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Inistioge, Co Kilkenny

Nestled by a river among rolling hills, the little town of Inistoige is a favoured romantic hideaway for many Irish people.

By day stroll along a grassy footpath by a wide and peaceful river, walk though the woods and gardens at the gracious old Woodstock Estate or explore the ruins of the former great house or of a riverside castle. At night, eat in an excellent restaurant, where the owner will personally welcome you, before relaxing by a roaring fire in one of several small and friendly local pubs.

Claim to Fame

The movies "Circle of Friends" and "Widow's Peak" were made in the village, bringing stars as Minnie Driver, Mia Farrow, Chris O'Donnell, Adrian Dunbar and Joan Plymouth to town.

Mary Tighe, who lived at Woodstock Estate, published in 1805 a version in translation of the 2nd century poem "Cupid and Psyche", called "Psyche, or the Legend of Love". It is rather turgid stuff, but was extremely popular in its day and ran to 6 editions. For now, a short extract may get you into a romantic mood!

"Oh, who art thou who darest of Love complain?
He is a gentle spirit and injures none!
His foes are ours; from them the bitter pain, T
he keen, deep anguish, the heart-rending groan,
Which in his milder reign are never known.
His tears are softer than the April showers,
White-handed Innocence supports his throne,
His sighs are sweet as breath of earliest flowers,
Affection guides his steps, and peace protects his bowers."

Mary Tighe was buried in St Mary's Church in Inistoige where there is an effigy of her in the tower.

What to See & Do

Photo by wyoming_1The River Nore winds through the village and the surrounding countryside and a has riverside footpath. The best views of the river and the valley are from Woodstock Estate, high on a hill above the village. It covers about 1000 acres including 50 acres of gardens, and has splendid walks. Look out for the lovely old dovecote.

St. Mary's is a pretty church in the centre of the village parts of which date back to the 13th century. The ruins of a 14th century merchant's house overlook the tree lined village square and there is a nice little garden there where you can sit and watch the world go by. On a rock above the river are the remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle.

Kilkenny is nearby and a good day out, with its castle and meandering streets and lanes. But really, Inistioge is about relaxing and not doing very much at all.

Where to Stay

At the Gate Lodge at Berryhill, just outside the town, there are wonderful views over the fields to the river below, and open fires to curl up in front of in the evenings. The Woodstock Arms, in the village, is a nice pub with good rooms overhead.

Eating and Drinking

In the village, Circle of Friends (056 775 8800) is a cafe by day and a bistro by night and serves good value food in a cosy dining rooms in a lovely old house. The Motte, (056 775 8655), in an 18th century lodge at the edge of the village is more upmarket and extremely good.

The Woodstock Arms, Lenihan's and O'Donnell's are good and friendly pubs.

Where is it?

Inistoige is about halfway between Kilkenny and New Ross in South East Ireland.

Location Map for Inistioge, Co Kilkenny

Your Comments

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Posted by: Keith
24 Jan 2007, 08:33
The south Leinster way and new Kilkenny - inistioge riverside paths come through the village, The south leinster way gets walked by about 5 people a year, so bring your wellies for a quiet walk. a short detour off the south leinster way takes you to the summit of Brandon hill for (weather permitting) fantastic views over the nore and barrow valleys, the blackstairs and coomeragh mountains and down to hook head. you might meet someone up there but it's un likely. you then have the choice of dropping back to Initioge or Graig for dinner (i'd chose the circle at Inistioge).

Posted by: Harry
07 Feb 2007, 07:41
When the weather was good Inistioge was lovely. Quiet, rustic, pastoral and relaxing. When the weather was bad, Inistioge was the pitts!

Posted by: Marcia
19 Sep 2007, 13:51
We spent two nights in Inistioge. I highly recommend the Woodstock Arms B & B. We enjoyed dinner at the Circle of Friends and Footlights by the River. Both excellent. Our favorite by far was Footlights by the River. It has only been open about 6 months, but Justin and his mom do an outstanding job. The food was outstanding and the conversation with the owners and locals was just as great. Inistioge is about 15 mins. outside of Kilkenny and is a wonderful quite spot to relax in the evening and still close enough to visit Kilkenny.