The South East:Layout 1 02/05/2007 14:34 Page 97
KILKENNY – JERPOINT ABBEY – ENNISCORTHY: APPROX 80KM Kilkenny
N10
Gowran
R700
ROADTRIP
R697 Bennettsbridge
R702
Kells Graiguenamanagh
Thomastown
N9
Enniscorthy
R699
R
R700 7
0
5
N30
New Ross
THIS LEISURELY TOUR INCLUDES PLENTY OF WORTHWHILE STOPS
AND TAKES YOU FROM KILKENNY CITY THROUGH THE HEART OF
THE COUNTY, LEAVING PLENTY OF TIME TO EXPLORE SOME OF
IRELAND’S MOST IMPRESSIVE EARLY MONASTIC SITES.
From Kilkenny City, take the R697 (L16) south for about 13km to the town of Kells. There’s plenty to see in this
picturesque hamlet on the banks of the King’s River, including an impressive 10-arch stone bridge and Kells
Priory, one of Ireland’s most impressive monastic sites. You can wander around the 12th and 15th century ruins of
the fortified Augustinian abbey. Some 3km to the south and signposted from the abbey car park you’ll find Kilree
Tower and High Cross which is said to mark the grave of the 9th century Irish king, Niall Caille.
After returning to Kells, follow the signposted road east to the junction with the N9 and turn left to the fine
12th century Cistercian ruins of Jerpoint Abbey on the Waterford Road. From here, continue north on the N9 for
about 1km to Thomastown, a small market town and a good stop-off point on the banks of the River Nore. From
Thomastown, head south-east for 8km in the direction of Inistioge, a charming little village.
This is a pleasant drive along the scenic River Nore Valley which includes a number of crossings on old stone
bridges. From Inistioge, take the R700 south to New Ross on the River Barrow in County Wexford. Then take the N30
to Enniscorthy, 20km north of Wexford Town. During the 1798 Rising, Enniscorthy saw fierce fighting, an event now
recalled in the local museum. The town holds an annual Strawberry Fair in July and the area boasts several potteries.
Enniscorthy’s main attraction is the 13th century Norman castle which in 1798 was used by the rebels as a jail.
After leaving Enniscorthy, take the R702 over the Blackstairs Mountains until it links with the R703 to
Graiguenamanagh. From here, head west to the village of Kilfane and continue north to Dungarvan on the N9 and
then to Gowran, famous for its racecourse and fine 13th century church of St. Mary’s. From Gowran, head north-
west on the R702 for about 3km and turn left onto the N10 for about 7km before returning to Kilkenny City.
ALTERNATIVE TRIP:
Laois Heritage Trail: From Kilkenny, take the N77 north towards Durrow. On approaching Durrow, take the sign-
posted road to Attanagh and visit the Irish Fly-Fishing and Shooting Museum. Continue to the village of Durrow,
developed under the patronage of the Viscounts of Ashbrook. From Durrow, continue on the N8 towards Abbeyleix
and follow the signpost to Heywood Gardens, one of Ireland’s finest gardens. Return to the N8 and continue to the
Heritage Town of Abbeyleix, established under the Viscounts de Vesci, and visit the Abbeyleix Heritage House and
Sexton’s Cottage. From Abbeyleix, take the road to Ballyroan to Timahoe Village and visit the 12th century round
tower with Romanesque doorway. From Timahoe, travel to the village of Stradbally, home to the Steam Museum.
From there, take the road to Carlow and see the beautiful ‘Windy Gap’ or take the road to Portlaoise and take the
signposted road to the Rock of Dunamaise. Return to Stradbally and take the road to the picturesque village of
Vicarstown on the Grand Canal. Follow the Heritage Trail signs to Emo Court and Gardens. Emo Court was designed
by James Gandon in 1790 for the Earls of Portarlington. Finish in Portlaoise, the main town in County Laois.
the south east 97
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