Take in panoramic views on a trek in the Knockmealdown Mountains, kayak along the River Blackwater and explore the wild coastline of Ardmore. Or, for a dose of cultural exuberance, visit the county of Cork, where you’ll find the famous Jameson distillery as well as a number of the region’s award-winning restaurants.

Lismore Castle - Activities

Salmon Fishing

Lismore Castle offers marvellous fishing opportunities. Fishing beneath the castle, along the River Blackwater and on first rate neighbouring beats, can be arranged.

Golf

There are many fine golf courses within easy reach of Lismore Castle, starting from the charming nine hole course on the estate to the Old Head of Kinsale, which is now included in the 100 best golf courses in the world.

Walking & Hiking

There are wonderful walks and hikes in and around Lismore, on the nearby Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains and along the coastline.

Cycling

West Waterford is easily explored by bicycle and a local company specialising in cycle tours for all levels and interests will provide everything from bikes, to first aid kits and cycle computers.

Riding

Horse riding is available within a 30 minute drive of the castle. In addition to the expected range of services, trail rides and hacking can be arranged. Beach treks are available during the off-season.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

You won’t find a mode of transport more serene and tranquil than a hot air balloon– no engines, no exhaust fumes and nothing between you and the open air. Local operators provide a magnificent way to explore the region!

Racing

There are several top class national hunt racecourses within easy reach of Lismore - Cork, Tipperary, Clonmel, Tramore and Gowran Park, and the Lismore Point-to-Point, held on the estate in March, is one of the best and most fixtures on the amateur circuit in Southern Ireland.

Boat Trips

The wonderful Blackwater River is ideal for a leisurely boat-trip and there are a number of local agencies that operate a variety of cruises and river adventures.

Cayaking & Canoeing

Explore the majestic River Blackwater on guided canoe and kayak trips. Tours are available for all levels of experience and adrenalin needs.

Deep Sea Fishing

For those of you looking for more adventurous fishing, the nearby town of Dungarvan is a base for several operators specialising in wreck, reef and shark fishing.

Scuba Diving

Nearby enclosed bays offer ideal conditions for sheltered inshore diving and further out to sea there are numerous excellent dive sites as well as several wrecks.

Surfing & Whale Watching in Tramore

An ideal combination! Private lessons in both are available locally.

Kite Surfing

A perfectly formed 5 kilometre beach in nearby Tramore is the ideal stretch to learn the trade of the winds. IKO certified instructors teach kite surfing to all levels.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Clay pigeon shooting equipment can be brought to Lismore for shoots on the estate.

Greyhound Racing

This takes place every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday in Cork City.

Karting

There is a karting and rally school in the local town of Dungarvan.

Attractions

Lismore & Surrounds

Lismore Town is one of Waterford's oldest towns and, as winner of Ireland's Tidiest Small Town in 2010, Lismore is proud not only of its ancient and historic heritage, but also of its natural beautiful location in the heart of the River Blackwater Valley.

Gardens

The Waterford Garden Trail features 15 different garden attractions throughout Waterford (one of which is Lismore Castle public gardens).

Castle and Heritage Sites

Blarney Castle - situated just north of Cork City; this castle is famous for the 'Blarney stone', reputed to confer eloquence on all who kiss it!

Cahir Castle - an imposing 15th century structure.

Kilkenny Castle - over 900 years old, it overlooks the River Nore in the heart of the bustling city.

The Rock of Cashel - this National Monument of Ireland is the ruins of a large cathedral, ancient round towers and a romanesque chapel perched on a dramatic outcrop of rock where St Patrick converted the local king, Aenghus in the 5th century.

Waterford Crystal - The newly opened House of Waterford Crystal Museum is a wonderful place to visit. See exquisite pieces of crystal made before your very eyes and view the largest collection of Waterford Crystal in the world.

Cathedrals

St Carthage's is nearby and well worth a visit. St Finbarr's Cathedral in Cork City stands on the oldest site in Cork . Guided tours are available.

Beaches

There are numerous excellent beaches within 20-30 minutes of the castle; the best are in the Ardmore area, particularly Whiting Bay, Goat Island and Ballyquin.

Caves

Mitchelstown Caves are situated off the N8 and are within 40 minutes of the castle. These massive limestone caverns, with an impressive array of stalagmites and stalactites, are fascinating.

Heritage Centres & Museums

Lismore Heritage Centre - audio visual presentation describing the history of the town founded in 636AD.

Waterford Museum of Treasures - houses many fine artefacts and audio visual presentation of Waterford's buildings and artefacts dating back to the 12th century.

The Old Midleton Distillery - audio visual presentation and guided tours of the world famous old Jameson Distillery.

Cobh Heritage Centre - multimedia permanent exhibition depicting the story of over 2.5 million peoples who emigrated from Ireland during the famine years.

Cork City Gaol - waxworks exhibition depicting life in Cork prison during the 19th century.

Bru Boru Heritage Centre, Cashel - restaurant, craft shop and theatre.

Dunbrody Heritage Ship, New Ross - visitor centre and famine ship.

Fota Wildlife Park, Cobh - over 70 acres of parkland with giraffes, cheetahs, llamas, monkeys and much more.