Top Things to do in Ashford
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Top 10 Things to do in Ashford, Ireland
Discover the best top things to do in Ashford, Ireland including Celtic Rider, BargeTrip, The Kilkenny Way, Wicklow Mountains National Park, Delta Sensory Gardens, The Wicklow Way, Wallaby Woods Donadea, Ferns Castle, Mount Usher Gardens, Jerpoint Park.
Restaurants in Ashford
1. Celtic Rider
Overall Ratings
5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By MegsR1024 - Ramsey, New Jersey
There aren't enough words to tell everyone how wonderful Paul and everyone at Celtic Rider and how amazing the experience was, but I'll try! My boyfriend and I booked the 7 day tour on a R1200 GS. I was the pillion, and as a relatively new rider, I was a little nervous about how the trip would go for me. I can tell you that it was better than anything I could have imagined. Paul's orientation is both informative and hilarious, and he put me immediately at ease. He comes along at the start of your ride to make sure you're comfortable - pointing out road signs and hazards along the way. The lodgings that they chose for use were perfect, with each one close to town so you could easily walk down for dinner and of course a pint or two or three at the pub. The routes chosen each day showed us such spectacular scenery and I love that they marked favorite places to stop along each route. The weather was very wet and windy the first few days (it is Ireland afterall) but then everything cleared out and the views were even more beautiful.
We definitely want to go back and book another tour. I mean, come on. Ireland on a motorcycle? Is there any other way to see the country??? You will not be sorry if you book a trip with Paul and Celtic Rider. You will feel like family and be very sorry to see your trip come to an end.
2. BargeTrip
Overall Ratings
5 based on 107 reviews
Experience the Grand Canal the way it was intended and take a leisurely cruise on a restored traditional Canal Barge. Cruises operate from Sallins Harbour which is only 30 minutes from Dublin city center by train and is located just off the M7 motorway. The barge is available for private charter for groups any day of the week and operates up to 6 scheduled cruises daily at weekends. Kildare is known as the Canals County with 120 km of still waters crossing its landscape and linking its towns and villages. The Captain will give you a unique insight into the life and history of the Grand Canal as it winds its way through the county Kildare countryside. You can choose a short one hour cruise to the Leinster Aqueduct where the canal crosses over the River Liffey, or a 2.5 hour cruise through Digby Lock where you'll experience the workings of an eighteenth century canal lock. There's bar service on-board serving a selection on locally brewed craft beers and in summer there are two 1.5 hour evening cruises to McCreevey's Lock. Afterwards you can enjoy a meal in one of the waterfront restaurants in Sallins village. The M.V. Amo is licensed by the Department of Transport and Tourism for 12 passengers. There’s an outdoor Seating on the open decks at the bow and stern and it has a very comfortable interior with ample Seating, toilet facilities and a wood-burning stove. Scheduled cruises operate from March to October and advance booking is essential.
Reviewed By Jeeves1847 - Dublin, Ireland
Great Sunday afternoon for all the family. We took the 1 hour trip but the children aged 14, 10 and 5 would have loved to stay longer. Sallins to the Kildare aqueduct and back. The crew were excellent and took the time to engage the...MoreThanks for the 5 stars! Great to meet you and the family, hope to see ye on board again.
3. The Kilkenny Way
Overall Ratings
5 based on 180 reviews
We Provide a unique sporting experience giving you an insight into the worlds Oldest (3000 yrs) and fastest field game in the true Home Of Hurling Champions - Kilkenny. Join us for 2 hours of Hurling fun in the Home of the Famous Kilkenny Cats.
Reviewed By Clay F
We did the hurling lesson in June 2017 as part of our 1-day stop in Kilkenny. It was the highlight of our trip. The coach, Andrew, was very personable and relatable. He spent at least 2.5 hours with us, patiently explaining the game to my kids and having fun. We also learned a lot from him about the culture of hurling and the GAA in Irish towns. I would recommend this experience to anyone interested in Irish sport. Great time.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 978 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn F - Brooklyn, New York
I have to start by saying “OMG”! What a beautiful sight, so breathtaking. I spent a couple of hours here and my husband and I were in awe the whole time. It really helps you appreciate not only creation, but the Creator. If you are someone who appreciates nature and beauty, then you will enjoy this. If you are into camping and hiking, then you would be into this. If you aren’t, you can still come and appreciate what it has to offer. You can enjoy the monastic ruins or walk to get to the Upper and Lower lakes. There are two paths to the lakes. My husband and I did both: the Green Road and the boardwalk. The Green road is more of a natural, rugged setting. The boardwalk is for those who want to see the lakes in a more casually, easier setting via a man-made boardwalk. Both are nice. I was even surprised to see food stations available for purchase in the middle of the lakes. It was also nice to see locals using the park for exercise and recreation. The roads and small communities on the way up to the mountain are also very nice and inviting. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy!
5. Delta Sensory Gardens
Overall Ratings
5 based on 121 reviews
Reviewed By PatsyRomford - Romford
Lunch was superb, freshly prepared by friendly staff. However, the Gardens was a magical experience. With water features and so much more. This is a not to be missed experience and we highly recommend it. Well done to all the amazing and talented staff who...MoreThank you so much for taking the time to write such a positive review. All our staff appreciate feedback from our visitors and will be delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with us.
