We really need to create a new ad in order to entice people to Kilkenny for their summer hols or their weekend trips because now at least, we have a lot more to offer.
Did we ever think we would see the day that Kilkenny would have a new bowling centre, a new swimming pool and leisure centre and an ice-rink for Christmas all in the one year!
Things are only picking up for Kilkenny as the rest of the country falls into the depths of depression. We have heard rumours over and over again that this facility and that facility is imminent; such as the multi-million euro leisure complex that was destined for the outskirts of the city last year. However, this time, things are really beginning to happen.
The bowling centre, as it is being called, is set to go ahead. Yes! Believe it or not, it is currently being fitted out at MacDonagh Junction. This facility is going to offer huge potential to the population of Kilkenny and its surrounding areas.
Politicians have been calling for this for yonks now, and finally it is happening. A private company, K Bowl is bringing bowling to Kilkenny and they know what they are at, as they are already running a very successful business in Naas in County Kildare.
They intend to fit out the centre with luxurious leather couches and state-of-the-art entertainment equipment in a bid to keep young people, senior citizens, special needs’ groups and families entertained during the long winter months ahead. The centre will also offer party facilities for birthdays and the like.
It is hoped that the bowling centre will appeal to all and sundry in Kilkenny and Carlow offering a host of entertainment all in one location. The train station is only a hop, skip and a jump away offering easy access to those living a little further afield. Eddie Rockets is already proving to be a huge draw in the area, while the shopping centre itself offers a warm and dry shopping experience to those who prefer to shop and drink coffee!
The swimming pool also appears to be coming on in leaps and bounds. The local authority members have already had a tour of the new facility which is due to open in the near future. This is going to be a huge addition to the city with its offer of top-class leisure facilities. It is facilities such as this that encourage young people to do better in their sport. If we have the facilities to offer training and coaching services we will be producing top class athletes into the future. It is hard to keep children and young adults engaged if we don't have the facilities - now kids will have no excuse!
And we are to get an ice-rink this Christmas according to Kilkenny Tourism. This is a real coup considering we lost out to Waterford last year which was a disaster from an economic point of view and from a fun point of view! Ice-rinks are a complete novelty for Irish people as we don't have one outside of Dublin. Having one in Kilkenny over the festive season will be a huge draw that will also benefit retailers, restaurants, and bars during the festive season.
So maybe things are looking up from a recreational point of view in Kilkenny, and high-time it is too. We are still awaiting our skate park and there really are few enough activities for young people who are 'over' their parents' company and want to hang out in a safe and fun environment with their friends. So bring it on! I for one, am looking forward to experiencing all three activities, although my track record with ice-skating is not all that hot!
