Since 1988 Highbank Orchards has opened the farm to visitors for different activities from picking fruit and Christmas Trees to hosting different small events. Each year we have slowly added and improved experiences, over time renovating our old stone buildings , improving the farm shop, adding a small distillery and upgrading the transport ways through the orchards.
The latest additions offering are ‘Slow Tourism’ with self-guided QR coded walks throughout the farm allowing you to take your time and enjoy a rural working farm and orchards. Search below for a tour that may suit you or your group and we look forward to welcoming you to our home.
Rod & Julie
Highbank 'Red Gate' Self-Guided Orchard Walk
Highbank 'Red Gate Orchard Walk' follows a trail through our gardens and orchards using the QR coded vernacular red gates and pillars. Forged hundreds of years ago in the farmyard of Highbank and by other Irish blacksmiths, these gates mark the way to listen to our family history and workings of our 5th generation farm.
Taste and Tour Highbank Experience
Steeped in history the 17th century stonebuilt coachyard with its small distillery offers a backdrop to tasting the organic orchard syrup, ciders and apple spirits.
The Highbank 'Wellness Walk'
We invite you to circumnavigate slowly along a checkered, flag pathway through Highbank Orchards experiencing 2.5km (1.5mls) of orchards, woods, tillage, streams and flowers. All organic and teeming with nature changing every season.
Educational Tours for Groups
Highbank Orchards offers a variety of Educational Advice & Tasting Tours for different age groups tailored to suit requirements. '
The Highbank Experience for Groups
Group Bookings are welcome to Taste and Tour Highbank Orchards.
Small Corporate Events
Bring your staff, colleagues or meetings to a wonderful setting, where you can relax away from daily routine.
Testimonials
What customers and visitors are saying about Highbank Orchards
Getting Here
Our Location
We are on the N76. 7km south of Kilkenny City on the main road to Callan.
By Car
We are an hour and a half from Cork, an hour and half from Dublin and half an hour from Waterford. We are approx 45 mins from Rosslare harbour.
By Train
Nearest Train Station is Kilkenny City Centre (McDonagh). Due to our rural location you would need to take a taxi from the station (approx 10 mins)
By Bus
Nearest Bus Station is Kilkenny City Centre. Due to our rural location you would need to take a taxi from the station (approx 10 mins)
Your Visit FAQs
Some answers to typical questions you may have. Can't find what you are looking for? Contact us know and we'll assist you in any way we can.
Is there a Farm Shop on site and when can we visit?
Yes. Our farm shop is open during all opening hours and is free to drop in to visit and maybe a chance of a cup of coffee or tea.
How long do the self-guided walks take?
All our self-guided tours are at your own pace…Slow Tourism’ we call it!... Take your time and don’t be rushed. The average time for the Red Gated Orchard QR coded Walk is 1 hour and for the Wellness Walk a little longer.
How long does the Highbank Experience Taste & Tour take?
The average time for this is 1.5 hours – 2 hours
Is there free parking?
Yes. There is ample free parking on the farm and beside the farm shop. There is also dedicated space for buses.
Are dogs permitted?
We are dog lovers but dogs on only permitted strictly on the leash whilst visiting the Farm Shop. Unfortunately, absolutely no dogs are allowed on the walks due to our delicate wildlife habitats which need no disturbance.
are there toilets on site
yes there are toilets on site
Our Tours
Select from our Self Guided or Group Orchard Tours. An Irish Farm experience.