6. The Wicklow Way
Overall Ratings
5 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By daymoLiverpool - Liverpool, United Kingdom
A mild Sunday afternoon we set off from Stepaside for a shortish drive up Crone Woods - on the Wicklow Way. The drive up is quite impressive with different hills and scenes over Dublin bay. The mist was rolling in on the top of some the hills which made it more atmospheric.
We parked up at the Crone Woods carpark and set off on our walk which is fairly up hill, we were struck by the range of different colours in the trees shades of orange, brown, and greens and as the sun was coming down it seemed even more dramatic. We continued to encourage each other up the hill to the gorgeous view of Powercourt waterfall were we rested taking in views of the scenery before continuing our descent down. again noticing the different landscapes and diversity of trees. In total the walk lasted about an hour and to the total of about 9000 steps. A good head clearing experience and now for the Sunday roast.....
7. Wallaby Woods Donadea
Overall Ratings
5 based on 152 reviews
CLOSED DEC 31st and JAN 1st - AUTUMN/WINTER OPENING HOURS APPLY NOW - SATURDAY & SUNDAY FROM 11.00 AM TO 5.00 PM Wallaby Woods offers a great day out for explorers of all ages. Our nature trails and woodland walks are a great interactive nature and animal experience. There are lots of very exciting animals to find on our trails including two varieties of Wallabies, Owls and Emus to name but a few. With many rare breeds to be discovered over 1.5Km of beautiful walkways, flora and fauna. After a long day of exploring you can enjoy a relaxing coffee in our coffee shop. OPENING HOURS:- Saturdays and Sundays 11am to 5pm
Reviewed By GPCarlo - Brussels, Belgium
This was worth a trip
Very friendly staff
Great food (scones and pizza to recommend)
Didn't rate espresso but rest was great
The play parks were excellent for children for all ages (there are three parks for kids)
As a play park and great staff ...thoroughly recommend
For the animals I think is poor - some of the cages seem small...
I would go back
No indoor play facilities
8. Ferns Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
The castle was built in the 13th century, possibly by William, Earl Marshall. Originally, the castle formed a square, with large corner towers. Only half of the castle now remains.
Reviewed By FFranklin051 - Wexford, Ireland
A small but totally wonderful piece of Irish history in ferns. I loved the tour of the castle definitely a hidden gem. Give this place a try you will leave with wonderful memorys and wonderful photographs as the view from the castle is beautiful. I highly recommend this place but don't expect to stay the day as it is small and compact but worth a visit.
9. Mount Usher Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
Reviewed By mikefagan1 - Foxrock, Dublin 18.
Every Christmas our daughters present us with an annual season ticket (exceptional value, btw, given that the Gardens are open all year round). We love these Gardens because, even when it's busy at weekends & on Bank Holidays etc., it's always possible to wander off the beaten track & soak up the peace & quiet of these beautiful Gardens. The Gardens themselves are a credit to the gardening staff, my wife & I keep thinking back to about 30/40 (?) years ago when, it seemed to us, they were starting to deteriorate. We enjoy seeing the many painters & photographers setting up their equipment in their favourite places & the numerous enthusiasts taking close-up photographs with their mobiles of the flowers & the birds & the bees. Last weekend we spotted a camera crew from a well known TV station shooting models in front of several beautiful trees & shrubs in all of their autumnal glory - we couldn't help but feel that the beautiful models & clothes paled into utter insignificance when compared to nature's glory. This is our Top Favourite garden in Ireland & we cannot re mom end it too highly.
10. Jerpoint Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Welcome to Jerpoint Park, where we strive to immerse you in a unique experience of heritage and culture in a very special destination Thomastown in Kilkenny , south east of Ireland. Unearth the history of Jerpoint Park with a guided tour of the footprints of a deserted 12th century medieval town. When it was founded near a crossing point on the River Nore near the Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey. The site also contains the Tomb Effigy of St. Nicholas (Bishop of Myra) plus the Church of St. Nicholas. "One of Irelands's best examples of a deserted 12th century medieval town" a quote from The Heritage Council of Ireland.Savour the delicious homemade scones baked daily during the summer months in our Tea Rooms. Angling on the River Nore for wild salmon & wild brown trout from March - September (ghillie, rods & bait available for hire). Sheep dog demonstrations with geese or sheep is a wonderful event to see.Check website for details of opening hours and guided heritage tour times.Looking forward to welcoming you to Jerpoint.Joe & Maeve
Reviewed By Almostgreynomad - Sydney, Australia
Visited the ‘grave’ of St Nicholas today, on the anniversary of his death, December 6th in the year 343. Jerpoint Park usually opens in summer, but because St Nicholas is buried here …. well, a bit of him ! they also opened today. St Nicholas’s...MoreThank you for visiting Jerpoint Park on St. Nicholas's Feast Day. I really enjoyed our chat beforehand. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas. Maeve
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