Overview
Kilfane Glen & Waterfall lies in a 6‑hectare (≈15 acre) valley on the edge of the Kilfane demesne, just outside Thomastown in County Kilkenny. First laid out in the 1790s by Sir John and Lady Power, the garden blends formal 18th‑century planting with the wild, rugged aesthetic of the Romantic movement. A 30‑foot waterfall tumbles into a clear pool, framed by ancient beech, chestnut and oak, while a thatched cottage‑or‑né (summerhouse) sits at its foot. The adjoining Kilfane House – a Georgian mansion that once housed the Power family – commands sweeping views over the garden and the ruins of a 13th‑century church. The site is listed as an Irish Heritage Garden and received EU cultural assistance in 1993, underscoring its national significance.
History / Background
The Powers, cultural leaders in southeast Ireland, began reshaping the Kilfane landscape in the 1790s, diverting a stream, creating a mile‑long feeder canal and engineering the dramatic cascade that remains the garden’s focal point. Their vision was inspired by Rousseau and the broader Romantic movement, resulting in stone bridges, a rustic grotto and the thatched summerhouse for entertaining guests. Contemporary accounts, such as Louisa Beaufort’s 1819 letter, praised the garden as “a very pretty place”.
During the 19th century the family’s fortunes declined and the glen fell into neglect: paths overgrew, the watercourse dried and the cottage crumbled. Because the estate lay on the periphery of later agricultural activity, the garden escaped demolition. Sketches and watercolours survived, enabling a faithful restoration in the early 21st century, overseen by the Kilfane Trust. Modern site‑specific sculptures now punctuate the upper garden, adding a subtle contemporary layer while respecting the original layout.
Kilfane House itself remained vacant for many years. In 2019 the Seraph Foundation purchased the protected Georgian mansion and, as of March 2026, is seeking planning permission to convert it into a holistic healing and spiritual retreat, with guest rooms, a dining hall, event spaces and sustainable infrastructure such as a PV array and geothermal boreholes.
What to See & Do
- The Gardens – Wander from formal lawns into woodland trails carpeted with bluebells in spring and a year‑round mosaic of ferns. Rustic stone bridges, moss‑covered boulders and the historic grotto provide picturesque viewpoints.
- The 30‑Foot Waterfall – Follow a gentle stream that plunges over a rugged rock face, creating a mist‑filled pool. The cascade varies from a thunderous rush in winter to a delicate veil in summer, offering a perfect spot for quiet contemplation or a picnic.
- Thatched Summerhouse (Cottage‑or‑né) – Situated at the base of the waterfall, this thatched cottage once hosted the Powers’ guests and now serves as a charming photo‑op and resting point.
- Kilfane House – View the Georgian façade and, where visible, the ruins of the 13th‑century Kilfane Church with its notable Norman knight effigy. See more about the house on the dedicated Kilfane House page.
- Contemporary Art Installations – Seasonal site‑specific works by modern artists are displayed throughout the upper garden, adding a dialogue between past and present.
Getting There
- By Car – The estate is accessed via the R704 from Thomastown. There is a small, free car park at the entrance to the glen; during peak summer weekends it can fill quickly, so arriving early is advisable.
- Public Transport – Thomastown is served by regular Bus Éireann routes from Kilkenny city and Waterford. From the town centre, a short 2 km walk or a local taxi will bring you to the glen.
- Cycling – The quiet country lanes around Thomastown are popular with cyclists. Bike racks are available near the visitor entrance.
Practical Information
- Opening Times – The garden is generally open daily from spring to autumn. Current seasonal hours are posted on the official website; please check ahead of your visit.
- Admission – An entry fee of €7 per adult is charged (cash only). Concessions are available for families, seniors, students and groups. Verify the latest pricing on the website.
- Facilities – Picnic tables are positioned near the waterfall. Restrooms are located at the glen entrance. The thatched summerhouse can be viewed from the garden but is not open internally.
- Accessibility – Paths are mainly gravel and may be uneven; the site is best suited to able‑bodied visitors comfortable with moderate walking.
- Dog Friendly – Dogs on a leash are welcome in the outer woodland areas but are not permitted inside the formal garden sections.
Nearby Attractions
Kilfane Glen sits within a rich heritage landscape. While you’re in the area, consider visiting:
- Black Abbey – A 13th‑century Cistercian abbey in Kilkenny city, renowned for its medieval carvings.
- Jerpoint Abbey – Impressive ruins set beside the River Nore, a short drive from Thomastown.
- Inistioge – A picturesque riverside village with craft shops and a scenic walk along the Nore.
- Dunmore Cave – A dramatic limestone cave offering guided tours.
- Kilkenny Castle – The iconic castle and surrounding parkland in the city centre.