Kilkenny, Ireland: travel guide
Medieval lanes, a Norman castle and craft studios on the River Nore
The Marble City — named for the distinctive dark limestone quarried here since medieval times — is one of Ireland's finest historic cities: compact enough to explore entirely on foot, yet rich enough to fill two full…
About Kilkenny
Kilkenny is one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval towns, small enough to cover on foot yet full enough to hold a weekend. Kilkenny Castle rises beside the River Nore, and the Medieval Mile runs from its gates up to St Canice's Cathedral, passing narrow lanes called slips along the way.
Things to do in Kilkenny include climbing the round tower at St Canice's, browsing the craft and design studios, and settling into a traditional pub as the evening starts. Walks along the Nore and the castle parkland make an easy break between sights.
Kilkenny suits couples, short breaks and anyone who likes history served in walkable doses. Spring to early autumn is the most pleasant time to visit, with summer the busiest.
- Country
- Ireland
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Dublin
Last updated
Top places to visit in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle
Norman castle · 4.7 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Ireland's most visited heritage site outside Dublin — a magnificent Norman fortress begun by William Marshal in 1195, extensively remodelled over six centuries, and presented to the Irish people by the Butler family in 1967 for the…
Kilkenny Medieval Mile
medieval-mile · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The Kilkenny Medieval Mile — the spectacular 1km walking trail through Ireland's medieval capital, connecting Kilkenny Castle, the Medieval Mile Museum, and St Canice's Cathedral.
Kilkenny Castle Yard
castle-courtyard · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The Kilkenny Castle Yard — the spectacular historic courtyard with the famous Kilkenny Design Centre, the Castle Stables, the cafés, and the iconic Kilkenny atmosphere.
Kilkenny Castle Park
victorian-park · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Kilkenny Castle Park — the spectacular 50-acre Victorian gardens behind the castle, with the iconic Lake, the Rose Garden, and the heritage parkland.
Kilkenny Design Centre
design-centre · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The Kilkenny Design Centre — Ireland's spectacular crafts centre in the historic Kilkenny Castle stables, with the finest Irish design, craft workshops, and the iconic 1960s Scandinavian heritage.
St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower Kilkenny
medieval cathedral and round tower · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the finest medieval cathedrals in Ireland — completed 13th century on the site of the 6th-century monastic settlement of St Cainneach (patron of Kilkenny). The interior holds an extraordinary collection of carved medieval marble…
Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny
historic brewery · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Kilkenny's Smithwick's Brewery — established in 1710 by Richard Smithwick on the site of the 13th-century St Francis Abbey — is one of Ireland's oldest working brewery sites. The iconic red ale has been brewed continuously here for over…
Kilkenny Black Abbey
dominican-priory · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Kilkenny Black Abbey — the spectacular 1225 Dominican priory, with the iconic medieval Rosary Window, the historic Irish heritage, and the rich monastic traditions.
Kilkenny Rothe House
tudor-townhouse · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Rothe House — Kilkenny's spectacular 1594-1610 Tudor merchant townhouse, the unique Irish three-building complex with the original kitchen, walled garden, and museum.
Kilkenny Jerpoint Glass
glass-studio · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A day trip from Kilkenny to Jerpoint Glass Studio — the spectacular handmade Irish glass studio at Jerpoint, with live glass-blowing demonstrations and the famous Jerpoint Abbey nearby.
Kilkenny Dunmore Cave
limestone-cave · 4.6 rating · about 2 h · entry €5 (≈ ₹530)
A day trip from Kilkenny to Dunmore Cave — the spectacular limestone cave with the historic 928 AD Viking massacre, the iconic stalactites, and the rich archaeological heritage.
Kells Priory
medieval priory · 4.8 rating · about 1 h · free entry
Ireland's most complete and impressive walled monastic town — a substantial Augustinian priory founded in 1193 by Geoffrey FitzRobert in the village of Kells, 15 km south of Kilkenny city. The priory is enclosed within a substantial…
Things to do
- Medieval Mile Walking Tour Kilkenny Cultural · 2 h · from EUR 12 per person
Day trips and tours
- Kilkenny Medieval Mile Complete Day Tour 8 h · from EUR 37
Where to stay in Kilkenny
- Medieval Mile & High Street about EUR 115 per night
Staying in the heart of the Medieval Mile — on or adjacent to High Street, Parliament Street or the Parade — puts Kilkenny Castle, the Black Abbey, St Canice's Cathedral and Smithwick's Brewery all within a 10-minute…
Hotels
- Mount Juliet Estate & Hotel 5-star · EUR 255 to EUR 900 per night
- Kilkenny River Court Hotel 4-star · EUR 110 to EUR 265 per night
- Kilkenny Tourist Hostel 2-star · EUR 16 to EUR 70 per night
Where to eat
- Rinuccini Restaurant Kilkenny Italian · about EUR 35 per person
- Zuni Restaurant Kilkenny Modern Irish, Contemporary · about EUR 48 per person
- Campagne Restaurant Kilkenny French, Modern Irish · about EUR 65 per person
Getting to Kilkenny
Nearest airport: Waterford (WAT), about 53 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Walking
More in Ireland
Frequently asked questions about Kilkenny
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Kilkenny?
- The highest-rated places in our Kilkenny guide are Kells Priory, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Medieval Mile, Kilkenny Castle Park, St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower Kilkenny.
- Where should I stay in Kilkenny?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Kilkenny: Medieval Mile & High Street.
- How do I get around Kilkenny?
- Ways to get around Kilkenny covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Walking.