Are you looking for outdoor activities for kids in County Kilkenny? Any excuse to get outside and get some fresh air say we! So here are some of the best outdoor places in Kilkenny for all the family to enjoy.

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From woodlands to historical sites to discovery parks, there’s so much to enjoy in Kilkenny with kids, here are some of our favourite outdoor places in Kilkenny.

Best Outdoor Places in Kilkenny for Families

Jenkinstown Wood

Jenkinstown Wood, formerly part of the Bryan Bellew Estate, is perfect for a picnic with several picnic tables, grassy areas for the children to play on, and public toilet facilities.

There is a deer enclosure next to the car park which is very popular with children of all ages.

Castlecomer Discovery Park

Castlecomer Discovery Park comprises 80 acres of mixed woodland with 6km of woodland walking trails and nature trails.

There are two rainbow trout angling lakes. Lots of picnic areas and wooden sculptures throughout. Young kids will love the Elf Village!

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Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum

Located just outside the picturesque town of Inistioge, Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum provides a mixture of formal and informal gardens to stroll around, with something for all the family.

There are also picnic tables, a playground and toilet facilities.  There is a €4 admission fee per car, payable on exit.

Lacken Walk

Lacken Walk in Kilkenny City features a boardwalk, as well as picnic tables and seating along the way. The walk provides 1.6km of scenic views along the riverside from Maudlin Street to Ossory Bridge.

If taking a buggy, you will need help at the Lacken Steps at the Dublin Road access point.

Walk Around Kilkenny City

Jump on the Trail Kilkenny bus to Bennettsbridge at Padmore & Barnes, Wolfe Tone Street on a Saturday morning and walk back along the Nore.

Or explore the Slips – the narrow walkways that connect High Street with surrounding streets.There are lots of hidden treasures to be discovered!

Take a stroll around some of the county towns and discover little gems like Thomastown, Inistioge and Graiguenamanagh.

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Bishop’s Meadows

There are many shared spaces for cyclists and suitable cycling lanes in Kilkenny as part of the Smarter Travel initiative.

One of our favourite places to cycle in the city is along the Nore at Bishop’s Meadows. Away from traffic, it’s perfect for younger children too.

Trail Kilkenny have also developed various cycling trails throughout the county, suitable for more experienced cyclists.

Nore & Barrow rivers

Kilkenny is lucky to have the Nore & Barrow rivers. There are opportunities to take a canoe or kayaking trip in Kilkenny city or Graiguenamanagh – keep a lookout for tester sessions.

During the summer months there is supervised outdoor swimming in Inistioge, Graiguenamanagh and Kilkenny City.

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Kilkenny Castle Park & Playground

Kilkenny Castle Park has extensive parkland, woodland walks & a superb children’s playground with swings, slides, bridges and benches for adults too. It is open until 8.30pm during the summer.

Kilkenny Castle Park also provides the ideal spot for kite-flying too with its open spaces.

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Nowlan Park

It wouldn’t be summer in Kilkenny without watching a hurling match. You can also see The Kilkenny Senior hurling team train at Nowlan Park on various weekday evenings. Buy a hurl and sliotar and have a poc around in any open space.

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Have your say! Do you have any favourite outdoor places in Kilkenny to take the kids to? Tell us in the comments below.