Travel to County Kilkenny

Discover County Kilkenny 's Wonders

Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s most captivating medieval cities, known for its rich history, creative spirit, and walkable streets. Anchored by the impressive Kilkenny Castle, the city offers narrow lanes, historic pubs, artisan shops, and a lively arts scene. Visitors enjoy museums, festivals, and riverside walks along the Nore. Kilkenny balances heritage with contemporary culture, making it equally appealing to history lovers and modern travelers. Compact, atmospheric, and full of character, Kilkenny is a standout destination in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Current Weather

65.32 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 65.05 °F / 67.17 °FFeels: 65.68 °F Humidity: 88%5 Day Forecast

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Description

Kilkenny is famous for many things: its majestic creeper-clad castle; a bustling crafts industry; cobbled lanes and secret passages; 1,000 years of history and vibrant festivals. It’s this magical combination of culture and entertainment that attracts so many people to this captivating heritage city, just 90 minutes south of Dublin. At the heart and soul of medieval Ireland, Kilkenny is famed for its electric atmosphere played out in its maze of narrow Norman alleyways. Twisting and turning around abbeys, cathedrals and crumbling city walls, there’s even an early 13th century castle dropped in the middle of it all. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens that attract artistic locals, giddy kids and chilled-out tourists on sunny days. And with a bustling crafts scene, arts and comedy festivals, GAA hurling specialists (shout “Go the Cats” and the locals will love you), and wonderful old pubs, it’s pretty much got the whole city break thing covered.

Useful information

Population:

22,179 (2022)

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

999 or 112

Opening Hours:

Shops open daily around 9am and close around 6pm. Many shops open later on Thursdays evenings.

Do & See

Black Abbey

Established as a Dominican friary in 1225, the Black Abbey has seen plagues, sieges, and upheaval. Restored and opened as a public place of worship in 1864, the friary boasts stunning stained glass windows and interesting interiors.

Butler Gallery

Located in the interior of Kilkenny Castle, The Butler Art Gallery is a contemporary art space that exhibits emerging and established artists, both Irish and international. The gallery also has an expansive collection of 20th century art.

Dunmore Cave

10km from of Kilkenny City, history and geology superimpose to form a unique learning experience. The cave was described in one of the earliest Irish texts, The Traids, and has turned up archeological artefacts from almost two thousand years ago. Geologists won't want to miss the calcite cave formations, some of Ireland's finest.

Jenkinstown Wood & Walled Garden Walk

Enjoy a relaxing walk in the beautiful Wood & Walled Garden, just a 10-minute drive from the city. Both nature and history lovers will find something to admire: the forest floor is a carpet of bluebells in summer, and the route is scattered with old relics. Pass by a deer enclosure to and a garden commemorating Thomas Moore, whose lyrical poem "The Last Summer Rose" was inspired by these grounds.

Kells Priory

Kells Priory is one of the largest and most impressive medieval monuments in Ireland. This Augustine priory features a collection of jutting medieval towers, inspiring its local nickname: "Seven Castles".

Kilkenny Boat Trips

Experience the medieval city as our ancestors did: by boat. Cruise down the historic river Nore and take in unique views of historic buildings - keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife! Tours leave every half an hour in summer only and are led by animated locals proud to share tales from local lore with visitors from near and far.

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle is a 12th century castle, remodelled in Victorian times and set in riverside parklands. Once the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde, this fascinating building is located in the heart of Kilkenny City.

Kilkenny Road Train Tours

View historic Kilkenny city by road train. The daytime tour passes 15 historical sites while the evening tour takes a spookier tone: hear stories about Kilkenny's Ghosts and even try some witch's brew.

Dining

Campagne

The award-winning Campagne Restaurant located on Gashouse Lane serves modern French food using only the very best of local and Irish produce.

Foodworks

Freshness and quality are paramount at this inviting café style bistro on Parliament Street. Produce sourced directly from the owner's own family farm is transformed into culinary delights at a reasonable price.

Italian Connection

Located in the heart of medieval Kilkenny City, Italian Connection is renowned for providing quality Italian cuisine at great value for money.

