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.

• Web:

  www.blackabbey.ie

• Address:

  Gardens, Kilkenny

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.

• Web:

  www.butlergallery.com

• E-mail:

  info@butlergallery.com

• Address:

  The Castle, Collegepark, Kilkenny

• Phone:

  +353 56 776 1106

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.

• Web:

  www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/dunmorecave

• E-mail:

  dunmorecaves@opw.ie

• Address:

  Castlecomer Road, Inchabride, Kilkenny

• Phone:

  +353 56 776 7726

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.

• Web:

  www.discoverireland.ie/Activities-Adventure/jenkinstown-wood-walled-garden-loop/75535

• Address:

  Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny

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".

• Address:

  Kellsborough, County Kilkenny

• Phone:

  (353) 056 772 4623

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.

• Web:

  www.boattrips.ie

• Address:

  Canal Square, John's Bridge, Collegepark, Kilkenny

• Phone:

  (353) 087 2061999