Graiguenamanagh is a riverside town on the River Barrow, at the foot of Brandon Hill. A stay here brings together cultural history, craftsmanship and activities on the water. Duiske Abbey and Cushendale Woollen Mills offer different insights into history and textile production; on the river, boat trips and other water activities are also available. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between visits that require an appointment, tours on the Barrow and culinary experiences.
Duiske Abbey and Cushendale Woollen Mills
Duiske Abbey is designated a National Monument. It is an early Cistercian church dating from 1204 and is now a Catholic parish church. Visitors can see the remains of the former 13th-century Cistercian monastery. Notable features include elaborately designed monuments, altars and medieval floor tiles. The church, the monastic remains and their furnishings offer different points of interest for anyone interested in medieval heritage.
At Cushendale Woollen Mills, visitors can follow the process of turning natural fibres into finished textile products and learn about the craft techniques of spinning and weaving. The Mills’ history goes back to a mill built by Cistercian monks in 1204. The Cushen family has been weaving there since 1778, continuing this craft tradition. This brings together an insight into textile production and the history of weaving in Graiguenamanagh. Tours of the Mills are available only by prior appointment and subject to operational capacity. Arrange your visit in advance rather than planning it as a walk-in activity.
On the River Barrow
Riverboat Adventures offers boat trips on the River Barrow. Departures are from Graiguenamanagh Quay, and the trips go to Upper Tinnahinch Lock and Ballykeenan Lock. The tours pass through wooded valleys and offer views of local wildlife and lock keeper’s houses, where lock keepers once lived. As routes and operations may change, check the latest information before making plans.
Those considering other water activities will find several different options in Graiguenamanagh: Go With The Flow is one of the providers offering canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. At Kilkenny Hydrobikes, visitors can try cycling on the water. Schedules and conditions depend on the providers, so check the specific offerings in advance. Another way to include the river in your stay is the Hot Box Sauna, a Finnish sauna on the riverbank. As its operating arrangements may change, check current availability before visiting.
Culinary experiences
The Devils Menu Boutique Cookery School offers a culinary experience with local ingredients and gourmet dishes, hosted by Chef John Whelan in his home. The Edward Hayden School of Cookery offers experiences where visitors can learn culinary skills with Chef Edward Hayden. The offerings therefore have different focuses: a culinary experience featuring local ingredients on the one hand, and learning cooking skills on the other. Booking arrangements and class times may change, so check the latest information before making firm plans for either experience.
Discover more destinations: Inistioge, Piltown, Bennettsbridge, Mooncoin, Gowran, Thomastown, Freshford, Castlecomer.
For the broader travel guide: County Kilkenny.
