Jewel of the Southeast

About Inistioge

Inistioge is a beautiful and historic village on the river Nore in South Kilkenny. Its special character has made it one of the most visited places in the South East of Ireland for many decades.

Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny

Inistioge may have originated as a Viking settlement as it is located at the lowest crossing point of the River Nore and we know that the Osraige defeated Olaf Cuaran, King of Dublin at Inistioge in 964. The area was granted to Thomas FitzAnthony in 1169 and he established the Augustinian Priory in 1206. The priors developed the settlement but Inistioge declined after the dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540, and in 1566 the Priory lands were granted to Sir Edmond Butler.

Inistioge was incorporated as a town by James 1st in 1608 and weekly markets on a Friday and an annual fair on December 13th were established. In 1649 the town was besieged and captured by the Cromwellians.

Enjoy

Scenic Views

Hidden Gem of the Southeast

Cappagh Stone is a most outstanding contemporary designed residence dramatically constructed into the hill overlooking Inistioge Village.

Woodstock Gardens & Arboretum

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is located within a mile of village. The gardens were once regarded as one of the great gardens of Ireland and Kilkenny County Council has undertaken a major restoration job in the past 20 years.

There are over 50 acres of formal gardens and parkland dating from the Victorian period. The gardens offer the visitor a wide variety of interesting features such as the Flower Terraces, the Winter Garden, the Monkey Puzzle Walk, the Noble Fir Walk, and the Arboretum with its rare collection of trees from all over the world. The Dovecote and the curious Grotto provide an interesting focal point in the gardens.