AS COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift, it seems it’s not just the wheels of industry that have started to turn as people all over the Country are hopping on their bikes to enjoy the outdoors.
Kilkenny offers a variety of cycling routes throughout the city and county to suit all levels of cyclists.
So whether it’s a relaxing self-guided ride along the River Nore, a guided bike tour through our medieval city or a challenging trail to test your ability there is something for everyone on Kilkenny’s Cycling Trails.
Here Kilkenny Tourism highlights the very best Cycling Trails and Tours the county has to offer:
Trail Kilkenny Cycle Routes
Trail Kilkenny, an award winning, non-profit company has developed a range of walking and cycling routes around County Kilkenny. Visit www.trailkilkenny.ie for self-guided cycling routes and loops that bring you from the city and towns deep into the countryside and allow you to explore Kilkenny.
They provide detailed instructions of distances, safety notices, what you need to bring as well as information on all the twists and turns along the way. The below are Trail Kilkenny’s cycling routes:
- East Kilkenny Cycle Route
Visiting: Gowran, Graignamanagh, Thomastown and Bennettsbridge
- North Kilkenny Cycle Loop
Visiting: Kilkenny City, Jenkinstown Park, Dunmore Cave, Kilkenny City
- North Kilkenny Cycle Route
Visiting: Castlecomer, Freshford and Tullaroan
- South Kilkenny Cycle Loop
Visiting: Bennettsbridge, Stonyford and Kells
Visit: www.trailkilkenny.ie
Kilkenny City Cycling Tour (Guided)
Explore Kilkenny City on a morning or afternoon cycling tour with Kilkenny Cycling Tours and visit all of the main tourist attractions as well as some hidden treasures.
This is a perfect way to see the city and discover the wonders of this medieval city on your visit to Kilkenny.
The tour is given in a fun, casual and educational way so it is suitable for all types of visitors and interests.
For cautious cyclists there is no need to worry about traffic as the river banks and cycle paths are used as well as the medieval laneways and back streets. Covering about 10km in total this is a great orientation tour of the city of Kilkenny.
Important Info
- Tour can be shortened or extended to suit all abilities and time constraints.
- Bike and safety equipment included in the cost
- Child seats and tow bikes available
- Languages: Spanish, German, French, English or Gaelic Irish speaking guide
- Visit: www.kilkennycyclingtours.com
The Ultimate Kilkenny Experience
Guided Cycling Sunset Tour – Explore Kilkenny at Night by Bike (Guided)
Summer evenings in Kilkenny can be simply magical as the sun goes down over this medieval city filled with wonderful attractions and many hidden gems.
Enjoy a fun guided evening cycling tour visiting the main attractions with some local anecdotes and hidden treasures along the way.
It is the best and most environmentally-friendly way to see the city especially if you are in Kilkenny for a short visit.
Travel along the river bank cycle paths of the River Nore and backstreets so there’s no need to worry about traffic.
You will cover about 10km in total on this Kilkenny sunset bike tour.
Duration: Two hours
Availability: July to September
Tour Time: 7pm
Visit: www.kilkennycyclingtours.com
Self-Guided Bike ‘N’ Hike (Self Guided)
Enjoy a peaceful bike ride in the tranquillity of the countryside on a cycle from Kilkenny City via the Sion road to Bennettsbridge.
The ‘Bridge is a picturesque village located along the River Nore 10 minutes’ drive from Kilkenny City.
It is a feast for craft lovers and pending the removal of restrictions you can visit some local craft producers such as Moth To A Flame candle makers and Nicholas Mosse Pottery.
The bikes can be locked up and left at the Village Pump outside Tynan’s Butchers and Kilkenny Cycling Tours will retrieve them.
Bring a packed lunch or enjoy a Take Away coffee and cake to refresh and re-energise before your return back to Kilkenny city.
Make sure to allow plenty of time for your return cycle, as it should take approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
Discover some of the best views of Ireland on this bike and hike tour from Kilkenny!
Duration: Two hours
Availability: Daily
Tour Times: 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Visit: www.kilkennycyclingtours.com
Ireland’s Medieval Treasure Hunt (Self Guided)
A Self-Guided Medieval Treasure Hunt in Kilkenny
Challenge your family with a fun medieval treasure hunt around Kilkenny city. You can hire bikes from Kilkenny Cycling Tours and you will receive a treasure map that includes questions and clues.
Ireland’s Medieval Treasure Hunt map takes you around Kilkenny city’s winding streets, visiting up to 19 of Kilkenny’s historical buildings. The map will include a brief history of each building and when you reach each location, you must find the answers to the questions and fill in the blank spaces.
The person or team with the most correct answers is the winner. On completion, each participant receives an Ireland’s Medieval Mile Treasure Hunt Certificate.
This Cycling Treasure Hunt is super fun, eco-friendly and educational and is suitable for families and small groups.
Duration: Two hours
Availability: Daily
Times: 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm
Visit: www.kilkennycyclingtours.com
Barrow Towpath Trail – Graignamanagh
The Barrow River towpath makes an excellent cycling greenway that gives visitors miles of safe, traffic free adventure in beautiful countryside.
Rent a bike from Graig Bike Hire and you will have simply miles and miles of countryside to explore along the towpath or take a bike on the back roads to Inistioge, where you can wander the fantastic arboretum at Woodstock Gardens.
Graig Bike Hire also offers ecology bike tours where visitors can learn about the flora and fauna as well as the history of the famous River Barrow.
njoy a great day out from the comfort of a well maintained mountain bike. Adult bike rental starts from €20 per day and €15 for a half day.
Email: bike&hike@watersideguesthouse.com
Facebook: @graiguenamanaghbikehire
Call to Book: 086-4084008
Exploring Kilkenny by bike is a great way to get fresh air and exercise during current restrictions.
Always remember to follow the HSE Guidelines and the social distancing measures. Go to VisitKilkenny for more information on how to protect yourself and others when outdoors.
Cycling and outdoor activities in Kilkenny: www.VisitKilkenny.ie
