South Leinster Way

Overview

The South Leinster Way is a 103.6 km (64 mi) long‑distance trail that stretches southwest from the village of Kildavin in County Carlow to Carrick‑on‑Suir in County Tipperary. Designated as a National Waymarked Trail, it is graded moderate and is typically completed in five days, averaging 20‑25 km per day. The route is marked by a yellow arrow on a black background and is open to walkers, trail‑runners and dogs on a lead.

Managed jointly by Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary county councils, the Carlow Local Sports Partnership, Kilkenny Trails and Coillte, the trail was officially opened on 30 November 1985 by Minister of State for Sport Donal Creed. It forms a key segment of the European long‑distance path E8, which runs from Dursey Island in County Cork to Istanbul, Turkey.

History & Background

The South Leinster Way was conceived in the early 1980s as part of a national effort to create a network of waymarked long‑distance walks. Planning drew on historic market routes that linked towns and river crossings long before modern roads existed. After its inauguration in 1985, the trail was incorporated into the E8 in the 1990s, linking it with the Wicklow Way to the north and the East Munster Way to the south.

A 2010 review of Ireland’s National Waymarked Trails noted that about 55 % of the South Leinster Way still followed local roads and that waymarking could be sparse in a few sections. Since then, trail‑management committees have been encouraged to improve signage, cut back vegetation where needed and develop short looped walks off the main route – for example the Clashganny Forest loop and the Borris Viaduct walk.

Getting Started

Trailheads & Parking – The official start point is the churchyard in Kildavin (grid reference S 890 599). A small free car park sits beside the church and is sign‑posted from the N80. At the other end, Carrick‑on‑Suir offers on‑street parking near the River Suir and several public car parks.

Public transport –

• Start – The nearest town is Bunclody; Bus Éireann runs a request‑stop service to Bunclody, and a taxi can take you the short distance to Kildavin.
• Finish – Carrick‑on‑Suir is served by daily Express Bus services to Waterford and Limerick and has a rail connection at Waterford station.

Maps & Navigation – The official South Leinster Way Map Guide (EastWest Mapping) is available as a PDF on the Sport Ireland site. Interactive maps can be viewed on the IrishTrails.ie portal and the HiiKER app, which provides GPS tracks for each stage.

What to See & Do

Highlights along the way

• Mount Leinster – the highest peak in the Blackstairs range (796 m). The summit offers sweeping views of the Carlow countryside and, on exceptionally clear days, the coast of Wales.
• Borris Railway Viaduct – a striking 19th‑century granite bridge; a short loop walk takes you under the arches and provides excellent photo opportunities.
• Clashganny Forest – accessible via a side‑track near Borris; the forest loop (signposted with green arrows) passes the historic Clashganny Lock and a mass‑rock.
• Barrow Towpath – a flat, traffic‑free stretch ideal for families and cyclists; keep an eye out for swans and occasional otters.
• Graiguenamanagh Regatta – held each summer on the River Barrow, offering a lively atmosphere for walkers passing through.

Flora & Fauna

The trail traverses a mosaic of habitats. On the mountain heath you’ll see heather, gorse and bilberry in late summer, while the lower woodlands host oak, ash and occasional blue‑bells in spring. Deer, foxes and a variety of birds – including kingfishers along the Barrow and meadow pipits on the open moorland – are regular sightings.

Practical Information

Length & Elevation – Total length 103.6 km; cumulative ascent about 1 490 m (no single climb exceeds 800 m). The trail is linear; the official start is at the village church in Kildavin (grid reference S 890 599) and the finish is at the edge of Carrick‑on‑Suir.

Waymarking – Yellow arrow on black background; occasional gaps have been reported near the Kilbrannish Loop and on some Barrow towpath sections. Carry the official South Leinster Way Map Guide (EastWest Mapping) or download the PDF maps from Sport Ireland.

Surface – Roughly 58 km (56 %) follows local roads, including quiet tarmac and forestry tracks. The final 30 km is entirely on paved roads. Trail runners often prefer the road sections, while walkers should be comfortable navigating occasional traffic.

Transport –

• Start (Kildavin) – Request stop on an Express Bus service (check Bus Éireann) and a nearby rail station at Bunclody. Taxis can be arranged from Bunclody to the trailhead.
• Finish (Carrick‑on‑Suir) – Daily Express Bus service and local bus (Monday‑Saturday) connect to Waterford and Limerick; rail connections are available via Iarnród Éireann at Waterford.

