Graiguenamanagh, Kilkenny

Graiguenamanagh (pronounced Graig-na-Manna) means "the Vale or Valley of the monks". The monks in question, Cistercian, arrived here in 1204 and built the longest Cistercian Church in Ireland - 212ft. An 18th century, seven-arched bridge, built by George Semple crosses the River Barrow with the splendid Brandon Hill as an imposing backdrop. White water rushes over a weir and the towpath is merry with wild flowers.

This is a popular boating centre and a base for the pleasure barges on the river Barrow. The river is navigable south to St. Mullins where it joins the tidal waters linking with the Nore River and Inistioge, and leading to New Ross and the open sea. Northwards it links with the Grand Canal at Lowtown.

Graiguenamanagh is also a popular angling centre.

What to see and do in Graiguenamanagh

Duiske Abbey, the largest of Irish Cistercian monastery churches. Look for the larger than life size knight, cross legged indicating he had taken part in the crusades, and the ancient finely decorated doorway off the south transept. The Duiske Abbey Visitor Centre provides an art exhibition and sales point for Christian art in tapestry, enamel and paint as well as sculptures in wood, stone and metal.

The Cushendale Woollen Mills are located in the town. Traditional woollen mills featuring colourful textiles in natural fibres. Mill shop open to the public.

For water sports enthusiasts, this inland town offers exciting canoe borne river adventures for all ages. The Graiguenamanagh Regatta that takes place on the Bank Holiday every August is reputed to be the oldest Regatta on Irelands inland waterways.

A signposted walk, the South Leinster Way has been established to the summit (1703ft) of Brandon Hill (above the town), part of the National Waymarked Way walking route. Join at Graiguenamanagh then via Inistioge, Mullinavat, Piltown and Carrick-on-Suir.

Graiguenamanagh Map

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