A Guide to Kilkenny, Ireland
Here is our guide on Kilkenny in Ireland. Includes tips on what to see and do while there, what to expect, when to go, how to get, and where to stay.
Sitting on both banks of River Nore, Kilkenny is a picturesque little town that boasts history, heritage, and exciting things to see and do.
On top of that, Kilkenny is often regarded as one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Ireland.
For these reasons, Kilkenny, also known as the Marble City, is pretty much on every Ireland itinerary.
We can't fail to mention that it's close to the capital city, making it one of the best day trips from Dublin.
This combination makes Kilkenny a very popular place to travel to, especially among first-time visitors to Ireland.
So, are you planning a trip to Kilkenny? You have come to the right place.
We have put together a list of things to see and do in Kilkenny, and we hope that it helps you to get the most out of the trip and have fun while there.
So, how do you spend a day or two in Kilkenny?
Best Things to Do in Kilkenny
As mentioned above, there are enough things to do in Kilkenny to keep you occupied for an entire day.
However, visiting Kilkenny is more about the Irish small-town experience rather than ticking off attractions from your list.
Obviously, Kilkenny is no Galway or even Dublin, but that can be a good thing, especially if you prefer slow travel.
So what is there to see and do in Kilkenny?
It's easy to fill your day in Kilkenny with seeing the castle, exploring the castle park, strolling around the River Nore, discovering the Irish pubs, and enjoying the special character and atmosphere of the old town.
Kilkenny Castle
Without any doubt, Kilkenny Castle is the main reason why so many people visit this charming little town.
Kilkenny is the main attraction in this medieval town and one of the most beautiful castles in Ireland.
So don't expect to have this place for yourself.
For us, it was the first castle we explored in Ireland. We had never heard about this particular castle before, so we were not really sure what to expect.
And we both later agreed that the self-guided tour exceeded our expectations. The building is located right in the town center and dominates the river views.
The castle was built in the 12th century as a defensive structure on the River Nore.
The most notable family who lived there was the Butlers of Ormonde, who came to Ireland during the Norman invasion.
The castle was remodeled during the 19th century.
In the 1970s, the deteriorating castle was sold for £50 to the Castle Restoration Committee and was heavily restored for the rest of the 20th century.
Today, you can explore the beautifully-restored castle interiors on self-guided and guided tours.
In addition to the self-guided tour and lovely displays and paintings, there is a huge park adjacent to the castle.
This is one of the best places in Kilkenny to unwind and relax.
By the way, if you want to visit an even more landscaped park, then head to Powerscourt House and Garden when driving across the County Wicklow.
Kilkenny Medieval Mile Trail
In case you decide to rent a car at Dublin Airport and travel directly to the countryside from there, chances are that you will end up in Kilkenny by the end of the day.
And if you're visiting this country for the first time, this will be a perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle.
Kilkenny is a medieval town that boasts 800 years of history, and you can feel it from every corner.
The best way to travel back in time is to explore the Medieval Mile Trail that runs through the town center and connects Kilkenny Castle with St. Canice's Cathedral.
Today, the Mile Trail covers the area of High Street, Parliament Street, Dean Street, St. Kieran's Street, Rose Inn Street, and the Parade.
Once you're done with sightseeing, you can go shopping on High Street and adjacent streets.
There are plenty of art galleries, boutique and souvenir stores, and independent businesses selling products of varying quality.
Kilkenny is also a great choice for the first night in Ireland, as there are plenty of pubs and restaurants.
St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum
For those who are really interested in the history of Kilkenny, there is an informative St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum.
The museum has many exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays, and it's a fountain of information about the city during the medieval ages.
In fact, this is a perfect first stop in Kilkenny to get an overview of the town's history.
The museum is well laid-out and is for all ages, even for families with (older) kids.
If you pay a few more euros, you can join a guided tour through the museum with a knowledgeable local guide.
By the way, St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum is also a great place to visit in Kilkenny on a rainy day.
Rothe House and Garden
One of the must-see places in Kilkenny is Rothe House and Garden.
It's located on Parliament Street and allows you to travel back in time once again.
This particular house's history stretches back to the 1600s and tells a story about a prosperous merchant family from this era.
Even though Rothe House and Garden may seem like a single house from the street, the entire property comprises three houses with cobbled courtyards and a large renovated garden.
If you have time, don't miss the opportunity to go inside the house and learn more about Kilkenny's fascinating history.
Both self-guided and guided tours are available. The entrance fee to Rothe House and Garden is €7.50 per adult.
St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower
For the best views of Kilkenny, head to St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower.
Here you will have an opportunity to explore an impressive 13th-century cathedral and climb the 30-meter-high structure offering 360-degree views.
Also known as Kilkenny Cathedral, this is another main attraction in the town.
St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower are open all year round. Both guided and self-guided tours are available.
