KILKENNY BIKE TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Kilkenny’s Quiet Loop: Cycle to Bennettsbridge, Walk Back Along the Nore
A self-guided, 2–2.5 hour outing that pairs a gentle ride from Kilkenny City with a riverside return on the Nore Valley Walk—ideal for anyone who wants cycling, craft visits and an Irish pub stop in one afternoon.
Kilkenny’s Quiet Loop: Cycle to Bennettsbridge, Walk Back Along the Nore.
Bike ’N’ Hike is a relaxed, self-guided outing that sends you out of Kilkenny City along the Sion Road to the picturesque village of Bennettsbridge, where local craft producers and a convivial village pub await, before you return on foot along the scenic Nore Valley Walk.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A quiet loop: city streets, village lanes and the Nore
The route takes you from Kilkenny City via the Sion Road to Bennettsbridge, with a return along the river on the Nore Valley Walk that showcases the area’s tranquillity and scenery.
Pottery and makers in Bennettsbridge
In Bennettsbridge you can visit craft producers such as Moth To A Flame candle makers and Nicholas Mosse Pottery; there is no charge to watch the pottery process and you can browse the store.
A proper Irish pub lunch in the village
The Corner House local pub sits at the heart of Bennettsbridge with a lunch menu and an assuredly warm Irish welcome from locals — a comfortable pause on the loop.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
You hire a bike in Kilkenny, cycle a relaxed 45–50 minutes out the Sion Road to Bennettsbridge, lock up at the Village Pump to explore pottery shops and makers, enjoy a village lunch or coffee, and then choose to walk back along the Nore Valley Walk — a riverside return that can take about 2 hours 10 minutes if you opt to hike.
THE ROUTE
A quiet loop: city streets, village lanes and the Nore
The route takes you from Kilkenny City via the Sion Road to Bennettsbridge, with a return along the river on the Nore Valley Walk that showcases the area’s tranquillity and scenery.
THE CRAFTS
Pottery and makers in Bennettsbridge
In Bennettsbridge you can visit craft producers such as Moth To A Flame candle makers and Nicholas Mosse Pottery; there is no charge to watch the pottery process and you can browse the store.
THE WELCOME
A proper Irish pub lunch in the village
The Corner House local pub sits at the heart of Bennettsbridge with a lunch menu and an assuredly warm Irish welcome from locals — a comfortable pause on the loop.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who to check with.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bikes are hired from the operator and maps are provided for the route; plan clothing for cycling and a riverside walk.
Arrive at Sullivan’s Micro Brewery to collect your bike; the Bike ’N’ Hike option operates seven days a week and group rates are available.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Bike ’N’ Hike experience?
About 2 to 2.5 hours overall; expect roughly 45–50 minutes to cycle to Bennettsbridge and about 2 hours 10 minutes if you choose to walk back along the Nore Valley Walk.
Where do I meet to start the trip?
The meeting point is Sullivan’s Micro Brewery, 15 John Street, Kilkenny City (just behind The Wine Centre).
Do I need my own bike?
No—you hire a bike from the operator as part of the Bike ’N’ Hike experience.
Can I visit local craft producers in Bennettsbridge?
Yes—there are craft producers such as Moth To A Flame and Nicholas Mosse Pottery; watching the pottery process and browsing the store are available at no charge.
Are there options for larger groups or if my preferred time is full?
Group rates are available and a support vehicle can be provided for larger groups; if your preferred time slot is full, contact the operator by phone or email as they may still be able to accommodate you.
When does Bike ’N’ Hike operate?
The Bike ’N’ Hike option operates seven days a week.