Best day trips from New Ross
What happens when we go away ? We appreciate everything that little bit more! While New Ross is a wonderful, historic and fascinating town, there’s a lot more to Ireland than just our town. Luckily for you, you can explore pretty much anywhere in Ireland and be back again within a day. Even on our doorstep…. travelling outside of New Ross visitors can head 25 – 40 minutes in any direction and a digital detox will await!
First up on our Road Trip is the beautiful picturesque village of Inistioge on the banks of the River Nore. It has a special character that has made it one of the most visited places in Ireland’s Ancient East. The scenic location with a 10-span arch bridge dating from the 18th century has made Inistioge a major attraction for visitors for centuries. Parts remain of an Augustinian Priory which dates from the 13th century. On the northern bank of the river is the Woodstock estate, home of the Tighe family and its proximity has had a major influence on the development of the village and surrounding area for over 200 years.
Woodstock Gardens
A magnificent array of rare trees and shrubs in wonderful surroundings. On a good day you could spend hours here surrounded with peace and tranquility, The old conservatory and garden bench have strong ties to our town as it was a local New Ross Business – Powers Foundry who were tasked with restoring the project. The Garden Bench was restored from a small piece of the original Garden bench that was found under a ditch and secured by Eddie Coady. This design was scaled up and cast to exactly replicate the design of the original garden bench. The Conservatory took nearly 4 years to construct finally finishing in 2008.
Inistioge Bridge
The classical bridge at Inistioge is a thing of beauty, a place to go to relax and de-stress. Under its tenth, dry, arch is a beautiful garden with riverside seats where you can appreciate the Romanesque features of a bridge that was completed with great workmanship. For some reason, no one knows why the elaborate work was only carried out on the downstream side of the bridge built in the two years after the great flood of 1763 by George Smith who was also responsible for Green’s Bridge in the city. Smith’s design of the downstream side was based on the design of the Blackfriars Bridge in London by renowned architect Robert Mylne. Its simplicity and elegance are worthy of any Venetian bridge. It is the only bridge in Europe of its kind, boasting 10 arches of equal size. However there is some confusion as It would appear that the tenth arch was added after the original bridge was built. Why not cross the wonderful stone arch bridge and see for yourself.
Local legend has it that a mermaid was fished from the River Nore back in the 12th century.
The Charming “Wisteria” Cottage
This charming 22 year old “Wisteria” cottage in Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny looks (and smells) amazing, especially during the spring!
Dunnes Stores last year filmed their magical Christmas advert in Inistioge!
Woodstock Arms
The Woodstock arms epitomises Irish character, charm and welcome. O’Keeffe’s has been offering a warm welcome to all for three generations and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The outside seating area is a natural sun-trap and is the perfect spot to relax and watch the sun go down.
O’Donnell’s Pub
It is not only the fishing permits for the area that is available from O’Donnell’s pub in the square, this bar also has visitors who have claimed O’Donnells to have the best pint of Guinness in Ireland. Do yourself a favour and go in for a permit or pints.
…and finally in case you need anymore convincing
1995 Movie The Circle of Friends
The movie was based on Maeve Binchy’s book of the same name and tells the story of Bernadette “Benny” Hogan and her two friends, Eve Malone and Nan Mahon. Set in 1950s Ireland in the fictional town of Knockglen. which just happen to be filmed in the village of Inistioge in Co. Kilkenny.