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Graiguenamanagh
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Graiguenamanagh -
also spelled Graignamanagh - is a picturesque town set in the
stunning “valley of the monks” in south east Kilkenny. It is located
on the the border with County Carlow on the River Barrow. An 18th
Century, seven arched bridge, built by George Semple crosses the
River Barrow with the splendid Brandon Hill as an imposing backdrop
Graiguenamanagh is home to Duiske Abbey, the largest and perhaps the
finest of the thirty-four medieval Cistercian abbeys in Ireland. The
abbey, which takes its name from the little river Duiske (Blackwater)
which joins the Barrow here, was founded by William Marshall in
1204. A visit to the Abbey is a must for all who come to
Graiguenamanagh. Beautifully restored to operate as the local parish
church many of the original features remain.
Graiguenamanagh is a very popular boating centre and base for
pleasure barges. The River Barrow provides an enviable amenity for
families who enjoy boating, canoeing, swimming and other water
sports. 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. A Regatta is held
here every August bank holiday and is enjoyed by all. For the Golf
enthusiast Graiguenamanagh is nicely located just a short distance
for the famous Mount Juliet Conrad Hotel and Golf course, Gowran
Park and Borris clubs. Walking and hillclimbing are among the more
popular pursuits of the Graiguenamanagh area, with the beautiful
Barrrow Valley and nearby Brandon Hill providing scope for either a
gentle stroll or a vigorous, day-long hike. Walkers can also enjoy
walking the South Leinster Way, Slí Na Slainte walk and indeed hill
walking on Mount Leinster and the Black Stairs Mountains.
Kilkenny, as a county, is renowned for the great concentration of
craft workers found in the area and Graiguenamanagh is no exception
to this. Cushendale Woollen Mills, Bernard Kavanagh Pottery and
Duiske Glass are the best known of the local craft businesses. |
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Graiguenamanagh Holiday Homes - County Kilkenny, Ireland