Waterside & Graiguenamanagh

Waterside Guesthouse and Restaurant stands on the banks of the river Barrow. And the river is at the centre of everything we do and everything we are here in Graiguenamanagh.

This medieval river town dates back to the 13th century when Duiske Abbey, the largest Cistercian Monastery in Ireland, was established at the junction of the rivers Barrow and Duiske(Dubh Uisce Black Water). The monks are gone, but the Abbey remains, a vibrant church for the local community blessed with fantastic acoustics that have rung to the sounds of many famous voices, such as the Vienna Boys Choir and Ireland’s top traditional group, The Chieftains.

Back down at the river there is a magical mix of life and activity. Fishermen cast their flies for trout and salmon, and coarse fisherman pit their wits against myriads of Bream, Roach, Dace, Perch and some big big Pike.
Click here for more information on fishing in Graiguenamanagh

Oarsmen strain against their load as the local rowing clubs train for competition, serious and fun loving canoeists attempt various manoeuvres, cruisers and barges chug to and fro, while swimmers plunge into the deeper waters below the town diving boards by the old boathouse.
Click here for more information on rowing and canoeing in Graiguenamanagh

Booktown 2010

In 2003 Graiguenamanagh Tourism Association set about bringing something new to Graiguenamanagh. The objective was to distinguish Graiguenamanagh from all other visitor destinations in Ireland with a single unique idea. The tourism association therefore embarked on the establishment of the Graiguenamanagh Booktown project. The project is dedicated to turning the town into the Graiguenamanagh ‘Town of Books’ and establishing a number of permanent bookshops to attract book lovers from near and far. The first step in the process was to establish an annual festival and this event is now probably the busiest weekend of the year. The Graiguenamanagh ‘Town of books’ Festival will take place September 17th-19th 2010. Further details are available on Booktown Ireland

Visitor attractions in the area

Here are three great attractions within 15 minutes drive of Waterside. all of these have been visited by Brian & Brigid Roberts and all were excellent entertainment, especially for families.

• The Dunbrody Emigrant ship
• The reptile village, a great collection of snakes, chameleons, lizards and Caimans
• Great quad motorbikes

These attraction represent some of the best family entertainment in the Carlow Kilkenny area and should be a big hit with visitors looking for tourism information for the area.

• Cushendale woollen Mills
• Duiske Glass
• Ros Tapestry
• Hook Lighthouse
• Kilkenny Castle/Waterford Glass
• Woodstock Gardens
• Nore Valley visitor farm

Getting here & maps

You know the way Irish people always finish directions by saying “You can’t miss it”. Well in the case of Graiguenamanagh its greatest asset is the fact that you certainly could miss it! And many people have.
That is why it is one of the most unspoiled and attractive little towns in Ireland for you to visit. It is not on a motorway and it is not really on the way to anywhere.

Graiguenamanagh is in fact nestled in a valley, at the base of the Blackstairs Mountains, and the only major route-way through the town is the Barrow River(If you arrive by boat then YOU CAN’T MISS IT!)
If you are travelling by Car then consult the map below.
Travel via new Ross if you are coming from Waterford or Wexford.
Travel via Thomastown if you are coming from Kilkenny.
Travel via Borris if you are travelling from Dublin or Carlow direction.

Our GPS / Sat Nav Co-Ordinates are:
Lon 52.540420
Lat -6.953713

Click here to find us with Google Maps
Google map

Contact Waterside Guesthouse to book a weekend break in Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny



Please click on the images of Graiguenamanagh below to large.