Kilkenny prepares to enter a new era of recreational cycling – time to dust off the bikes!

The opening of the first section of the South-East Greenway on Tuesday was a hugely exciting development for Kilkenny. Yes, the greenway has been under construction for years now and we are sure to burn through a few more calendars before it reaches full completion, but it promises to be well worth the wait. As this ambitious project advances, the planned links to villages including Slieverue and Glenmore will breathe new life into these communities, while the ongoing feasibility study for a connection to Woodstock in Inistioge may pave the way cycling infrastructure all the way back to the heart of Kilkenny City.

Inistioge, renowned for its picturesque beauty, is eagerly anticipating the prospect of becoming a vital waypoint on the greenway’s journey. The addition of this connection would not only enhance Inistioge’s allure but would also solidify the greenway’s position as a regional attraction that draws visitors on an unforgettable journey right down through the spine of the county. Having previously visited Inistioge myself to do a piece with Cycle Kilkenny Bike Hire, I was bowled over by the potential for cycling in the region.

By attracting visitors eager to explore Kilkenny’s all-too-hidden heartland, local shops and cafés will hopefully see increased patronage, and this will help bolster the local economy. It will also mean that cyclists are not forced onto local roads that may prove to be hazardous in certain spots – a rare win-win for cyclists and motorists alike! Beyond the economic and social benefits, the South-East Greenway serves as testament to the county’s commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. Use of the greenway will help foster the growing culture of eco-friendly leisure activities, thus reducing carbon emissions and mitigating the impact of climate change.

We must not forget however the fact that the South-East Greenway will be built where railway lines once operated. As the greenway breathes new life into these disused railway tracks, it presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and educate visitors about our region’s storied railway past. Incorporating information boards and interpretive signage along the route would not only add depth to the overall experience but also foster a sense of appreciation for the legacy of the railway in shaping the identity of the region.

As we move forward, it is important that we do so with respect for the past that shaped the South-East Greenway we are celebrating today. On the topic of railway heritage in Kilkenny, it would be remiss of me not to mention the old railway line that ran from Kilkenny City to Castlecomer. There had been probing discussions held in the past around the potential for the route to host a greenway that appear to have all but fizzled out.

Most of us are actively aware of how dangerous the current road can be from Kilkenny to Castlecomer, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. Now imagine a greenway built on that old railway line that connected the city to Castlecomer, and the potential it would have to further revitalise North Kilkenny. It could even link the city to the new state-of-the-art countryside park at Dunmore that’s currently under construction and go on all the way to Castlecomer Discovery Park – a dream route for those seeking an active cycling trail, especially active families! Perhaps that’s very much a discussion for another day – but is definitely one that needs to be revisited in the not-so-distant future.

In the meantime, here’s hoping we can harness the full potential of the South-East Greenway going forward and bring all the experience garnered to similar future projects across the county and the wider region. The initial and ongoing success of the greenway is built upon the perseverance of the community, local authorities, and all of the stakeholders involved. .