Contact & Management –

• Harry Everard, Rural Recreation Officer – email: harry.everard@cklp.ie
• Kilkenny Tourist Office – Tel: 056‑7751500, email: kdowling@southeasttourism.ie
• Carlow Tourist Office – Tel: +353 0 59 9121554
• Official website for maps and updates: Sport Ireland – South Leinster Way

Accommodation – Each of the main villages (Borris, Graiguenamanagh, Inistioge, Mullinavat, Carrick‑on‑Suir) offers B&Bs, guesthouses and small hotels. Camping is possible at Brandon Hill Camping (seasonal) and in designated farm‑yard sites along the route.

Dog Policy – Dogs are permitted on a lead throughout the trail.

Seasonality – The trail is open year‑round. The most popular months are May‑September, when the mountain heaths are in bloom and the Barrow towpath is at its greenest.

Safety Notes – While the majority of the trail is low‑gradient, the road sections can be busy near larger villages (e.g., the R700 near Inistioge). Use caution at road crossings, especially where the trail shares a single‑track road. The Kilbrannish Loop signage can be confusing – consult the official map before deviating.

Family‑Friendly Tips – The moderate distance and relatively gentle climbs make the South Leinster Way suitable for families with older children. The Barrow towpath and the Borris Viaduct loop are particularly kid‑friendly. Carry water, a basic first‑aid kit and a fully charged phone for emergencies.

Events & Seasonal Highlights

• Graiguenamanagh Regatta – A summer rowing festival on the River Barrow, usually held in July. The town’s riverside promenade fills with spectators, making it a festive stop for walkers.
• Autumn Walking Festival – Hosted in Carlow each October (2024 dates 4‑6 Oct). The festival includes guided walks on the Blackstairs Mountains, flora‑focused tours, and a navigation workshop that is useful for South Leinster Way hikers.
• Mount Leinster Access Day – Occasionally the local council organises guided walks from the Nine Stones car park, offering insight into the mountain’s geology and folklore.
• Borris Viaduct Heritage Walk – During summer weekends a local heritage group runs short talks at the viaduct, covering its 1860 construction and engineering significance.

Loop Walks & Side Trails

• Borris Railway Viaduct Walk – A 3.5 km circular route starting from the car park beside Borris Vocational School. The walk passes under the 16‑arch viaduct and offers panoramic views of the Blackstairs range. (More info at the dedicated site www.borrisviaduct.ie.)
• Clashganny Forest Loop – Signposted with green arrows, this gentle 4‑km loop follows the Barrow Way, passes Clashganny Lock and a historic mass‑rock. Ideal for families and bird‑watchers.
• Kilbrannish Forest Loop – Near the northern end of the Blackstairs, the loop offers three variations ranging from 2 km to 5 km, with views from Croaghaun (455 m) over the Carlow plains. A car park and picnic facilities are provided. See Kilbrannish Hill for more details.
• Mount Leinster Summit Access – From the Nine Stones car park a short 5 km tarmac round‑trip leads to the summit’s TV‑gate viewpoint. For a more rugged experience, the “Black Banks” forest tracks provide a quieter ascent.

Nearby Attractions

• Borris Railway Viaduct – A striking 19th‑century granite bridge with a dedicated walking loop.
• Clashganny Forest – Woodland walks, historic lock and picnic spots along the River Barrow.
• Kilbrannish Hill – Offers forested walks and panoramic views of the Blackstairs foothills.
• Kildavin – The trailhead village, home to the historic churchyard and a small free car park.
• Ormond Castle – Located in Carrick‑on‑Suir, a 16th‑century fortified house that now hosts arts events.

Cultural Highlights

• Borris Viaduct (1860) – a striking granite railway bridge now a pedestrian walkway.
• Duiske Abbey in Graiguenamanagh – a 13th‑century Cistercian ruin.
• St Mary’s Church in Inistioge – an 1824 parish church overlooking the Nore.
• Ormond Castle in Carrick‑on‑Suir – a 16th‑century fortified house with a vibrant arts scene.

The South Leinster Way offers a balanced mix of mountain scenery, river valleys and living heritage. Whether you are seeking a multi‑day trek that stays off the main tourist radar or a series of day‑walks that showcase the heart of southeast Ireland, the trail delivers a genuine taste of Irish countryside charm.