There is an entry fee of €5 for sightseeing at St. Canice's Cathedral.
The combo ticket to the Cathedral and Tower Climb is €10.
The Black Abbey
Established in the 13th century as a Dominican friary, the Black Abbey is another beautiful church you can visit in Kilkenny.
It's located outside the original town walls and features striking stonework and a giant stained-glass window.
Known as the Rosary Window, this is the largest stained-glass window in Ireland.
It's also the main reason to visit the Black Abbey, even if you have already seen enough similar structures during your trip.
Unlike some other attractions in Kilkenny, there is free admission to the Black Abbey.
Kilkenny Walks
One of the best walking trails in Kilkenny is Canal Walk. At least that was our favorite path in the town, as it was very scenic, short, and easy.
Honestly, walking around the River Nore was such a peaceful experience, so don't skip it.
There are more walks in Kilkenny, such as the Bishopsmeadow Walk and the Lacken Walk.
More active travelers should consider walking the 12-kilometer trail to Bennettsbridge, which is also known as the Nore Valley walk.
Just make sure to check the current bus timetable unless you want to walk the entire stretch back.
By the way, if you're looking for a popular place to take your family for the day outside Kilkenny, then you should head to Castlecomer Discovery Park.
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
One of the things you should know about Ireland is that beer is very popular here.
So visiting one of the local breweries may be a great way to kick off your journey around the island.
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny offers a great way to learn about the Smithwick family and brewery history, the process, and the final product.
At the end of the tour, you will be given a chance to taste a pint of their local beer.
In the peak season, it's better to book the tour in advance.
Dunmore Cave
Formed over millions of years, Dunmore Cave is situated 10 kilometers north of Kilkenny.
It's an underground limestone cave consisting of a series of chambers with impressive calcite formations.
Furthermore, the findings within the cave include human remains and indicate Viking activity.
Therefore, you will have a chance to admire the natural beauty and learn about the local history reaching back to the 10th century CE.
Dunmore Cave can be accessed only as a part of a guided tour.
It's also one of the most popular things to do in Kilkenny for families with kids.
It was closed during our trip due to works on rock falls, so we, unfortunately, couldn't visit the caves.
If you're looking for more caves in Ireland, we visited Doolin Cave in the Burren and really enjoyed the experience.
Kells Priory
Although not in Kilkenny, another addition to our list is Kells Priory.
Kells Priory is located 18 kilometers south of Kilkenny, and it's another medieval monument in this area.
The priory was founded at the end of the 12th century, but the extensive ruins you can see today are mostly from the 14th and 15th centuries.
This is one of the hidden gems that is not visited by many international tourists.
If you're looking to get off the beaten path in Kilkenny County, then Kells Priory should be on your list.
By the way, there is no entry fee to Kells Priory, which is great for people visiting Ireland on a budget.
The access and parking are on L1023, and you need to walk through a sheep pasture to get to the ruins.
Jerpoint Abbey
Located about twenty kilometers south of Kilkenny, Jerpoint Abbey is one of the best Cistercian monasteries you can visit in Ireland.
If you still haven't seen enough abbeys and churches in Kilkenny, then you should also incorporate Jerpoint into your itinerary.
The history dates back to the 12th century, and you can admire the aspects of Romanesque and Gothic architecture and stonework here.
There are also detailed stone sculptures, mensa tombs, cloister arcades, memorials, and depictions of two 13th-century knights.
Jerpoint Abbey is one of the best stops along the way from Kilkenny to Waterford.
When to Go
Kilkenny is an all-year-round destination, meaning that you can travel there any time of the year without missing out on any main attractions.
Therefore, the best time to visit Kilkenny is highly subjective.
We visited Kilkenny at the beginning of May on a beautiful spring day and absolutely loved the town's atmosphere.
There were not that many tourists around, and the town was still relatively quiet.
We have a feeling that spring and autumn are great seasons to visit Kilkenny.
Summer has the best weather, but the main downside is that Kilkenny gets really busy during this period.
Of course, you can visit Kilkenny even in winter, but the short and wet days might not be everyone's cup of tea.
Also, be prepared that the weekends in Kilkenny are definitely way busier and louder than the rest of the week.
By the way, we would recommend deciding when to visit Ireland first, as you will probably want to explore more places than just this little town.
What to Pack
Bring just the essentials. Be prepared for the rainy weather and stay hydrated troughout the day.
We had our trusty rain jackets in our daypack, wore comfortable shoes, and brought our trusty travel camera.
Outside the summer season, make sure to have a few extra layers with you to stay warm.
Here you can find more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
How to Get There
We planned our first visit to the Emerald Isle as a road trip. Obviously, we rented a car in Ireland.
Therefore, we believe that the best way to get to Kilkenny is by car.
However, Kilkenny is close to Dublin, so it's very easy to reach even without a car.
