Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny

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Graiguenamanagh, also spelled Graignamanagh (Gráig na Manach in Irish. Roughly translated - 'Grange of the Monks') is a town in County Kilkenny. It is located near the border with County Carlow on the River Barrow. It is home to the Duiske Abbey founded in 1204 from which the town gets its name. All that remains of the Cistercian monastery is the large gothic church at the time of building it was the largest Cistercian building in Ireland.

The town served as the main base for commercial barges operating on the river Barrow from the mid nineteenth century until barge traffic ceased around 1960. Nearby are the ruined remains of the monastery of Ullard, founded by Saint Fiachra in the sixth century. St Fiachra subsequently moved to France where he is known as St Fiacre and founded the celebrated monastery at Meaux. He is the patron saint of gardeners and taxi drivers; French cabs are often known as fiacres in his honour.

It is an area of fine upland scenery, panoramic views, lush deep valleys, and a maze of narrow winding country lanes. This is ideal land for walkers and there are  river trails and mountain walks and routes like the 'South Leinster Way'

The River Barrow offers plenty of related activities, such as pike, salmon and trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. You can rent a river-cruiser from Valley Boats, and explore the hidden secrets of the local waterways

Graiguenamanagh is at the centre of the south east sunshine golfing circuit, with many excellent courses nearby, such as Mount Juliet and Mount Wolseley.

For horse enthusiasts, there is horse riding at nearby Carrigbeg Riding Stables, and horse racing at nearby Gowran Park. For our more adventurous guests, Country Quads offer quad biking at Moloney's farm, Borris.