Group Activity Vacations @ Kilkenny Country Retreat

We have accommodation for 16 people, with double or twin bedrooms all of which are en-suite. Groups are welcome for a short or long stay with Kilkenny Country Retreat as their base. Breakfast is always served at Kilkenny Country Retreat with the option of gourmet evening meals served with the freshest of local ingredients. Reservations can be made for recommended local restaurants. Refreshments and homemade cake is always available after the day's activities, as is our honour bar at the Inn. Groups can be collected from Dublin, Shannon or Cork Airports (2 hours) or Waterford Regional Airport (30 mins) as well as Thomastown or Waterford Train Stations (30 mins) so that your journey is seamless. Our group rates are customised to include accommodation, transport, all meals at Kilkenny Country Retreat and your guide and fees for activities selected in advance.

We have a wonderful group of local, knowledgeable guides for the selected activities which are special to this area of Ireland's South East, encompassing the counties of Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford. Our guides will meet with you at Kilkenny Country Retreat in advance of the planned activities. A minimum number of guests are required for certain courses and our team will co-ordinate as necessary. The following outline will give a flavour of the rich diversity in the area allowing for a fantastic, fun and educational Irish vacation, not to mention a pint of Guinness in a traditional Irish pub along the way.

Celtic Survival and Archery

Blackmore Woods is right at the doorstep of Kilkenny Country Retreat. A riverside site with Crannogs and medicinal plants in tune with nature and the ways of our Celtic Ancestors. Be guided through plant identification, Bushcraft skills, Canoeing, Archery, Basket Weaving and Bow Making. You can even sleep on a straw bed in a Celtic Crannog if the mood takes you!

Exploring Irish Heritage

Jewels of the south east of Ireland include J F Kennedy Homestead and Arbouretum, The Dunbrody Famine Ship, The Ros Tapestry, The Irish National Heritage Park and The Museums of Treasures in Waterford.

Visiting Important Historic Sites

Explore part of our great Celtic tradition including Kilkenny Castle, Rothe Abbey, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Jerpoint Abbey and Graiguenamanagh Abbey.

Hiking in the Irish Countryside

Walk the woodland, riverbank and heathland in Kilkenny and the beautiful South East visiting historical and archaeological field monuments and sites. Hikes last for 2.5 hours (short) or 6 hours (long) including picnic lunch with our qualified guide who is conversant with the local folklore, history and environment.

Cycling around the South East

The roads of Kilkenny and Ireland's South east are among the best in the country for cycle trips through the valleys and hills. Maps, bikes and guides can be provided as well as a nutritious packed lunch.

Angling on the River Nore

Fly fishing for Salmon and Trout on Kilkenny’s rivers close by to Kilkenny Country Retreat. Our expert guide will help identify the wildlife on the banks of the river Nore. Enjoy a relaxed lunch in the company of our guide.

A tour of formal Irish Gardens

Ireland's South East has some of the finest Gardens in the country. An expert guided tour of the history and plant identification in Gardens such as Woodstock Estate in Instioge, Mt. Congreve in Waterford, Altamont and Johnstown Castle including lunch along the way.

Traditional Cookery Classes

Why not spend time with our expert guest chef learning the secrets of traditional cooking. From Soups to Scones and Breads, making sausages and paté from local organic pigs all in a stunning setting overlooking the Kilkenny countryside. Enjoy a great lunch as part of the fun.

Exploring an Irish Craft Trail

Our selection of the best unique craft makers, working by hand in the area including Waterford Crystal, Nicholas Mosse, Jerpoint Glass and Cushendale Woollen Mills. Lunch at a Craft Workshop or the Kilkenny Design Centre.

Improve your Photography Skills

Let our award winning photographer, Mark McCall help you enhance your skills through a Masterclass at Kilkenny Country Retreat and surrounding countryside. Nature, Architecture, Portraiture & People will focus clearly in your lens. A delightful, fun and educational way to spend some of your vacation time. Lunch at Kilkenny Country Retreat.