Kilkenny reboots: New tourism drive to get visitors flocking back to city and county

Kilkenny is rebooting tourism with the launch of a new campaign aimed at bringing back domestic tourists to the city and county.

Entitled ‘More to Explore’, the multi-pronged campaign is set to promote the different sectors of Kilkenny Tourism, from accommodation; activities; tourist attractions and the city and county’s rich heritage.

As the country re-opens to tourists, Kilkenny is already receiving bookings from visitors looking to holiday at home this summer.

Hotels in the county are reporting a surge in bookings in the past two weeks as tourists start to plan their Summer/Autumn breaks.

Kilkenny, of course, is spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation offerings: from 5-star hotels with championship golf courses at Mount Juliet Estate, the luxury of Lyrath Estate, to glamping and camping at Nore Valley Park & Butterfly Valley Glamping to high quality self-catering and Bed & Breakfast.

With family friendly city centre havens at the Newpark Kilkenny, Hotel Kilkenny, Kilkenny Ormonde, Springhill Court Hotel or boutique hotel stays for a romantic getaway in the Pembroke, Hibernian or Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotels there are currently endless hotel offers to choose from which are available at: https://visitkilkenny.ie/member-category/hotel/

The new campaign is also promoting the county’s beautiful walking and cycling trails with Trail Kilkenny, the city’s historic Medieval Mile, Shenanigans Walking Tours. Kilkenny Cycling Tours and Flow River Adventures and Pure Adventure, which offer canoeing or kayaking down the River Nore and beyond.

More outdoor adventure is provided by Castlecomer Discovery Park, home to Ireland’s longest zip-line and a great place to bring a picnic, while a world of exotic reptiles is on show at Kilkenny’s National Reptile Zoo.

For sporting enthusiasts, Kilkenny Hurling Experience will educate visitors on the history of the game, while Discover Dunmore Caves takes visitors to the depths of one of Ireland’s oldest and darkest caves.

Commenting on the ‘More to Explore’ campaign, Colin Ahern, Chairperson of Kilkenny Tourism said: “We are delighted to launch this campaign, this is an exciting time for the county as we re-open for tourists. Kick-starting tourism and all its elements has been a high priority for Kilkenny Tourism and we have been pro-actively working with our partners and members to ensure that we re-open safely for both our visitors and our local community here in Kilkenny. HSE and IHF guidelines are being followed as we have been overseeing and directing our members on a successful re-opening.”

Mr Ahern added: “This campaign is set to demonstrate that Kilkenny has plenty to offer for a curious explorer; families and the older generation and we look forward to welcoming visitors back shortly.”

You can plan your Kilkenny staycation by visiting: http://www.visitkilkenny.ie

PHOTOS: Kilkenny Tourism