Kilkenny, Part i - The City to Bennetsbridge

Dr Ruth Freeman travels to County Kilkenny for a show that represents some hidden and lesser explored trails in the county.  

We start in Kilkenny City, known for its Castle and buzzing streets where the River Nore that flows through the city is also the source for a selection of walks, which take you into the countryside within minutes. 

Kilkenny is famous for many things but none more so than its passion for hurling, and after a short stroll through the bustling streets of the city Ruth stops for a chat under the famous Hurler statue by the river, with local hero and All Ireland winner Conor Fogarty.  Conor discusses his love of hurling and Kilkenny’s deep links with the game before he sets Ruth on her way along her first trail. 

The first of Ruth’s two walks is an easy 10KM stroll along the paths by the River Nore.  The River Nore weaves its way through the city and is home to many short and longer walks which encourage visitors and locals alike to get outside and stretch their legs when visiting the city.   This particular trail starts off under the shadow of Kilkenny Castle and it doesn’t take long for Ruth to be out into the countryside surrounded by nature on the pathway as it winds its way through the countryside.  Along the way Ruth walks with Harry Everard who is the rural recreation officer for this area and responsible for the maintenance of the trails.  Harry, a fellow lover of nature and wildlife, describes the animals and birds he comes across as he works on the trail and they discuss how much of this path's success and accessibility is due to the generosity of local landowners.  This trail which runs flat along the riverside provides many opportunities to watch how the river keeps changing accompanied by only bird song and the sounds of nature all the way to Bennetsbridge.