Best easy hiking trails in County Kilkenny
Looking for a leisurely stroll? These easy trails are perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking too much of a sweat...
Here are some great trails to explore in County Kilkenny.
Most popular trails
Reviews for hiking trails in County Kilkenny
Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge Loop - Nore Valley Walk
My HIKING Tracking 路 reviewed 6 months ago
very warm but also very challenging and enjoyable at the same time going Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge and Back to Kilkenny Castle Round Trip walk
philobrennan 路 reviewed about 3 years ago
Such an understated amenity to have so close to Kilkenny City, and an amazing trail for wildlife spotting just a stone鈥檚 throw from a bustling urban centre. The tree-lines riparian zoning of the wooden boardwalk means the natural features are ever-changing with the seasons and time of day. Closer to the town, the walk takes you behind old stone mills, walls and a well. The ground can be slippy here due to algal growth underfoot, which although risky, is an interesting natural feature in itself. Bring a wildflower book with you, and a birdwatchers guide too, if that interests you. The trail would benefit greatly Form information panels about the flora and fauna characters that make this walk worthwhile.
ShaneMulvanyTrails 路 reviewed about 1 year ago
Nice easy walk that hugs the river Nore in the first part, with a medium gradient up to a road that loops back down to Thomastown. There is also a rope swing around 3/4 of the way along the river bank section, which is nice. Would be suitable for most people although it would be more difficult in wet weather.
Thomastown to Inistioge - Nore Valley Walk
Iain Breen 路 reviewed about 1 year ago
My trail video! Silent Hiking on a misty Irish Autumn Morning - The Nore Valley Way https://youtu.be/14z-Mtkj6Ps Overall, I really enjoyed this trail. The start section from Thomastown through the GAA club and along the river is lovely, then up through a short forest section before some road walking. Eventually you turn off the road and back into an absolutely gorgeous forest section, which is really well maintained with walkways and steps. After this, you have the gentle river walk into Inistioge. I took it really slow on the outbound part and covered it in about 4 hours; at my normal pace, it took 2 hours to return to Thomastown along the same path. Easily accessible for a day trip from Dublin via the train.
Frequently asked questions
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall. However, it can be a beautiful time to hike in Ireland, as the landscapes transform with vibrant autumn colors. The weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts and plan accordingly. Spring (March to May) offers similar conditions, with cool temperatures and occasional showers. It's a quieter time to explore the trails, and you can witness the country's lush vegetation come to life.
Winter (December to February) can be challenging for hikers due to shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and more frequent rain. However, some enthusiasts still enjoy winter hiking in Ireland, taking advantage of fewer crowds and the unique beauty of frost-covered landscapes. Safety is paramount during this season, so ensure you have appropriate gear and check local conditions before embarking on your adventure.
For more detailed climate information and to plan your hiking trips accordingly, you can visit Met 脡ireann, Ireland's National Meteorological Service: https://www.met.ie/
Remember to always prioritize safety and be prepared for changes in weather conditions, regardless of the season.
To learn more about Ireland's flora and identify specific species, resources like the National Biodiversity Data Centre provide valuable information and interactive guides: https://biodiversityireland.ie. Remember to respect and protect the natural environment by not picking or damaging any plants you encounter during your hikes, ensuring that future hikers can appreciate Ireland's diverse flora.
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