There's a bend in the River Nore where time seems to move a little slower. Where an ancient stone bridge arches over gentle waters, and Georgian houses line a square that has barely changed in two centuries. This is Inistioge, and for many of us at Trails and Tales, it's the heart of everything we love about Kilkenny.
The Perfect Day in Inistioge
Start your morning with a stroll along the riverbank. The path takes you through ancient woodlands where the light filters through centuries-old trees. In spring, the bluebells carpet the forest floor in waves of purple. In autumn, the leaves turn gold and russet, reflecting in the still waters below.
By mid-morning, make your way to the square. The Circle of Friends bench – yes, from the film – sits quietly, waiting for visitors who want to recreate that famous scene. But there's so much more to discover: the 13th-century priory ruins, the artisan shops, the bakery that makes the best scones in the county.
Inistioge isn't a place you visit once. It's a place that calls you back, again and again, in all seasons and all weathers.
The Stories Behind the Stones
What most visitors don't know is that Inistioge has been inhabited for over a thousand years. The priory was founded by the Augustinians in 1210, and the monks who lived there kept the traditions of learning and hospitality alive through centuries of turmoil. Today, their legacy lives on in the warm welcome you'll receive from the locals.
On our tours, we share the stories that don't make it into the guidebooks. The folklore of the fairy fort on the hill. The legend of the healing well. The tale of the bridge that was built by the devil himself – or so the locals will tell you, with a wink and a smile.
Experience It Yourself
Inistioge features on several of our tours, and it's always a highlight. There's something about this village that captures the essence of what travel should be – a chance to slow down, to connect, and to discover beauty in the everyday. We hope to share it with you soon.
Written by
Ciara O'Brien