Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge Trail

This stretch of the Nore Valley walk takes roughly 2 hours at a relaxed pace. Follow the river meanders through meadows, shady glades and past ancient mills; woollen, grain, paper and saw mills from where Kilkenny’s famous ‘black marble’ was honed (Maddockstown). Rich in riverside flora and fauna – spot a swift, a heron or catch a fleeting glimpse of kingfisher or an otter emerging from the riverbank. Described by The Irish Times as ‘a delightful walk’ and by The Irish Independent as ‘one of the most delectable river walks in Ireland, an unfolding tale of kingfishers, otters, Sleeping Beauty castles and wicked young princelings – pure distillation of magic in the floodlands of Kilkenny.

Direction to River

From Kilkenny: The river walk leaves Kilkenny City under Ossory Bridge

From Bennettsbridge: Under the six arch bridge – take the steps down to the riverbank by Power’s Butchers shop.

Note: 2km outside Kilkenny City the trail leaves the river bank heads through a laneway and onto the Sion Road. Follow this road for 1.5km then cross a green stile, through a field and back to the river bank.