Just don't forget that unless you travel back to Dublin, you also need to figure out how to get to your next destination.
And that will be a much harder task when relying only on public transport.
Here you will find more tips on how to get around Ireland.
Lastly, don't forget that there are some interesting places outside Kilkenny, which you won't be likely able to visit without a car.
Car
The easiest way to get to Kilkenny is by car. There are a few things to know about driving in Ireland, but generally, it's not difficult.
It's even easier here, as you don't need to drive on rural roads but can stay on motorways and national roads for the entire journey. From Dublin, follow N7 and then M9, and you should reach Kilkenny in an hour and a half.
Alternatively, you can take the scenic but way slower Old Military Road across the Wicklow Mountains with a stop in Glendalough.
If you're road-tripping Ireland, you can continue via M9 to Waterford or drive west to Rock of Cashel and Cahir Castle and then via M8 to Cork from Kilkenny.
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Train
If you want to use public transport from Dublin, then we believe that the best way to get to Kilkenny is by train.
The journey takes about an hour and a half, so it's usually faster than the bus.
The train departs daily from Heuston Station in Dublin and arrives at MacDonagh in Kilkenny.
Heuston Station is in Dublin's city center, about 2.5 kilometers west of Trinity College Dublin, so it can be easily reached on foot.
MacDonagh Station is less than a kilometer northeast of Kilkenny Castle, so you don't need to take a taxi here either.
Bus
An alternative way to reach Kilkenny from Dublin is by bus. Dublin Coach buses are more convenient than the Bus Eireann, as this is a regional bus service and the journey is longer.
Tour
Alternatively, you can visit Kilkenny on a day trip from Dublin. There are several different tours, so pick the one according to your preferences.
Here you can reserve this well-rated Kilkenny and Wicklow Mountains Tour from Dublin.
Parking
Finding free parking in Kilkenny is nearly impossible, so you will most likely need to use one of the designated city parking lots or on-street parking.
Parking can be expensive if you decide to stay overnight. In this case, finding a hotel that offers free parking is usually better.
We left our car at Market Yard Car Park, about 500 meters from Kilkenny Castle.
This parking is not free but has an excellent location for day-trippers.
Where to Stay
Kilkenny is a top travel destination in Ireland, with plenty of hotels to choose from.
Therefore, you'll find a great selection of hotels in Kilkenny, ranging from basic hostels and boutique hotels to luxury estates.
Kilkenny is a compact town that is easily covered on foot. So staying directly in the city center is not required as pretty much every hotel is within walking distance from the city center.
Don't forget that booking early is the surest way to find accommodation in the peak season.
So here are the best hotels in Kilkenny.
Budget | Kilkenny Tourist Hostel - Located in the 18th-century townhouse heart of Kilkenny, this hostel offers private rooms and dormitories, luggage storage, a cozy lounge, and a well-equipped kitchen.
Mid-range | Newpark Hotel - This hotel is located in a quiet parkland about 15 minutes walk from the city center. Newpark offers charming rooms with garden views, an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a gym. Free parking is also available.
Luxury | Lyrath Estate - Set in a beautiful parkland, Lyrath Estate Kilkenny is one of the best hotels you can find on the city outskirts. The hotel has spacious air-conditioned rooms overlooking the estate, award-winning restaurants, a spa with an indoor infinity pool, and free parking.
How Much Time Do I Need
Even though there are plenty of things to see and do in Kilkenny, a full day should be more than enough.
The best way to plan your visit to Kilkenny is to stay in the town overnight so you can also explore the local nightlife and really get the feel of a typical Irish town.
However, that can be said about pretty much every tourist town in Ireland.
As we've mentioned above, there are tons of small towns with their own character to explore, and it's really hard to decide how much time you should spend in each place.
If you're traveling to Kilkenny from the Wicklow Mountains, you can visit the Glendalough Monastic Site, do the Spinc Loop in the morning and then drive to Kilkenny in the afternoon.
This will give you plenty of time to explore the town, stay overnight, and decide what to do next in the morning.
If you're pressed for time, a half-day in Kilkenny should be fine.
It should take you no more than a couple of hours to see the castle and the gardens, and then you will need to add another two to three hours to walk around the town.
Is Kilkenny Safe to Visit?
Generally, Kilkenny is a very safe place to visit. However, you should still use common sense to stay safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting?
Kilkenny is a beautiful town in Ireland that is definitely worth seeing.
Kilkenny Castle is among the top attractions in Ireland, and the town itself is quite charming.
Whether you decide to spend a few hours or an entire day here, we believe you won't leave disappointed.
It's also a great place to visit on a day trip from Dublin, especially when combined with the Wicklow Mountains.
So unless you're skipping this entire area, there is no reason why you should not visit Kilkenny, even if it's just for a few hours.
So the hardest part is only to figure out how much time you need for Kilkenny, as there are many great small Irish towns scattered around the country.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
