South East Ireland Tourism
Travel guide to Ireland's south east
Travel guide to Ireland's south east
Castlecomer, Kilkenny
Castlecomer, Kilkenny
Castlecomer is a colliery or mining town, with a history that places it at the centre of the Leinster Coalfield. The same forces that created the largest coal seams in Ireland also played a part in the creation – in geological time – of rare and important fossils. These, with other reminders of its past, form the new museum in the former stables of the mine owners – The Prior-Wandesforde family.
The town was laid out by this family during the 1600’s and features a broad, elegant, tree lined, main street which is so wide it is called locally, The square. Shop fronts and especially attractive porcelain shop signage are a feature.
Among the attractions are the extensive pleasure grounds in the Wandesforde estate which straddles the small Dinin River before flowing under an attractive stone bridge which closes the view at the end of the square. The estate features a put and take fishing lake, extensive woodland walks and paths longside some interesting and suitably sited, sculpture installations.
The lofty and demanding 18 hole, golf course has recently added to the attractions of this most interesting of towns, surrounded by hills which offer dramatic views over the surrounding countryside.
For golf enthusiasts, Castlecomer Golf Club, on the N78, welcomes visitors to its picturesque 18-hole parkland golf course.
Castlecomer Demesne is being developed to accommodate walks and recreational facilities. It features a Sculpture Park, where permanent and semi-permanent installations can be seen throughout the wood. On the opposite side of the road was Castlecomer House, home of the Wandsfords (private grounds).
In 1976 the men of Castlecomer decided, while playing cards, on St Stephen's day (Boxing day for British readers) to run off the Christmas excess by having a race over a cross country circuit using the strangest of footwear - Wellingtons. The "Castlecomer Wellie Race" has since taken place every year raising monies donated to a wide range of local, national and international charities.
10 km south of Castlecomer off N78 is Dunmore Cave. The cave is formed from carboniferous limestone laid down over 300 million years ago. Recognised as one of Ireland's most fascinating caverns.
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The town was laid out by this family during the 1600’s and features a broad, elegant, tree lined, main street which is so wide it is called locally, The square. Shop fronts and especially attractive porcelain shop signage are a feature.
Among the attractions are the extensive pleasure grounds in the Wandesforde estate which straddles the small Dinin River before flowing under an attractive stone bridge which closes the view at the end of the square. The estate features a put and take fishing lake, extensive woodland walks and paths longside some interesting and suitably sited, sculpture installations.
The lofty and demanding 18 hole, golf course has recently added to the attractions of this most interesting of towns, surrounded by hills which offer dramatic views over the surrounding countryside.
What to see and do in Castlecomer
Opposite the Presentation Convent is the Church of the Immaculate Conception on the site of a thatched chapel that stood here in the 1750’s. The painted ceiling is the main feature.For golf enthusiasts, Castlecomer Golf Club, on the N78, welcomes visitors to its picturesque 18-hole parkland golf course.
Castlecomer Demesne is being developed to accommodate walks and recreational facilities. It features a Sculpture Park, where permanent and semi-permanent installations can be seen throughout the wood. On the opposite side of the road was Castlecomer House, home of the Wandsfords (private grounds).
In 1976 the men of Castlecomer decided, while playing cards, on St Stephen's day (Boxing day for British readers) to run off the Christmas excess by having a race over a cross country circuit using the strangest of footwear - Wellingtons. The "Castlecomer Wellie Race" has since taken place every year raising monies donated to a wide range of local, national and international charities.
10 km south of Castlecomer off N78 is Dunmore Cave. The cave is formed from carboniferous limestone laid down over 300 million years ago. Recognised as one of Ireland's most fascinating caverns.
Castlecomer Map
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