those seeking better access to the attraction.

Also in South-West Kilkenny, The Lingaun Valley is home to some of Ireland’s most important heritage sites including the megalithic double passage tomb at Knockroe where hundreds of people gather to celebrate the solstice on December 21.

Other notable sites in the valley include the Killamery High Cross, which was also commissioned by Cerball in the 8th Century, Kilkieran High Crosses, which date back to St Kieran, Kilmacoliver Stone Circle, Carrigadoon Hillfort, Owning Portal Tomb, Lamogue Ogham Stone and the Ahenny High Crosses, which were commissioned in the 8th Century by Cerball mac Dunlaighe.

Although St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower in Kilkenny City gets a lot of deserved attention, many people may not be aware of the wealth of history and heritage that is present at other round towers across the county.

My personal favourite lesser-known round tower to visit is in Tullaherin, on the backroads between Bennettsbridge and Kilfane.

The round tower sits on a site that features two ogham stones and a church that dates back to between the 11th and 13th Century.

It’s a great place to reflect and there is signage at the site to explain some of the history. It’s rarely ever busy.

Also rarely busy is Kilree Round Tower and High Cross near Kells. Many people visit Kells Priory, one of the largest medieval monuments in Ireland, but aren’t aware of the round tower and high cross literally just down the road.

If you’re looking for a guided tour that’s slightly off the beaten track, it’s well worth paying a visit to Jerpoint Abbey.

Founded in the 12th Century, Jerpoint Abbey is one of the best examples of a medieval Cistercian Abbey in Ireland.

Children can explore the abbey with a treasure hunt available in the nearby visitor centre that houses an excellent exhibition.

From April 1 to September 30, Jerpoint Abbey is open from 9am to 5.30pm, with last admission 45 minutes before closing.

If you ever visit the quaint Kilkenny town of Thomastown or you drive through it on your way to the picture-perfect village of Inistioge, it’s definitely worth a pause to take in the view of Grennan Castle from the designated roadside viewpoint and picnic area you’ll meet along your journey.

With the foundation of Thomastown, the eminent Anglo-Norman settler Thomas fitz Anthony built this fine fortress.

Although it now stands in ruin, it is an impressive and unique construction in its style and shape, and is a huge part of the history of charming Thomastown.

Perhaps you’re more in the mood to explore some social history? It could well be worth your time paying a visit to the Coal Mining Museum in Castlecomer Discovery Park.

The museum’s coal mining exhibition comprises a 45-minute tour through Castlecomer’s coal mining past that takes the visitor on a journey through time.

Finally, if you can’t leave the city for whatever reason, don’t forget to visit Talbot’s Tower, an historic gem that is often overlooked or missed by visitors and locals alike.

It is the only surviving complete defensive tower of the city wall circuit in Kilkenny and has undergone an impressive programme of restoration, conservation and interpretation.

Talbot’s Tower can be accessed via Lower New Street and there is ample seating at the site where you can sit back for a moment and use your imagination to travel back through centuries of history.

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