Things to do

Graiguenamanagh County Kilkenny an ideal base for fishing, walking and golfing holidays in ireland.

Hill Walking Holidays in Ireland

Mount Brandon Cottages are tucked snugly into the river Barrow valley, with Brandon Hill towering over one side, while in the distance the Blackstairs Mountain Range and Mount Leinster create a breathtaking backdrop. It is an area of fine upland scenery, panoramic views, lush deep valleys, and a maze of narrow winding country lanes.

We are ideally located for rambles over river trails and mountain walks and routes like the 'South Leinster Way', which passes by our door step. The river Barrow offers plenty of related activities, such as pike, salmon and trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. There are even diving boards in front of the boathouse and a local otter has been giving entertaining displays of his water agility.

Golfing Holidays in Ireland

Graiguenamanagh is at the centre of the south east sunshine circuit, with many courses nearby, such as:

Mount Juliet, home of the American Express Championship in 2002, won by Tiger Woods
Mount Wolseley, designed by Irish Ryder Cup golfer Christy O'Connor Jr.
Carrigleade par 3 18 hole course, scenically situated in nearby St. Mullins
Borris Golf Club, a top quality 9 hole course, set against the backdrop of the Blackstairs Mountains

Fishing holidays in Ireland

Excellent Coarse Fishing is to be found on the river Barrow, with great catches of Roach and Dace in particular, and there is also very good Pike. But there are also Bream, Rudd, Hybrids, Perch, and of course a fantastic run of Twaite Shad in May.

Best Spots

Best Spots to fish include St. Mullins, Bahana, Graiguenamanagh and Clashganny.
A catch and release policy is in operation for all coarse fish.

Ghillie

A number of local ghillies with good knowledge of the river are available to guide anglers.
Bait & Tackle: There is fishing tackle available at Mick Doyles in Graiguenamanagh or Michael McCullaghs in Bagenalstown, 059-9721381.
Oaklands Lake: There is a 4.5 acre coarse lake at New Ross on the Duncannon road, which is well stocked with carp, and also some tench, rudd and bream.

Horse Riding

For horse enthusiasts, there is horse riding at nearby Carrigbeg Riding Stables, Equine Trails Borris House and horse racing at nearby Gowran Park. The skill of Kilkenny hurlers is legendary, and a trip to Nowlan Park gaelic games stadium is an unforgettable experience.

For a more relaxing pastime you can enjoy shopping, follow the Kilkenny craft trail, or see local craft people at work with woollens, glass and pottery. And if you would like to take some hand-thrown pottery home with you or are searching for the perfect gift - look no further, since some of Carmen Wenner's ceramics are both on show and for sale here.

Things to see

Mount Brandon is an excellent starting point for those wanting to explore 'the medieval capital of Ireland', Kilkenny, as well as Carlow, Enniscorthy, Wexford or Waterford, where you can visit the world-famous Waterford glass factory.
The area holds many historical attractions in the form of abbeys, castles and cathedrals. The magnificent 13th Century Duiske Abbey (left) is located in the centre of the town, with Jerpoint Abbey, Tintern Abbey, Kilkenny Castle, and Kells Priory all only a short distance away.


There are many delightful heritage gardens within easy driving distance of Mount Brandon Cottages, such as:
Woodstock Demesne (right) in Inistioge, Kilfane Gardens and Waterfall in Thomastown.
Altamount Gardens, Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Kilmokea Manor and Gardens, Great Island, Co. Wexford.
Johnstown Castle Museum of Agriculture, Rural life and Gardens, Wexford.
The Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford.


Pubs and Restaurants

There is an abundance of traditional pubs in Graiguenamanagh (11 in all!), some also serving food. There are two Chinese restaurant / take aways, and if you really want to spoil yourself, why not try The Waterside - listed as one of Ireland's top 100 restaurants.
Graiguenamanagh boasts many fine musicians, and traditional music is a regular attraction in many of the local pubs.

Helpful Links

www.graiguenamanagh-tourism.com - graiguenamanagh tourism website
www.discoverireland.ie/southeast - southeast Ireland tourist association
www.heritageireland.com - Irish heritage parks web guide
www.mountjuliet.com - world famous golf club
www.mountwolseley.ie - Mount Wolseley golf club
www.waterford.com - Waterford Crystal visitors centre
www.walkinghikingireland.com - hiking and hillwalking website
www.equinetrails.ie - Equine Trails, Borris House
www.boatsbistro.com - Boats Bistro, Tinnahinch

Check In Times: 11 am

Directions from ROSSLARE Ferryport

From ROSSLARE HARBOUR take the N25 towards Waterford an Cork. Just before NEW ROSS turn right onto the N30/N70 and follow this road, as it by-passes NEW ROSS and then turns right, heading towards KILKENNY and ENNISCORTHY. Turn left onto the R700 towards KILKENNY and then turn right again onto the R 705 (clearly signposted for CARLOW). This road will bring you through THE ROWER into GRAIGUENAMANAGH, where you will come to a roundabout. Take the second exit for the town centre.

Follow this road down the hill to the town’s main street, where you will come to a T-junction, Duiske Abbey (the church) is just in front of you. Here you should turn right, following the sign for ENNISCORTHY.

Go straight on, taking the bridge across the river Barrow. Within less than ½ mile you will see Mount Brandon Cottages (painted bright yellow with green gables) ahead of you on the left. Continue up the hill to the entrance gates which are sign-posted “Mount Brandon Cottages”. Turn in left and follow the drive.

Well done, you have made it!

Directions from DUBLIN

From DUBLIN head down south on the Motorway (M7 & M9) towards NAAS, continue through CARLOW town and further south towards BAGENALSTOWN.

Having passed a large garden centre on your left (Leighlinbridge Arboretum) continue on the main CARLOW-KILKENNY ROAD for approx. 1.5 km.

Take the turn off at ROYAL OAK to your left heading for BAGENALSTOWN. Drive through BAGENALSTOWN and continue on towards BORRIS, where you will see the first signs for GRAIGUENAMANAGH.

Follow these signs (the ones for “WATERSIDE RESTAURANT” are also good landmarks) drive through the roundabout, continue through the town centre and cross over the bridge (river Barrow).

Continue on straight for less than ½ mile. On your left hand side (2nd entrance) you will see a sign for Mount Brandon Cottages (the houses are painted bright yellow with green gables).

Well done, you have made it!

Airports

Policies & Disclaimers