Local places to visit

"Moongate provides an ideal base for exploring Ireland's South East. On your doorstep are unmissable destinations such as the Blackstairs Mountains and Borris (Georgian) village with it's traditional pubs. County Carlow is a very Irish county, with warm and friendly people and an olde-worlde charm all of it's own. Venture a little further for Kilkenny Medieval city, Altamont Gardens and charming riverside towns such as Graiguenamanagh, An hour's drive will bring you down to County Wexford with fishing villages and Blue Flag beaches, County Waterford with it's Viking city and stunning coastline and across to County Tipperary for mountains and multitude of historical attractions such as the Rock of Cashel. Kilkenny City is less than 20 miles away, as are all the destinations shown below. Kilkenny city is a popular tourist destination which has retained it's small county town ambience. Kilkenny offers a good range of shops, restaurants and pubs to cater for all tastes, with traditional Irish music on offer most evenings and has a good Design Centre for gifts and Irish-made crafts, located opposite the castle"

Altamont Gardens, near Ballon village on the Carlow to Wexford Road. "The most romantic garden in Ireland"	Duckett's Grove walled gardens, off the Hackettstown Road, Carlow, being restored to it's former glory.	Graiguenamanagh (town of the monks), on the river Barrow. Lovely walks and great pubs.
Huntington Castle, Clonegal village. Extraordinary architectural gem, set in a picturesque village.	Kilkenny Castle and medieval city. A must for visitors. See movie	Tinnahinch lower lock on the riverside walk near to Graiguenamanagh. Easy grade walk in wonderful setting.

All scenic photos supplied by James Burke ARPS

Guest comments
"One of Ireland's best kept secrets, Moongate is an ideal place to seek out your own spiritual renaissance"
"Impressed though one is by Moongate's exterior, one is left in awe by its interior”