Kilkenny’s Nore Valley named in new list of Ireland’s Top 10 scenic road trips
KILKENNY’s stunning Nore Valley has been included in a new list of Ireland’s Top 10 drives.
It was one of the few inland routes to make the list, with most of the others being well-known coastal drives such as the Achill Island stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way and the Giant’s Causeway in Co Antrim.
The top 10 list was compiled by the award-winning Irish Independent travel writer Pól Ó Conghaile.
He said the picturesque Nore Valley proves “you don’t need a coastline for a classic Irish drive”.
He writes: “Setting out from Kilkenny, follow the River Nore through Bennettsbridge, Thomastown and Inistioge, stopping at will for bites and browses before crossing the latter’s beautiful, 10-arched stone bridge and turning northeast towards Graiguenamanagh.
“The River Barrow comes into view here, and you can continue on the R729 to the village of Borris, crossing briefly into Carlow before taking the R702 back through Goresbridge and Gowran to Kilkenny.”
Ó Conghaile recommends a number of “family-friendly” stops along the way, including Inistioge’s Woodstock Gardens and the National Reptile Zoo in Gowran.
He also recommends taking a pit-stop at the Circle of Friends café in Inistioge, but sadly the restaurant is now closed.
