Explore Kilfane Glen & Waterfall: A Hidden Garden Gem in Kilkenny

Kilfane Glen and Waterfall is one of the most enchanting garden escapes in all of County Kilkenny, and arguably one of the finest surviving Romantic-era gardens in Ireland. Laid out in the 1790s in the picturesque style, it features a dramatic cascade waterfall, a winding wooded glen, a rustic cottage ornée, and lush planting that feels genuinely wild rather than manicured. The garden fell into long neglect before being painstakingly restored by the Connolly-Carew family, and that sense of rediscovery is still palpable when you walk through it today.

Getting there is straightforward. Kilfane Glen is situated just off the R700 road between Thomastown and Kilkenny city, roughly 3 km north of Thomastown village. Thomastown is your nearest town and is well served by Bus Éireann routes running between Kilkenny and Waterford — from there it is a pleasant short taxi or cycle along quiet country roads. If you are driving, there is free on-site parking in a small gravel car park beside the entrance gate. Sat-nav the address as Kilfane, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

The garden opens seasonally, typically through the summer months on Sundays and bank holiday afternoons, though opening days can expand during busier periods — always check directly with the owners before travelling. Admission is very reasonable, usually in the region of €6–€8 per adult, with children often free or at a nominal charge. It is a working private estate, so visiting outside posted hours is not possible.

Wear sturdy footwear — the glen paths are natural and can be uneven and muddy after rain, which in Ireland is more often than not. Bring a light waterproof layer regardless of the forecast. The walk through the glen and back takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour at a gentle pace, making it ideal for families with older children, garden enthusiasts, and anyone who simply wants a quiet, atmospheric stroll away from crowds. A camera or phone with a decent lens is well worth having; the waterfall in particular is wonderfully photogenic.

Local tip most visitors miss: if you linger near the cottage ornée rather than rushing past it, you can peer inside to see the period furnishings — it was designed as a place for aristocratic picnics and still has a lived-in charm. Also, the glen is at its absolute best after a day of rain, when the waterfall is in full spate and the moss and ferns glow an almost surreal green. Locals know this and time their visits accordingly. Combine your trip with a stop in Thomastown for coffee or lunch at one of the village cafés before or after your walk.

For garden lovers this is genuinely a must-see on any County Kilkenny itinerary. Unlike formal walled gardens, Kilfane feels personal and a little secret, the kind of place you half expect to find a folly around every corner — and sometimes you do. It sits comfortably alongside better-known Irish gardens but draws far smaller crowds, which is precisely part of its charm. Keep an eye on the official website or Kilkenny Tourism pages for any special open days or guided walks that may be offered through the season.