Major tourism boost for Kilkenny as South Leinster Way links to Wicklow Way and Dublin
Kilkenny has received a major tourism boost after funding has been provided to connect the South Leinster Way to the Wicklow Way.
More than €370,000 has been invested to connect the two hiking trails, which will create an uninterrupted 236km of walk and cycle ways, starting in Carrick-on-Suir, crossing through Kilkenny and finishing in Marley Park in Dublin.
The 5km connection between Kildavin in Carlow at the top of the South Leinster Way and Clonegal on the Carlow Wexford border at the start of the Wicklow Way will create the longest uninterrupted trail in Ireland, further than the 215km Kerry Way.
The South Leinster way meanders for more than 50km through Kilkenny taking in Graiguenamanagh, Inistioge, Mullinavat and Piltown along the way.
Confirming the €371,250 grant for the link project through the Outdoor Recreation Scheme, Tourism Minister Catherine Martin TD, said: “Outdoor recreation and activities play a key role in the development of sustainable tourism nationwide.
“These projects will encourage tourists and locals alike to experience the unique Irish countryside and natural environment.”
