Inistioge

Introducing Inistioge

The little village of Inistioge (in-ish-teeg) is picture-perfect. It has an 18th-century, 10-arch stone bridge spanning the River Nore and vintage shops facing a tranquil square. Somewhere so inviting could hardly hope to escape the attention of movie-location scouts: Inistioge’s film credits include Widow’s Peak (1993), Circle of Friends (1994) and Where the Sun is King (1996). There are picnic tables on the river.

With a scenic stretch of the South Leinster Way coursing through town, this is a good base for exploring the region. The R700 from Thomastown makes for a lovely scenic drive through the river valley. For variety, try some of the small roads that lead off this into the verdant countryside – you can’t get lost for long. Better yet, try the hiking trails that follow the river. Side trails lead up into the hills.

Approximately 1km south, on Mt Alto, is Woodstock Gardens (779 4000; parking €4; 9am-8pm Apr-Sep, 9am-4pm Oct-Mar). The hike up is well worth the effort for the panorama of the valley below, and the heavily forested park itself is a beauty, with expanses of gardens, picnic areas and trails.

Like many neighbouring places, the Woodstock Arms (775 8440; www.woodstockarms.com ; Inistioge; s/d c40/70) has tables outside overlooking the square. The interior of this pub has been rather plainly remodelled, but the seven ­simple rooms upstairs are unfussy and sparkly clean.

Just north of town, Motte Restaurant (775 8655; Plas Newydd Lodge; set menu €35; 7-9.30pm Wed-Sat) has a delightful contemporary Irish menu that features a nightly menu that takes global inspiration. It’s welcoming and relaxed, and diners can linger over cordials and conversation long after supper is over.

Just outside Woodstock Gardens, John Bassett has turned his family home into an exciting dining experience. Where once was his teenage bedroom there now sits a keg. The restaurant,Bassetts at Woodstock (775 8820; www.bassetts.ie ; mains €25-28; noon-2pm Wed-Sun, 6-10pm Wed-Sat), is a constantly evolving creative experience. Lunches may feature tapas (€10 each) and Saturday nights various tasting menus paired with wines. The food is fresh, local and inventive. Future meals graze right outside the door.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009