Seasons at Knocktopher Abbey - Timeshare Rental

There’s something about Southern Ireland which makes you feel relaxed from the moment you arrive. The timeless peace and beauty of Knocktopher Abbey is sure to work its magic on even the most stressed visitor.

Set in the green and pleasant countryside between the historic towns of Kilkenny and Waterford, on the main road from Dublin, the Abbey makes an ideal touring centre for the picturesque south east of Ireland, surrounded as it is by all the wild, unspoilt beauty of mountain ranges, coast and rolling countryside dotted with traditional cottages, farmhouses and pubs.

Easily accessible via Wales, there are several ferries daily from both Fishguard and Pembroke to Rosslare, 56 miles from Knocktopher, or there are frequent flights from around the UK to Dublin airport (78 miles away) and to Waterford airport, just 25 miles from Knocktopher.

From here you can enjoy the traditional Irish hospitality — not to mention the unique flavour of ‘fresh’ Guinness! – while you explore forest roads, nature trails, riverbanks, villages, harbours, beaches, castles, abbeys and country crafts galore. Dublin’s fair city is only one and a half hours drive away.

Knocktopher Abbey Resort
The history of Knocktopher Abbey is fascinating: set in 17 acres of mature gardens and parkland, it was the site of a Norman castle, and the keep can still be seen today. Later, in the 13th century, the Abbey was home to the first Carmelite order in Ireland, and remained so until Cromwell occupied the building in 1647. Still standing today after five centuries is the oldest working chimney in Ireland.

Interestingly, one of the country’s only three Holy Trinity Wells is situated in the main Abbey building, in an original 13th Century vaulted room.

The house itself was home for three centuries to the Langrishe family, the Lords of Ballyhale. The present Abbey was rebuilt in Gothic style in 1850, following a disastrous fire. Knocktopher remained the family seat from 1679 until 1981, when it was painstakingly restored to provide eight spacious self-catering suites, each with its own unique character, leather Chesterfields and antique desks – some even have four poster beds. A chance to experience all the elegance and splendour of the past – with none of the historic discomforts!

Thanks to Seasons corporate membership of the Ormonde Hotel Leisure Centre in Kilkenny, guests have free access to facilities including swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, state of the art gymnasium, sunbeds, children’s creche and beauty treatments. Residents' laundry is available on-site.

The Mews Cottages
The adjacent coach house and stables have been tastefully converted into seven one and two bedroom cottages, and as with all Seasons resorts they are furnished with every requirement for self-catering, including linen, towels, crockery, cutlery, glassware, cookware, fully fitted kitchens and appliances. Television, VCR/DVD player with video library, double glazing and heating add to your comfort.

Exploring the area
Kilkenny, just 20 minutes drive away, is a city boasting its own Cathedral - St. Canices, dating back to 870AD, as well as ancient Kilkenny castle in its beautiful riverside location, the Black Abbey, and no less than 77 pubs – 6 of them side by side in one street!

There is also an interesting shopping area, a riding stable, and some excellent restaurants and entertaining bars, if you feel like sampling the local atmosphere.

Just half an hour’s drive away is Dunmore East, one of the many small picturesque fishing villages for which this coastline is famous, which has one of the finest small uncommercial harbours in Ireland, offering fine sailing and sea fishing. Nearby are numerous coves, perfect for swimming and skin diving.

Fishing and golf
Ireland is a fisherman’s dream, with 9,000 miles of rivers, 600,000 acres of lakes and 3,000 miles of coastline. Irish golf clubs love visitors and within the vicinity of Knocktopher you could comfortably play a different course every day for a fortnight and still leave some unvisited. Indeed, just a few minutes drive from the Abbey is Mount Juliet, one of Ireland’s finest 18 hole championship golf ourses. At the other end of the scale, for the friendly family foursomes, there are also a number of 9 hole courses.