La Rivista

La Rivista Restaurant, located on Kilkenny city’s historic Parliament Street offers fine Italian dining inspired by a love of good food and fine wine.

La Trattoria

La Trattoria is a genuine piece of Italy in Kilkenny City centre. Located on John Street, La Trattoria serves the finest authentic Italian food using only the best ingredients.

Royal Spice Indian Restaurant

Royal Spice Indian Restaurant is a multi-award winning traditional Indian Restaurant in the heart of Kilkenny City. Experience a tantalising array of authentic Indian cuisine in a stylish and contemporary setting.

The Grapevine

The Grapevine is a vibrant restaurant-cum-wine bar located on Rose Inn Street in the heart of Kilkenny city. Serving a diverse selection of international tapas, wines as well as Irish craft beers, this is a unique spot with heaps of character.

The White Oak Restaurant

The White Oak Restaurant in the Kilford Arms Hotel offers traditional food using locally sourced ingredients, served in relaxed and informal surroundings.

Cafes

Ground Floor Cafe

The Ground Floor Café on High Street in Kilkenny City is a popular daytime café serving homemade baps, panini, sandwiches and wraps along with a full selection of tray bakes and chocolate treats.

Kafe Katz

Kafe Katz is a small cosy café on Ormonde Street in the heart of Kilkenny City, that takes pride in the quality of its delicious and healthy yet affordable food.

Mug Shot Cafe

The Mug Shot Cafe is one of the most popular café’s in Kilkenny. Healthy menus created using the freshest of ingredients sourced from local suppliers cater for all tastes and dietary requirements.

Pennefeather Cafe

The ethos of the Pennefeather Café, above The Book Centre on High Street in Kilkenny City, is to provide quality home cooked food in a fast and friendly environment.

The Pantry Patisserie

The Pantry Patisserie on Kieran Street in Kilkenny City is a busy day-time café famous for its Breakfast Special, as well as fresh and wholesome cooked food, home-made soups, and hot main courses.

The Rising Sun

Built in 1644, The Rising Sun was once a Cromwellian era ‘ale house’. Today, the Rising Sun offers an all day food service including breakfast, carvery lunch, a bar menu and an a la carte menu.

Bars & Nightlife

Kytelers Inn

Dating back to 1324, Kytelers Inn on Kieran Street weaves history and heritage with 21st-century amenities and service.

Lanigan's Bar & Restaurant

Lanigan's Bar and Restuarant on Rose Inn Street is a family-run establishment offering the finest traditional Irish cuisine. Enjoy both traditional and contemporary live music 7 days a week during the summer months.

Marble City Bar and Tea Rooms

With award-winning food served daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the Marble City Bar and Tea Rooms offer extensive menus boasting the very best in fresh local Irish produce.

Matt The Millers

Matt the Millers Bar & Restaurant is situated right in the heart of Kilkenny City at Johns Bridge overlooking the River Nore and the castle. It has 5 floors, each with its own unique bar.

Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant

Enjoy wholesome homemade food 7 days a week at the Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant. The best of Irish hospitality and entertainment are guaranteed.

Rafter's Gastro Pub

The Rafter's Gastro Pub is a charming Olde Worlde Bar and Lounge in the heart of Ireland's Medieval Capital. Warm yourself at the open Log Fire and fill your belly with delicious home-cooked foods.

The Pumphouse

The Pumphouse is a spacious and friendly pub in the heart of Kilkenny city on Parliament Street. Live music is a part of the fabric of this place - enjoy traditional music sessions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the summer season

Shopping

Goods

Located in the heart of the city, Goods is a big department store founded in 1927. This store is Kilkenny's premier fashion destination with over four floors full of stylish and beautiful things for women of all ages. It also has a cosmetics and accessory section.

High Street

If you don't want to stay inside a shopping center and would rather take a walk around the city, this street is perfect for local products and gifts. Running parallel to the river Nore, High Street in Kilkenny is the main shopping street and it is jam-packed with souvenir shops, boutiques and craft shops.

