Graignamanagh (Irish: Gráig na Manach, meaning "Village of the monks") or Graiguenamanagh is a village in County Kilkenny, near the border with County Carlow.

Understand

The village has two spellings, Graignamanagh and Graiguenamanagh. The first is the Irish spelling and the second is the Anglicised version. The town had a vote on which they preferred and the Irish spelling Graignamanagh won.

The monks after which the town is named arrived here in 1204. They build Duiske Abbey. In 2004, the town celebrated its 800 year anniversary.

Get in

By car

• From Kilkenny, take the R700 south east. Turn right on to the R703 at Thomastown. Total distance is 30 km (19 mi).
• From Carlow, take the R448 south. Turn right on to the R705. Total distance is 40 km (25 mi).
• From New Ross, take the R700 north and turn left onto the R705. Total distance is 20 km (12 mi).

By train

The closest train station is in Thomastown, some 15 km (9.3 mi) away. Trains on the Dublin - Waterford line stop here.

By boat

Graignamanagh is on the River Barrow which is navigational from Grand Canal at Lowtown, through Graignamanagh, Inistioge, New Ross, Waterford and on to the sea. Talk to the Lockkeeper at Graiguenamanagh (phone +353 87 950-8987), or check out the Waterways Ireland Website for more info.

Get around

The seven arched bridge that crosses the River Barrow was build by George Semple in the 18th century.

See

• 1 Duiske Abbey, Abbey St, ☏ +353 59 9724238. This 13th century Cistercian monastery is considered one of the finest examples of a Cistercian monastery is Ireland. The early church is now the local parish church. There are also lots of other remains of the monastery. Look out for the original stonework and medieval floor tiles. There is also an exhibition of local historical objects. 

Do

• Town of Books Festival. Not to be missed by book lovers. For three days a year, every shop in town becomes a book shop. There's also music, entertainment and great food. 
• Angling. Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Rudd, Bream, Eels, Roach, Twaite Shad, Stone Loach. Fishing tackle available in Mick Doyles pub. 
• Climbing and Hill Walking. 
• Brandon Hill (Cnoc Bhréanail) (From Graiguenamanagh, take the road to Wexford. 200 m after the roundabout, turn right into a small road to Inistioge. After 10m, turn left. If you look closly, you'll see BW on the wall. After 1 km, you enter a farmers yard. Keep going. The road becomes unpaved. It's another 2 km to the carpark, high up the mountain.). The highest mountain in County Kilkenny is an easy climb of 515 m (1,6790 ft). At the top there great views of the surrounding counties. There is a cairn, an old cross and a plaque pointing out the features in the surrounding landscape. Free. 
• Barrow Navigation. Graiguenamanagh probably the best spot to stop and view the wonders of the Barrow navigation. A fine seven arch granite bridge, a beautiful lock gate at Tinnahinch, Graving docks and a long stone quay by the river. 

Buy

• 1 Cushendale Woollen Mills, Mill Rd, ☏ +353 59 972-4118, info@cushendale.ie. There have been woollen Mills in Graiguenamanagh since Duiske Abbey established here in the 13th century. These days Philip Cushen leads the family business as 4th generation owner and they produce lovely quality woollen rugs as well as knitting yarns and a range of clothing. Well wirth a visit. 
• 2 Duiske Glass, High St, ☏ +353 59 9724174. Family run company specialising in Intaglio method of glass engraving. A lovely shop selling glass and other giftware on High St. Graiguenamanagh 

Eat

• 1 Waterside Restaurant, ☏ +353 59 9724246, info@watersideguesthouse.com. Long established fine restaurant with 10 guest bedrooms upstairs. Great value for quality dining. usually a lovely à la carte menu and a wine list with 45 choices. Superb location next to the river 

Drink

plenty of bars to have a few drinks, check out Mick Doyles for a step back into the past

• 1 Murrays Pub, Main St, ☏ +353 59 972-5932. Great traditional Irish pub on the corner of Main St. next to the bridge. Has a cracking trad session on Sunday evenings and usually music on a few other evenings as well. 

Sleep

• Waterside Restaurant & Guesthouse, Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, ☏ +353 59 972-4246. A carefully converted 19th century granite cornstore with 10 ensuite rooms. All guest rooms overlook the river Barrow, and there is a very fine restaurant on the ground floor. 
• Mick Doyle's Bar & Grocery, Main Street (Opposite Duiske Abbey), ☏ +353 59 972-4203. Best pub on town with large lounge & small grocery, also fishing tackle available.