Nore Valley Scenic Drive

The River Nore cuts through County Kilkenny, creating a lush valley of historic villages, Norman tower houses, and Ireland's most photogenic countryside. This route follows the river from Kilkenny to Inistioge and beyond.

Why This Route?

The Nore Valley is quintessential Irish countryside:

• Picture-perfect villages - Inistioge, Thomastown, Graiguenamanagh
• Historic houses - Mount Juliet, Woodstock
• Walking trails - South Leinster Way passes through
• Foodie credentials - Farm shops, artisan producers
• Film locations - Circle of Friends, Widows' Peak

Where to Stay

The Nore Valley route covers 57km along the river south from Kilkenny city through Bennettsbridge, Thomastown, Inistioge, and Graiguenamanagh. It is comfortably driven in a day, and basing yourself in the city means you can explore the Medieval Mile on foot in the evening and head downriver the next morning.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny's city centre has the greatest density of accommodation in the southeast, from heritage hotels within the medieval walls to guesthouses along the river. Every stop on this route lies south of the city: Bennettsbridge is 10 minutes away, Thomastown and Jerpoint Abbey about 20, and even Graiguenamanagh at the far end is under 40 minutes. An evening stroll from your hotel to Kyteler's Inn or Campagne rounds off the day nicely.

The River Nore

The Nore is one of Ireland's Three Sisters (with the Suir and Barrow). Rising in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, it flows through Kilkenny city to join the Barrow near Waterford. The salmon and trout fishing is renowned.

The Route

Starting from Kilkenny City

Head south along the river, leaving the city via the pretty suburb of John's Bridge.

Bennettsbridge

A crafts village famous for pottery:

Nicholas Mosse Pottery

Ireland's most famous pottery, with factory shop and cafe in restored mill.

Chenevier

More ceramics and handmade goods.

Moth to a Flame

Candle making workshop and shop.

Thomastown

A medieval walled town on the Nore:

• Bridge and weir (photogenic)
• Ruins of medieval churches
• Artisan food shops
• Access point for Jerpoint Abbey

Jerpoint Abbey

Cistercian masterpiece just outside Thomastown - see Medieval Kilkenny route for details.

Inistioge

Perhaps Ireland's most beautiful village:

• Tree-lined square
• 10-arch bridge over the Nore
• Ruined priory
• Featured in "Circle of Friends" and "Widows' Peak"

Woodstock Gardens

Above Inistioge, these restored Victorian gardens offer:

• Formal terraces with valley views
• Arboretum with rare trees
• Noble fir avenue
• Ruined Georgian house

The Rower

A quiet village on the Nore with traditional character.

Graiguenamanagh

"The village of the monks" - a gem at Kilkenny's southern tip:

Duiske Abbey

Founded 1204, this Cistercian abbey is still an active church. The interior preserves:

• Medieval tile floor
• Romanesque doorway
• 13th-century effigy

Town Character

Narrow streets, stone bridges, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Brandon Hill

Kilkenny's highest point (515m) rises above Graiguenamanagh. The walk to the summit takes 2 hours and offers views across five counties.

Walking Options

South Leinster Way

Long-distance trail passing through the valley - sections can be walked.

Brandon Hill

• Distance: 6km return
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Highlights: Summit views, pillar

Woodstock Estate

• Distance: Various loops
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Gardens, arboretum

Food & Drink

Farm Shops & Producers

• Goatsbridge Trout Farm - Fresh trout, smoked fish
• Highbank Orchards - Cider and apple syrup
• Dunmore Country School - Cooking classes

Restaurants

• Bassetts at Woodstock - Gardens cafe
• Blackberry Cafe (Thomastown) - Local produce
• The Waterside (Graiguenamanagh) - Riverside dining

Accommodation

Mount Juliet Estate

One of Ireland's finest estate hotels with:

• Championship golf course
• Michelin-star restaurant (Lady Helen)
• Spa and leisure
• Historic house

Woodstock Arms (Inistioge)

Village inn with character.

Waterside Guesthouse (Graiguenamanagh)

Riverside location.

Practical Tips

1. Inistioge is tiny - Limited parking on busy days
2. Nicholas Mosse - Worth the stop even for non-shoppers (cafe)
3. Brandon Hill - Check weather; exposed summit
4. Graiguenamanagh - Quiet and genuine; not touristy
5. River swimming - Locals swim at various spots (ask locally)

Before You Drive This Route

Plan on 1 day for the Nore Valley Scenic Drive: the 57km takes roughly 1.5 hours at the wheel, and the rest is why you came. If this is your first drive in Ireland, read driving on the left in Ireland before you collect the car — the first roundabout is not the moment to work it out. For what a trip like this costs in 2026, from fuel to beds, see the budget guide. If you have not booked a car yet, our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers what to choose and what the desk will ask for, and car hire excess insurance explains the excess you will be asked to cover. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Kilkenny page, and the Medieval Kilkenny pairs naturally with this one.