Official Opening of Grennan Loop Walk

It was a lovely bright Sunday morning in Thomastown for the launch of the much-awaited Grennan Loop Walk.

The was officially opened by Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere who commended the dedicated efforts of the Thomastown Community Network in making the 7km walk a reality.

He also commended Harry Everard from Trail Kilkenny who assisted Mary Deevy, Mags Morrissey and Sophie Walsh in the development of the trail.

A good crowd including Cllr Deirdre Clune and Mary Walsh, (Kilkenny County Council) gathered at the very attractive information board on Low Street for the launch and the inaugural Grennan Loop walk. Mary Deevy (Butterfly Valley Glamping) along with her husband and small boys led the walk from the town, past the Ollie Walsh Statue and on to Grennan Castle, before joining the River Nore as it meanders through a wooded valley.

The deciduous woodland, home to a range of wildlife including -buzzards, red squirrels, wild garlic and spindle trees, looked superb in its autumn colours as the group wander through chatting and enjoying another of Thomastown’s outdoor attractions. A few lucky walkers got a glimpse of an otter along the river bank. There was a well-earned snack break at the new benches which were installed as part of the walk, under the beech trees and overlooking the river. Supervalu Thomastown kindly sponsored fruit for everyone.

LOOP

The walk loops back. To Thomastown via the upper Rock Road, offering good views of the valley and Thomastown. It is envisaged that the walk will be enjoyed by both locals and visitors for years to come.

The walk was funded by Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Leader Partnership under the LCDC funding programme.