Jerpoint Glass Studio

Jerpoint Glass Studio is an Irish glass-blower and a true family business. If you come here, you can learn all about their glass makers’ studio and buy beautiful handmade glass gifts.

Kilkenny Design Centre

Based in the medieval city, Kilkenny Design Centre is part of Kilkenny’s Castle, where the Kilkenny Design Workshops also take place. Staffed by bright, young international designers, craftspeople, design graduates and apprentices, their aim is to improve design and manufacturing standards in Ireland. The shop offers a wide range of goods: candles, glassware, home accessories, jewellery, pottery and much more.

MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre

The McDonagh Junction Shopping Centre is a big shopping mall that has over 50 top quality retail units including Next, No Name, River Island, T.K. Maxx and Dunnes Stores. It has also a car park, many special offers, which vary the time of the year, and there is a number of dining and entertainment options for families and children.

Market Cross Shopping Centre

Situated in the heart of Kilkenny city, Market Cross Shopping Centre is a big shopping mall that hosts the best known branded shops and retail outlets in Ireland. This place has also many services, including disabled accesses, friendly and helpful staff, bank link machines and a huge car parking for over 500 cars.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Influenced by the Gulf Stream, Ireland has a mild temperature climate with summer temperatures generally ranging from 14 to 16 degrees Celsius(60-70 Fahrenheit). June through August is the best time to visit Kilkenny for people who like it warm and party-goers: some of Ireland's best festivals take place between May and August, like Kilkenny Roots Festival, a music festival that brings the city alive over the long weekend.

Passport/Visa

Ireland’s passport and visa requirements vary for different nationalities: if you are a UK citizen, you can simply use official photo identification, whereas if you are an EU citizen, you'll need a national identity card. Visitors from EU countries (including Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein), USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, don’t need a visa to visit the Republic or Northern Ireland. South African visitors can visit the Republic of Ireland visa-free, but they need a UK visa in order to enter Northern Ireland. If you're not sure whether or not to apply for a visa, we recommend that you contact the embassy or consulate in your country.

Airport

Kilkenny Airport is situated 2.8 km west of the city. It's a private airport and it's mainly used for parachuting activities or for flight teaching. If travelling by air, you are likeliest to be flying into Dublin and arranging onward transportation from there.

Public Transport

In Kilkenny there is a route for everybody! There are many transportation services in the city that provide journeys by bus and by train. The websites for buses are: www.buseireann.ie www.jjkavanagh.ie www.dublincoach.ie The website for trains is: www.irishrail.ie

Taxi

Taxi is available round the clock, but prior booking is advised for links to buses, trains, ferries or flights. Additional information available at the link below.

Electricity

The standard voltage in the Republic of Ireland is 220 volts. Plugs are 3-pin flat, therefore adapters are required for 2-pin appliances. En-suite bathroom shaving points normally have 110 and 240 volt outlets.

Pharmacy

Boots: 36-38 High St, Gardens, Kilkenny +353 56 777 1222 www.boots.ie Haven Pharmacy O'Connell's: 4 Rose Inn St, Collegepark, Kilkenny +353 56 772 1033 Ayrfield Pharmacy: Granges Rd, Ayrfield, Kilkenny +353 56 771 2367

Post

There are many An Post offices throughout the city.

Trips

Highlights of Ireland Private Journey

Ireland Self Drive Journey

Castles and Manors of Ireland Private Journey

Whiskey Heritage and Scenic Adventures

Castles of Ireland Private Journey

Highlights of Ireland Private Journey

Ireland Self Drive Journey

Castles and Manors of Ireland Private Journey

Whiskey Heritage and Scenic Adventures

Castles of Ireland Private Journey

Highlights of Ireland Private Journey

Ireland Self Drive Journey

Castles and Manors of Ireland Private Journey

Whiskey Heritage and Scenic Adventures

Castles of Ireland Private Journey

Let’s plan your next vacation

Let us take care of all the details to create the perfect trip for you. With our expertise and personalized service, we will ensure that every moment of your trip is special and unforgettable. Get ready to embark on a dream adventure!

Your Trip Plan is Empty