Often described as the creative heart of Ireland, County Kilkenny is a magical blend of tradition and innovation, ancient heritage and cultural vibrancy, set amidst some of the most stunning countryside in Europe.

County Kilkenny may not be a destination name on most people's lips, but when people think of the real Ireland, it is County Kilkenny that leaps to mind.

A county of rich farmland dotted with medieval ruins, solid stone walls, quaint villages and a host of historic monuments, County Killkenny seems to be something of a timewarp, enjoying a relaxed pace of life out of synch with the high octane atmosphere elsewhere in the country.

But this is most certainly not a criticism. The forest parks, natural wonders and medieval ruins, such as Kilkenny Castle, towering above the scenic valley of the River Nore are truly memorable experiences.

Meanwhile, good food, lively restaurants and popular pubs round off the county-wide experience.

However, public transport throughout the county can be piecemeal, so visitors looking to explore the county, or the south-east as a whole, are advised to hire a car to get around.

This lends travellers the freedom to set their own itinerary, but also to explore some of County Kilkenny's more intriguing towns, many of which are off the beaten track. Indeed, Kilkenny's bustling market towns and picturesque villages, each with their own character and heritage, permits visitors a glimpse of times gone by.

Castlecomer, located in the hilly northern part of Kilkenny, lies in a wooded valley where the river Dinin joins a tributary from the west and boasts a scenic charm usually associated with upland terrain.

For golf enthusiasts, the picturesque 18-hole Castlecomer Golf Club on the N78 is open to visitors, while Castlecomer Demesne has been developed to accommodate walks, an interpretative centre, lake angling and recreational facilities.

Bennettsbridge, a village located on a beautiful stretch of the river Nore is another place worth visitng during a trip to Kilkenny. The village is famous as the base for major craft and design enterprisers, such as Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Chesneau Leather and Stoneware Jackson Pottery all operate thriving businesses in and around the village.

However, Kilkenny City dominates county life and is likely to be the highlight of any trip.

Kilkenny City may be long renowned as Ireland's medieval capital, with a history stretching back more than 1,500 years, but it boasts a vitality not found in many cities with a tenth of the historical pedigree of Kilkenny.

The city is characterised by its ancient stonework and architecture of her heritage sites, lending it an austerity that belies its true nature.

While Kilkenny's Norman architectural heritage, such as the 11th and 12th century St Canice's Cathedral, the four surviving medieval abbeys, the imposing Butler castle and the linear streetscape, provide an admirable aesthetic beauty, it is the city's strength in modern and traditional crafts, its many festivals and events throughout the year, and the vast selection of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops that make this medieval city reverberate day and night.

However, while County Kilkenny boasts many great attractions, not least its thriving capital, for younger travellers there is not the same breadth of entertainment that can be found elsewhere in Ireland, so many could struggle for things to fill their days.

Nevertheless, for more mature visitors, or those with young children, County Kilkenny offers them a holiday experience filled with fun, friends and plenty of fresh air.