T.Y.'s Visit Kildalton

Kildalton College is situated in the village of Piltown, Co Kilkenny in the picturesque Suir valley. It is located on the main Waterford to Limerick road, approximately eight kilometres from Carrick-on-Suir and 20 kilometres from Waterford city.

Kildalton was originally part of the Bessborough Estate owned by the Ponsonby family. The main house was completed in 1755. The house was burned in 1923 aand rebuilt in 1929In March 1940 the Oblate Fathers established a seminary at Bessborough House. The Oblates worked their own bakery, and farmed dairy cows, poultry, cattle, pigs, sheep; and grew potatoes, grain and other crops. They also had a very good orchard.The house and lands were purchased in 1971 for £250,000 Irish pounds by the Dept of Agriculture. It was opened as an agricultural and horticultural college – now known as Kildalton College.Kildalton is the largest agricultural college in the country. It is a leading provider of training in Equine Studies, Machinery, Agriculture and Horticulture. Close links have been developed with the local Institute of Technology in Waterford (WIT) to make it a progressive learning facility in the South East. Over 500 students are currently registered on courses at Kildalton College.Kildalton College offers a wide range of further education and higher level courses in agriculture, horticulture and equine studies.

Their courses equip young people with the key skills and knowledge required across the land based sector. Students attending Kildalton College get the opportunity to learn in a practical supportive environment. Their practical experience programme provides valuable work experience as part of your overall training. Work experience can be arranged in other countries if desired.