Graignamanagh (Irish: Gráig na Manach, meaning "Village of the monks") or Graiguenamanagh is a village in County Kilkenny, near the border with County Carlow.
The village has two spellings, Graignamanagh and Graiguenamanagh. The first is the Irish spelling and the second is the Anglicised version. The town had a vote on which they preferred and the Irish spelling Graignamanagh won.
The monks after which the town is named arrived here in 1204. They build Duiske Abbey. In 2004, the town celebrated its 800 year anniversary.
- Duiske Abbey, Abbey St, +353 59 9724238. This 13th century Cistercian monastery is considered one of the finest examples of a Cistercian monastery is Ireland. The early church is now the local parish church. There are also lots of other remains of the monastery. Look out for the original stonework and medieval floor tiles. There is also an exhibition of local historical objects.
Duiske Abbey, Abbey St, +353 59 9724238. This 13th century Cistercian monastery is considered one of the finest examples of a Cistercian monastery is Ireland. The early church is now the local parish church. There are also lots of other remains of the monastery. Look out for the original stonework and medieval floor tiles. There is also an exhibition of local historical objects.
- Town of Books Festival. Not to be missed by book lovers. For three days a year, every shop in town becomes a book shop. There's also music, entertainment and great food.
- Angling. Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Rudd, Bream, Eels, Roach, Twaite Shad, Stone Loach. Fishing tackle available in Mick Doyles pub.
- Climbing and Hill Walking.
- Brandon Hill. The highest mountain in County Kilkenny is an easy climb of 515m(1,6790ft). At the top there great views of the surrounding counties. There is a cairn, an old cross and a plaque pointing out the features in the surrounding landscape. Free.
- Barrow Navigation. Graiguenamanagh probably the best spot to stop and view the wonders of the Barrow navigation. A fine seven arch granite bridge, a beautiful lock gate at Tinnahinch, Graving docks and a long stone quay by the river.
Town of Books Festival. Not to be missed by book lovers. For three days a year, every shop in town becomes a book shop. There's also music, entertainment and great food.
Angling. Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Rudd, Bream, Eels, Roach, Twaite Shad, Stone Loach. Fishing tackle available in Mick Doyles pub.
Climbing and Hill Walking.
Brandon Hill. The highest mountain in County Kilkenny is an easy climb of 515m(1,6790ft). At the top there great views of the surrounding counties. There is a cairn, an old cross and a plaque pointing out the features in the surrounding landscape. Free.
Barrow Navigation. Graiguenamanagh probably the best spot to stop and view the wonders of the Barrow navigation. A fine seven arch granite bridge, a beautiful lock gate at Tinnahinch, Graving docks and a long stone quay by the river.
- Cushendale Woollen Mills, Mill Rd, +353 59 972-4118. There have been woollen Mills in Graiguenamanagh since Duiske Abbey established here in the 13th century. These days Philip Cushen leads the family business as 4th generation owner and they produce lovely quality woollen rugs as well as knitting yarns and a range of clothing. Well wirth a visit.
- Duiske Glass, High St, +353 59 9724174. Family run company specialising in Intaglio method of glass engraving. A lovely shop selling glass and other giftware on High St. Graiguenamanagh
Cushendale Woollen Mills, Mill Rd, +353 59 972-4118. There have been woollen Mills in Graiguenamanagh since Duiske Abbey established here in the 13th century. These days Philip Cushen leads the family business as 4th generation owner and they produce lovely quality woollen rugs as well as knitting yarns and a range of clothing. Well wirth a visit.
Duiske Glass, High St, +353 59 9724174. Family run company specialising in Intaglio method of glass engraving. A lovely shop selling glass and other giftware on High St. Graiguenamanagh
- Waterside Restaurant, +353 59 9724246. Long established fine restaurant with 10 guest bedrooms upstairs. Great value for quality dining. usually a lovely à la carte menu and a wine list with 45 choices. Superb location next to the river
Waterside Restaurant, +353 59 9724246. Long established fine restaurant with 10 guest bedrooms upstairs. Great value for quality dining. usually a lovely à la carte menu and a wine list with 45 choices. Superb location next to the river
plenty of bars to have a few drinks, check out Mick Doyles for a step back into the past
- Murrays Pub, Main St, +353 59 972-5932. Great traditional Irish pub on the corner of Main St. next to the bridge. Has a cracking trad session on Sunday evenings and usually music on a few other evenings as well.
Murrays Pub, Main St, +353 59 972-5932. Great traditional Irish pub on the corner of Main St. next to the bridge. Has a cracking trad session on Sunday evenings and usually music on a few other evenings as well.