Overview
Nore Valley Park sits in the tranquil Bennettsbridge valley, 4 km south of the village and a few minutes’ drive from Kilkenny city. Spanning 73 hectares, the family‑run park blends a lively pet farm, a fully equipped campsite and a range of outdoor attractions. From the same riverside setting the park borders, the Nore Valley Walk follows the River Nore for just over 8 km, linking Kilkenny’s historic centre with the artisan village of Bennettsbridge.
History & Background
Founded in 1989 by the Harper family, Nore Valley Park grew from a modest farmyard into one of Kilkenny’s premier activity centres. Over three decades the owners added glamping lodges, mobile homes, a farm shop and attractions such as pedal go‑karts and a giant chessboard, while retaining the original farm spirit.
The Nore Valley Walk is part of a longer‑term Trail Kilkenny project that will eventually stretch 30 km from Kilkenny to Inistioge. The first open section – Kilkenny to Bennettsbridge – runs through the “Marble City” region, where black marble quarries once supplied stone for cathedrals across Europe. The trail is managed by Trail Kilkenny, a partnership of the county council, local landowners and sports organisations.
What to See & Do
Pet Farm Experiences
- Bottle‑feed lambs and goat kids during the spring lambing season.
- Cuddle baby rabbits and hold newly hatched chicks in the indoor 3D‑maze area.
- Feed and pet a variety of animals, from sheep, ducks and turkeys to ostriches, an owl and red deer.
- Visit the American‑style fort that serves as a viewing platform for the enclosures.
Outdoor Adventures at the Park
- 3 km nature trail along the River Nore, ideal for bird‑watching and gentle walks.
- Pedal go‑karts and tractor‑trailer rides for a countryside thrill.
- 18‑hole crazy golf and a giant chessboard for friendly competition.
- Modern playground with swings, slides, indoor sandpit and straw bounce.
- Picnic area beside the river, perfect for a family lunch with treats from the farm shop.
Accommodation & Glamping
- Wooden glamping lodges for 3‑5 people (€50‑€75 per night).
- Spacious mobile homes, e.g., a 6‑berth unit at €650 per week.
- Standard pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, equipped with hot showers, electric points and laundry facilities.
The Nore Valley Walk
- A linear, way‑marked trail of 8.20 km (5 mi) taking roughly two hours to complete.
- Leaves Kilkenny under the iconic Ossory Bridge, then winds past former water‑mills, black marble quarries and the quiet settlement of Maddockstown.
- Ends in Bennettsbridge, where artisan crafts, cafés and the six‑arch bridge over the Nore provide a charming finish.
- Optional extensions include the O’Gormans Lane Loop (4 km) and Castlemorris Wood Loop (7 km), downloadable from the Trail Kilkenny website.
Getting There
Nore Valley Park is accessed via the N77 road, just south of Bennettsbridge. The site offers ample free parking for cars, caravans and motorhomes (please confirm exact capacity). Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is in Bennettsbridge village, with regular services to Kilkenny city. Visitors travelling from farther afield can use Kilkenny train station and then a short taxi ride to the park.
Practical Information
Nore Valley Park
- Pet farm and activity areas are open daily during daylight hours; exact times are listed on the park’s website.
- Admission to the pet farm is charged per person; some seasonal events (Easter hunts, Halloween scares, Christmas markets) require separate tickets.
- Group bookings for birthdays, hen parties or corporate team‑building can be arranged via the Mobile Farm service, which brings gentle animals to external venues.
- On‑site facilities include hot showers, electric hook‑ups, laundry, a farm shop and free parking.
Nore Valley Walk
- Free, public trail managed by Trail Kilkenny.
- Moderate difficulty with minimal ascent; the surface is well‑maintained but can become wet and boggy after heavy rain – sturdy hiking boots or wellingtons are advisable.
- Dogs are not permitted on the route, preserving tranquillity for walkers.
- Trail is signposted with a green arrow on a white background; a downloadable map and PDF guides are available on the Trail Kilkenny site.
Whether spending a day exploring the farm’s friendly creatures or setting off on a riverside stroll, visitors to Nore Valley Park and the adjoining walk will find a blend of countryside charm, historic scenery and family‑friendly adventure.