Page 85 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
CARLOW CASTLE
JN 5 (N80) TOWARDS CARLOW TOWN
10 min from exit
Carlow Castle, now a ruin, stands on the River Barrow’s eastern bank. It is believed to have been built by William de Marshal, Earl of Pembroke and Lord of Leinster between 1207 and 1213. Originally, it was built as a rectangular block, containing the castle’s principal rooms protected by cylindrical towers at its corners. Today, all that remains are two battered towers and part of an intervening wall. In 1814 a local physician tried to remodel it as an asylum, and in an effort to demolish the interior he placed explosive charges at its base, demolishing all but the west wall and towers.
WALSH WHISKEY DISTILLERY
JN 6 (R448) TOWARDS LEIGHLINBRIDGE
10 min from exit
Walsh Whiskey Distillery at Royal Oak is a world-class distillery producing Irish whiskeys by hand on an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East Region.
Established by husband and wife, Bernard and Rosemary Walsh, the distillery is set deep in the heart of barley-growing country, directly over the Barrow Valley Aquifer and framed by two-hundred-year-old mighty oaks on the banks of the River Barrow.
Visitors can experience the ancient craft of distilling in a fully guided, multi-sensory tour of one of Ireland’s largest operational whiskey distilleries.
Our tour guides will bring you on an exciting and informative journey through the various stages of whiskey distilling, and let you see first-hand how all three styles of Irish whiskey
– pot still, malt and grain – are created under one roof.
Afterwards relax and savour a taste of our award-winning whiskeys: super- premium, triple-distilled, craft, Irish whiskeys The Irishman and Writers’ Tears; with a range of tour and tasting options to choose from, before strolling around the historic Royal Oak estate, taking in Holloden House (1755) and the beautiful scenery that makes Royal Oak the perfect place to craft exceptional whiskeys.
ST. LASERIAN’S CATHEDRAL
JN 6 (R448) TOWARDS LEIGHLINBRIDGE
5 min from exit
A 13th century gem nestled in the village of Old Leighlin, the original monastic settlement dates back to the 17th century and at its height, was home to 1,500 monks. A synod held here in 630 AD was decisive in reconciling the date of Easter for the Irish church. The cathedral embraces a fascinating and often violent history of Viking raids, murder and religious turbulence. Its 13th century nave and chancel and its 15th century tower and Lady Chapel, remain largely unchanged today. Nearby, the St. Laserian’s Well and Celtic cross are believed to date from the time of the saint.
THE BLACK CASTLE OF LEIGHLINBRIDGE
JN 6 (R448) TOWARDS LEIGHLINBRIDGE
5 min from exit
Developed at this strategic crossing on the River Barrow, the village of Leighlinbridge was defended by the Black Castle. In 1181 the Norman Hugh de Lacy built the first castle here to secure the crossing while the present castle was constructed by Sir Edward Bellingham in 1547. Long held by the Kavanaghs and the Butlers, Black Castle was also occupied by Sir Peter Carew and the Bagenals.
HUNTINGTON CASTLE
JN 5 (N80) TOWARDS ENNISCORTHY
23 minutes from exit
Huntington Castle is a former stronghold of the O’Kavanaghs. It was destroyed in the early seventeeth- century and rebuilt in 1625 by the Esmondes with further additions were made in later years. The present castellated house is the result of alterations over the years. Guided tours of Huntington Castle feature visits to the Temple of Isis.
KILKENNY
Ireland’s only inland city, Kilkenny’s rich medieval heritage is evident in the city’s treasure trove of historical buildings and landmarks, narrow
alleyways, gaily coloured storefronts and a lively atmosphere. For 500 years the powerful Earls of Ormonde held sway here, and for a time in the 17th century it even challenged Dublin as the seat of power in Ireland.
Situated on the west bank of the River Nore, the historic centre is bookended by the city’s two main landmarks, St. Candice’s Cathedral and the magnificent Kilkenny Castle.
DUISKE ABBEY, GRAIGNAMANAGH JN 7 (R448) TOWARDS GOWRAN
23 min from exit
Founded in 1204, Duiske Abbey takes its name from the River Duiske (Blackwater) which joins the Barrow here. Established by William Marshall in 1204 and later suppressed by Henry VIII in 1536, significant remains of the monastery exist to the rear of the houses that line the east side of Lower Main Street.
The abbey’s large “Early English” gothic church was restored in the 1970s and in its northern aisle a model shows the monastery as it was in the 14th century.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
KILKENNY CASTLE
JN 8 (N10) TOWARDS KILKENNY
11 min from exit
One of the most instantly recognisable buildings in Ireland, Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow built the first castle, probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century. William the Earl Marshall built the first stone castle on the site, which was completed in 1213. This was a square-shaped castle with towers at each corner; three of the original four towers survive to this day.
The Butler family purchased the Castle in 1391 and lived here until 1935. They were a remarkable family, resilient, politically astute and faithful to the crown, and to Ireland as dictated by the politics of the times. The castle has been well taken care of since then, and houses a significant Art Gallery within its basement. It’s surrounded by extensive and delicately-clipped ornamental grounds, and is one of the most popular tourist spots in Ireland.
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 83