Kinnitty

The picturesque village of Kinnitty nestles at the foot of Knocknamann on the western slopes of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The very pretty village is centered around a lovely green with a stream canalled through it. The Pain brothers who re-designed Kinnitty Castle in 1811 designed the modern village of Kinnitty. As well as the Community Centre in the centre of the village, [originally the Old School House and Petty Sessions Court built in 1820, now a crèche.] there is a convenience store, post office, two churches, a cafe, two pubs, bike hire facilities, a number of bed and breakfasts, glamping site, self catering and a Castle hotel.

Activities in Kinnitty

There is a wide variety of walking trails starting from the Kinnitty Trail Head on the Mountrath Road . Looped trails, Kinnitty Castle Loop, Glinsk Castle and Glenregan. There are two Eco walks near the village at Glenafelly and Knockbarron. The long distance Slieve Bloom Way can be accessed from this trailhead at Kinnitty.

Kinnitty has long been a hub for road biking. Routes will take you over the Gap of Glendine or through the Cut, or map out a shorter easier route on the quiet mountain roads. Take a break at Peavoy’s cafe in Kinnitty. A great pit stop with fresh homemade cakes daily.

The annual “Off The Bloom” adventure race takes place from the village in August and the Slieve Bloom Walking festival on the May bank holiday weekend

One of the Slieve Bloom Mountain Biking Trails starts at Kinnitty Village. Park in the village and follow the signs through the GAA pitch to the start of the trail. The second is located at Baunreagh on the R440 towards Mountrath.

A unique feature of the village is the Kinnitty Pyramid well worth a visit. Standing 30 feet in height at the rear of St Finian’s Church. It is a replica of the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. It took four years to build and was completed in 1834. It was built by Lt. Col Richard Bernard and is the burial chamber for 5 members of his family.