Urlingford Islands Walking Trail

The Urlingford Islands Walking Trail is an easy point-to-point walk of 5.9 km / 3.7 mi through the edge of Urlingford and out towards the wooded ground known locally as the Islands. With just 19 m / 62 ft of ascent and a highest point of 134 m / 439 ft, it is a gentle outing that suits a relaxed pace and takes about 1 hour. The route begins on the R639 in Urlingford and finishes on the R693 near Kilkenny Road.

The route

From the town, the walk heads north-west towards the land beyond the M8 corridor, then finishes a little north of the start. Although the overall route is short, it is a point-to-point line rather than a full circuit, so walkers planning one car should allow for the short distance between the trailhead and finish. The ground is low-lying throughout, with elevation gain and loss both just 19 m / 62 ft.

Terrain and difficulty

This is a straightforward walk with very little climbing, making it one of the easier options for a short leg-stretcher in north Kilkenny. The highest point is only 134 m / 439 ft, so the challenge comes more from keeping track of turns than from steep ground. Sturdy walking shoes are usually enough, and the route length of 5.9 km / 3.7 mi makes it manageable as a brief morning or afternoon outing.

Getting there

The start is in Urlingford, a town on the R639 just east of Junction 4 of the M8, making it simple to reach by road from either Kilkenny or Thurles. Urlingford Library is a useful landmark close to the trailhead. Public transport is also practical: Bus Éireann serves Urlingford on its national routes and JJ Kavanagh runs local Route 871 between Urlingford and Kilkenny.

History and local character

Urlingford has long been a stopping point on the route between Dublin and Cork, and the town still reflects that role as a transport crossroads. The library near the start occupies a courthouse, adding a clear historic landmark to the opening section of the walk. Beyond the town, the Islands area lies to the north-west and has been identified locally as an important walking and outdoor recreation asset.

Practical preparation

Because the walk is short and easy, most walkers will only need light day gear, water and footwear suited to mixed surfaces. HiiKER navigation is useful here, especially around the turns near the town and the approach to the Islands. As this is a point-to-point route rather than a loop, it is worth deciding in advance whether to walk back to the start, leave a second car, or use local transport for the return.