In reply to DOMINIC1. I saw your post about the above and I am happy to reply as I know the area well.

Seasons is based in an old Manor House and converted buildings in it's own grounds, complete with ruined Abbey, which was until very recently in the ownership of a well-known landed Irish family. I can't speak for the quality of the appartments, but I often have reason to call and the grounds are always immaculate and very peaceful. Knocktopher is a very small village (with the inevitable housing development currently taking place as everywhere). It has one pub, another pub/hotel, a petrol station and a curious old-fashioned general store. Unfortunately it is bisected by the Waterford/Kilkenny road, but this does not affect the peace of the Abbey.

Providied you have a car, Knocktopher is a marvellous base for seeing the area around. Within a very short driving distance is that lively town of Thomastown and Jerpoint Abbey. Kells and Kells Abbey is also just down the road. Also take time to see the very untouristy villages around Knocktopher which lie in lovely unspoilt scenery - Newmarket (within walking distance with It's Famine Memorial cottage), Kilmoganny, Windgap, Mullinavat (local beauty spot - the waterfall). A little bit further and you have Inistioge and Woodstock(a must), Graiguenamanagh (Duiske Abbey), Tullogher, Slieverue . Pick up a Craft Trail brochure at reception (I know they have them) and do a wonderful tour of the upmarket craft studios around Thomastown and Bennettsbridge.

Then of course there are Kilkenny , Waterford and New Ross which are all half an hour of Knocktopher. Cashel and Cahir are only a little bit further. Their attrractions are well-known. A week won't be enough.

If you like activities, Mount Juliet Hotel and Golf Club is only a 10 minute drive. Non-residents can avail of golf, horse-riding, archery, clayshooting, lovely walks, spa treatments and fishing, and two restaurants. If you like walking there loads of walks - The South Leinster Way passes close by, Mount Brandon, Sleivenamon. Even go-karting at Mountain View (10 mins from Knocktopher). More golf at Gowran, Waterford, Kilkenny.

If you want a day in Dublin there are about 12 buses a day from Thomastown plus trains.

All this is just within half an hour, there's loads more so come and see.

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