24 Hours in Co. Kilkenny!

After spending a fun 24 hours in Kilkenny last weekend, Nirina and I decided to stay on for a second night to experience some more of what Kilkenny has to offer. Our final 24 hours consisted of fine dining and lots of crazy outdoor activities. Here is what we got up to…

ACCOMMODATION

We stayed in another hidden gem – the Pembroke Kilkenny hotel. This was my second time here and it did not disappoint. The hotel is located just a few minutes from Kilkenny castle and the main street which is always convenient.

Our twin room was spacious, the beds were really comfortable and we had a nice view of the town. The staff are always so welcoming and the breakfast never disappoints. Ps. if you like omelettes you need to order one from their breakfast menu. Divine!

WINING & DINING

We dined in Statham’s Bar & Restaurant that evening – this is part of the Pembroke hotel so we didn’t have far to go which was really convenient. Really nice interiors, friendly staff and a warm atmosphere. They have a great selection of wines and their cocktail menu was really impressive.  

I had a mushroom brushetta dish to start and a fish dish for my main. We also shared a sticky toffee pudding which was to die for. I would definitely recommend Statham’s for both food and drinks.

We dined at Lil’s Restaurant in the Avalon House Hotel the following day. Avalon House Hotel is a new family run 4-star Boutique hotel in Castlecomer. A great location and just down the road from the Castlecomer Discovery Park. 

The restaurant is situated on the first floor with natural light flooding through the original windows and views of the woodland estate. Another really cosy spot that offers modern Irish seasonal cuisine. I ordered scallops for my starter and a hearty beef dish for my main. Both beautifully presented dishes and really flavoursome.

The staff were so nice and we were lucky enough to get a tour of the hotel. I plan on staying here in the next year. Such a nice hotel and a great location.

ACTIVITIES

On the Sunday we visited the Castlecomer Discovery Park to see what it had to offer. I had been wanting to visit this place for over a year so I couldn’t wait to get inside. They offer a wide range of fun and challenging activities for all age groups. We tried out the following activities…

Zipline – I am an adrenline junkle so this was definitely a highlight. Castlecomer Discovery Park is home to Ireland’s longest zip line. It is 300 metres long and 35 metres over the ground at its highest point. Visitors can zip over stunning woodland, two lakes and 17th-century hand-restored bridge. So much fun and an absolute must!

Octagon High Ropes – This was another favourite of mine. Set on an octagonal frame over two levels, the Octagon High Ropes presents a series of challenges in the form of nets, ropes, wooden bridges etc. The Octagon is more challenging than the existing Tree-Top Adventure Walk Course. It was tricky enough but I enjoyed every minute of it. Another must!

Archery – this attraction is located just passed a magical elf and fairy village. Trained instructors give you a crash course in how to unleash your inner Robin Hood. They also have Children’s Bows so it’s a great activity for all the family.

Axe Throwing – this is the newest activity at the Discovery Park.  I really enjoyed this and I’m proud to say I had a decent enough aim. So much fun and a great activity for both big and small groups. Open to the general public, for all people age 12 and over and they now take bookings for groups of 20 +.

County Kilkenny really does have so much to offer. There are so many things to do and places to see. It is by far one of my favourite counties in Ireland. A huge thanks to the Pembroke Kilkenny Hotel, Avalon House Hotel and Castlecomer Discovery Park for having us. Such a fun experience. (Press Trip*)

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Thanks for reading!

Until next time…

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