Outdoor Pursuits
Outdoor Pursuits In Kilkenny
Enjoying the great outdoors in glorious Kilkenny
When you arrive in the city, you’ll immediately notice that there are an awful lot of things to see and do in and around The Club House Hotel Kilkenny. Some of the best of these are the many of the amazing outdoor pursuits available.
For horse lovers, Kilkenny is quite simply one of Ireland’s best destinations for equestrian activities. From races at Gowran Park, to treks in Warrington Top Flight Equestrian Centre, there’s loads of fun to be had for people of all ages and abilities. For the more experienced and ambitious rider, a day’s hunting across the stunning Kilkenny countryside is sure to thrill and delight. And for those actually in the market for a new horse, the famous Goresbridge Horse Sales attracts buyers and horse lovers to their famous auctions throughout the year.
Kilkenny is also home to the most famous and successful teams in Ireland’s national and historic sport of hurling. You can visit the teams home stadium, catch a game or even give it a try yourself. Or if you prefer something a bit gentler, Kilkenny is awash with ways to enjoy the incredible countryside including walking, cycling and even adventuring.
Gowran Park Racecourse Kilkenny
Located just a few miles from The Club House Hotel Kilkenny, Gowran Park is one of Ireland’s leading racecourses. Its excellent hospitality facilities make it the perfect location for a great racing day experience for all the family. Be it a corporate day out, a hen party, a family afternoon, their famous Ladies Day or the revered Goffs Thyestes Chase, a day a Gowran Park will live long in the memories of all that make it to this incredible racecourse.
Warrington Top Flight Equestrian Centre Kilkenny
Just a five minute drive from The Club House Hotel Kilkenny lies the wonderful Warrington Top Flight Equestrian Centre. Set in the spectacular surroundings of the Kilkenny countryside, this fun-filled celebration of horse caters experienced riders of all abilities. Highly experienced, the team at Warrington have all the necessary expertise to cater for you and your family, whatever level you are all at. Offering riding lessons, trekking and even clinics, the team will help you advance whatever discipline you choose or just have a great day out.
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Hunting in Kilkenny
The Club House Hotel Kilkenny actually gets its name from the Kilkenny Foxhunters' Club, which was established in 1797 by Sir John Power. Fox-hunting is a particular speciality of the Brennan Family – the hotel’s owners - who can personally book all your hunts and horses for you. Here at the hotel, we offer early breakfast on request, storage of all your riding equipment and transport if you require it.
Goresbridge Horse Sales
Founded in 1968 and run by the Donohoe family for over fifty years, Goresbridge Horse Sales is Ireland’s leading sport horse sales company. Located just 20 minutes from The Club House Hotel Kilkenny, it’s one of the world’s leading sport horse auction centres, with a well-earned reputation for success. This fabulous facility holds seven iconic sport horse performance sales from February through to December, with highlights including the spring and autumn sales of registered Connemara and Irish Draught.
Hurling in Kilkenny
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin. The game has prehistoric origins, having been enjoyed on the island of Ireland for over 3,000 years. Most famously, it’s also the world's fastest field team game in terms of game play. Kilkenny is proud to be the home to Ireland’s most successful hurling team known as the Kilkenny Cats. While visiting Kilkenny, you should definitely let us help you arrange to watch a match, so that you can discover for yourself what makes this unique sport so special.
You could of course try hurling for yourself in the distinctive surrounds of Fred Malzards pub in Stoneyford. Located just a few miles from the Club House Hotel Kilkenny, this 200+ year old traditional Irish pub offers the best craic and even better Irish music. While there, you can learn how to hurl, how to pull the perfect pint of Guinness and how to tell a perfectly-timed Irish tale, in a relaxed, fun environment surrounded by new friends.
Walking, Cycling and Adventuring in Kilkenny
There’s no better way to enjoy Kilkenny that to get outdoors and enjoy its incredible scenery. The wealth of scenic walks available to you are as varied as they are plentiful. Here, you can stroll through woodland, over pastoral lands and along quiet country laneways. The Nore Valley Walk takes you right along the river valley, which is rich with flora, fauna and the heritage of Kilkenny’s ancient past. Our many cycling trails travel through some of Kilkenny’s most picturesque villages and inspiring scenery. For the more adventurous, Trail Kilkenny Outdoor Recreation can help you experience many of Kilkenny’s most interesting outdoor adventure activities.