|
| |
There’s
something about Southern Ireland which makes you feel
relaxed from the moment you arrive. The timeless peace
and beauty of Knocktopher Abbey is sure to work its magic
on even the most stressed visitor. |
|
| |
|
|
Set in the
green and pleasant countryside between the historic
towns of Kilkenny and Waterford, on the main road from
Dublin, the Abbey makes an ideal touring centre for
the picturesque south east of Ireland, surrounded as
it is by all the wild, unspoilt beauty of mountain
ranges, coast and rolling countryside dotted with traditional
cottages, farmhouses and pubs.
Easily accessible via Wales, there are several ferries daily from
both Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare, 56 miles from Knocktopher,
or there are frequent flights from around the UK to Dublin airport
(78 miles away) and to Waterford airport, just 25 miles from Knocktopher.
From here you can enjoy the traditional Irish hospitality — not
to mention the unique flavour of ‘fresh’ Guinness! – while
you explore forest roads, nature trails, riverbanks, villages,
harbours, beaches, castles, abbeys and country crafts galore. Dublin’s
fair city is only one and a half hours drive away.
|
|
| |
Knocktopher
Abbey Resort
The history of Knocktopher Abbey is fascinating: set in 17 acres
of mature gardens and parkland, it was the site of a Norman castle,
and the keep can still be seen today. Later, in the 13th century,
the Abbey was home to the first Carmelite order in Ireland, and remained
so until Cromwell occupied the building in 1647. Still standing today
after five centuries is the oldest working chimney in Ireland.
Interestingly, one of the country’s only three Holy Trinity
Wells is situated in the main Abbey building, in an original 13th
Century vaulted room. |
|
|
| |
 The
house itself was home for three centuries to the Langrishe
family, the Lords of Ballyhale. The present Abbey was
rebuilt in Gothic style in 1850, following a disastrous
fire. Knocktopher remained the family seat from 1679
until 1981, when it was painstakingly restored to provide
eight spacious self-catering suites, each with its own
unique character, leather Chesterfields and antique desks – some
even have four poster beds. A chance to experience all
the elegance and splendour of the past – with none
of the historic discomforts!
Thanks to Seasons corporate membership of the Ormonde Hotel Leisure
Centre in Kilkenny, guests have free access to facilities including
swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, state of the art gymnasium,
sunbeds, children’s creche and beauty treatments. Residents
laundry is also available. |
|
| |
 |
|
The
Mews Cottages
The adjacent coach house and stables have been tastefully converted
into seven one and two bedroom cottages, and as with all Seasons
resorts they are furnished with every requirement for self-catering,
including linen, towels, crockery, cutlery, glassware, cookware,
fully fitted kitchens and appliances. Television, VCR/DVD player
with video library, double glazing and heating add to your comfort.
|
|
| |
The
Courtyard Complex
Plans are also in hand to convert further Abbey farm buildings
into luxury apartments, in a courtyard style.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
Exploring
the area
 Kilkenny,
just 20 minutes drive away, is a city boasting its
own Cathedral - St. Canices, dating back to 870AD,
as well as ancient Kilkenny castle in its beautiful
riverside
location, the Black Abbey, and no less than 77 pubs – 6
of them side by side in one street!
There is also an interesting shopping area, a riding stable, and
some excellent restaurants and entertaining bars, if you feel like
sampling the local atmosphere.
Just half an hour’s drive away is Dunmore East, one of the
many small picturesque fishing villages for which this coastline
is famous, which has one of the finest small uncommercial harbours
in Ireland, offering fine sailing and sea fishing. Nearby are numerous
coves, perfect for swimming and skin diving.
|
|
| |
Fishing
and golf
Ireland is a fisherman’s dream, with 9,000 miles of rivers,
600,000 acres of lakes and 3,000 miles of coastline. Irish golf clubs
love visitors and within the vicinity of Knocktopher you could comfortably
play a different course every day for a fortnight and still leave
some unvisited. Indeed, just a few minutes drive from the Abbey is
Mount Juliet, one of Ireland’s finest 18 hole championship
golf ourses. At the other end of the scale, for the friendly family
foursomes, there are also a number of 9 hole courses. |
|
|
|
