Kilkenny Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Ireland showing farmland, tranquil scenes and a small town or village
The city of Kilkennyis one of Ireland’s historic gems and lies in the heart of CountyKilkenny in the southeast corner of the Republic of Ireland. A touristfavourite, the city brims with attractions, including a beautiful castle on thebanks of the River Nore, a fine 13th century cathedral and averitable maze of 17th century alleyways littered with interestingshops and ancient inns.

Sometimes known as the‘marble city’ for the local dark marble that features in much of itsarchitecture, Kilkenny is also well placed for someof Ireland’s finest countryside and attractions, from idyllic woodlands and prettyvillages to medieval churches, walking trails and emerald green golf courses.

Sights in Kilkenny

Many regard Kilkennyas Ireland’s medieval capital, and for good reason. With its 6thcentury origins, the city centre is awash with history at almost every turn.

Many visitors followwhat’s known as Kilkenny’s ‘Medieval Mile’, atourist trail that loops around the city’s historic landmarks. When you set outon the trail, you’ll come to the sturdy 12th century Norman castle andits gardens, St Canice’s Cathedral — Ireland’s second biggest medievalcathedral — with its striking round tower, and also to RotheHouse, a Tudor merchant’s house complete with a museum.

You’re spoiled for otherentertainments, too. Art and culture lovers will want to visit the contemporaryIrish crafts on show at the NationalCraft Gallery, while those eager to experience more history will lovewandering around Kilkenny’s other churches, oldinns, priory ruins and cobbled lanes.

Shopping in Kilkenny

Kilkennyis one of Ireland’s best shopping destinations, with myriad independent shopsand retailers tucked down the streets and lanes around the castle. A walk alongthe High Street reveals classy boutiques, gift shops, book emporiums and more,and you’ll find other enticing wares and stores crammed into the medievalalleyways. For big name shops, you should head for the Market Cross ShoppingCentre, where you can browse everything from fashions to sports goods, homewaresand beauty treats.

Food, Restaurants and Nightlife in Kilkenny

With its vibrantatmosphere and eclectic restaurants and bars, Kilkennyis great for food lovers and night owls both. The medieval streets burst withstylish eateries, bistros and wine rooms serving retro and contemporary Irishfood, as well as buzzing tearooms, cafes and cosy pubs ideal for quickrefreshment stops or a sociable pint.

If it’s nightlife you’reafter, you’ll find plenty of pubs and bars that host traditional Irish music,dancing and DJ nights, together with arts venues that stage live bands,stand-up comedy and other gigs.

Out and About in Kilkenny

Kilkennyhas no shortage of outdoor activities in and out of town. You may want tostroll around Castle Park with its lovely gardens and ornamental lake, tee off atKilkenny Golf Club or other courses near the city,or tackle the scenic walking trails through the local woodlands andcountryside.

Other attractionsinclude the subterranean stalactites and stalagmites of Dunmore Cave, fishingand walks on the Rivers Nore and Barrow, and atmospheric historic monumentssuch as Kells Priory and Jerpoint Abbey.

Where to stay in Kilkenny

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Kilkenny City Centre

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Kilkenny City Centre is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum and Smithwick's Brewery Tour while you're in town.

Kilkenny City Centre
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Lyrath

While there might not be top attractions in Lyrath, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Hub and The Watershed.

Lyrath
Kilford Arms Hotel
Kilford Arms Hotel
3 out of 5
John Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
The price is ₹10,887 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
₹10,887
₹12,357 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Nov - 12 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kilkenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (577 reviews)
"Perfect place to stay ! Extremely clean room, lots to do, warm atmosphere and close to all the attractions"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Kilford Arms Hotel
Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
4 out of 5
Ormonde Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny
The price is ₹10,378 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
₹10,378
₹11,779 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Kilkenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (987 reviews)
"Lovely hotel! The staff was very friendly and held our bags for hours as we roamed around before check in. The room itself was comfortable and quiet. Lots of accommodations the hotel offered as well."

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2024

Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Ormonde Street, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
The price is ₹9,983 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
₹9,983
₹11,330 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kilkenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (596 reviews)
"Great location - beautiful property!"

Reviewed on 22 Oct 2024

Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lovers' Lodge
Lovers' Lodge
3.5 out of 5
Kilkenny, Kilkenny (county)
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kilkenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Kilkenny Castle and laser Combat Kilkenny are located ...
Lovers' Lodge
Immaculate 3-bed Apartment in Kilkenny
Immaculate 3-bed Apartment in Kilkenny
3 out of 5
Kilkenny, KK
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kilkenny. Enjoy free parking, in-room washers/dryers and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Kilkenny Castle and Kilkenny ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Very nice stay
"Very nice stay, apartment and location was perfect for our young family, to explore Kilkenny."

Reviewed on 23 Aug 2021

Immaculate 3-bed Apartment in Kilkenny
Evans Lane Townhouse No.7
Evans Lane Townhouse No.7
3 out of 5
Church View 7, 7, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kilkenny. Popular attractions Kilkenny Castle and Rothe House are located nearby.
Evans Lane Townhouse No.7
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kilkenny

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
" "5 - Excellent 40.90909090909091%
4 - Good
12
" "4 - Good 54.54545454545455%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 4.545454545454546%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fantastic bars and restaurants.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Cute town to walk around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

I would come back to this charming town.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

no

5/5 - Excellent

Alan

Great looking town, very characteristic. Good dining options and pubs.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A small, traditional Irish town. Would recommend visiting the Smithwick’s brewery