Active Pursuits in County Kilkenny

Bicycling

For complete 1- or 2-week cycling holidays in the Southeast, contact Don Smith at Celtic Cycling, Lorum Old Rectory, Bagenalstown, County Carlow (059/977-5282; www.celticcycling.com/lorum.html).

Fishing

The River Nore, southeast of Kilkenny, is known for salmon and trout. For advice, permits, and supplies, visit the Sports Shop, 82 High St., Kilkenny (056/772-1517).

Golf

Mount Juliet Golf and Country Club in Thomastown (www.mountjuliet.ie; 056/777-3010), is an excellent course 16km (10 miles) south of Kilkenny City. The 18-hole, par-72 championship course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, charges greens fees of anywhere of €100. Even closer to the city is the 18-hole championship course at the Kilkenny Golf Club in Glendine (www.kilkennygolfclub.com; 056/776-5400), an inland par-71 layout with greens fees around €35 to €60.