Kilkenny is a medieval township near Dublin in south-east Ireland. One of the sights to see in Kilkenny is its castle, built by Norman invaders in 1195. It has a large number of religious monuments from its past that are still very well-preserved, such as churches and cathedrals, one of the most notorious being St. Canice’s Cathedral. If you want to find out more, read on to find out what things to do in Kilkenny Ireland.
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What things to do in Kilkenny Ireland
Kilkenny Castle
A must-see in Kilkenny is its castle. It is built by the river due to the strategic importance of the place to face the wars of the time, since it was built under the command of William Marshal in the first decade of the 13th century. Later, Earl Pembroke owned it. He was important because he wrote the Magna Carta in 1215, which was the first constitution in history. It was also owned by the Butler family of Ormond in 1360 and inherited by son after son for 600 years. It became the property of the Irish state in 1967 when the Marquess Ormond sold the castle because of its condition.
Today, it has been restored and can be visited, without a guide it costs €8 adults, students between 12 and 17 with youth card €4, children under 12 free and families €20. On the other hand, with a guided tour it costs €12 adults, students with youth card €6, children under 12 free and families €30. Opening hours are from 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Sunday.
St Canice’s Cathedral
St. Canice Cathedral was built in the 13th century, although history has it that near the river Nore St. Canice built his church. It was damaged in 1651 by Cromwell’s armies, but was later rebuilt as one of Ireland’s architectural wonders. Within its simple gothic design it has a form of a cross around its central tower, many speak of the west door as the finest gothic doorway in all of Ireland. Today, mass and some major classical music concerts take place in the cathedral. If you like to appreciate the architecture of monuments on your travels, you can’t miss it. It can be visited free of charge and is open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30.
Black Abbey
Black Abbey is a Catholic convent of the Dominican Order, dedicated to the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity. It was built in 1225 by the Earl of Pembroke as one of the first houses of the Dominican Order in Ireland. In 1558 with the reign of Elizabeth I of England it became the property of the crown. In 1816 Black Abbey became the property of the Dominicans, who restored it and celebrated their first public mass. It can be visited Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 but if there is a ceremony you cannot enter, admission is free.
St Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral was commissioned by Bishop William Kinsella in 1842 and the process and design was undertaken by William Deane Butler. A year after it was ordered to be built, construction began, and it was not until 1857 that the process was completed. It is famous for its use of cut limestone, which is very popular in the area. Its design has become a benchmark for many later English cathedrals. A very beautiful sight to see is the Kilkenny cityscape from its high towers, being in the centre of the city it is easy to get to. It is free to visit and is open Monday to Saturday at 9:00h, and Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00.
Museum of the Medieval Mile
If you like history, you must see the Museum of the Medieval Mile. The church has become a museum, a collection of all the medieval culture in the city of Kilkenny, with over 800 years of Irish history, Celtic crosses, carved slabs and more. You can explore both the church and the 13th century cemetery. You can also see recent discoveries related to archaeologists about the cemetery. Definitely interesting if you want to get a good insight into Irish culture as well as a nice tour.
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What to see around Kilkenny Ireland
In addition to the monuments in the centre of Kilkenny if you have time it would be interesting to visit the mountains and scenery around Kilkenny as well as some places to see around Kilkenny:
Jerpoing Park in the town of Newtown Jerpoint, founded in the 12th century, you can see the ruins of the domestic tower and the church of St. Nicholas, the town was abandoned after the bridge across the River Nore collapsed.
Woodstock Estate near the village of Inistioge, is the ruins of an 18th century manor house. Beautifully landscaped and very pretty. William Tighe and Lady Louisa Lennox have been busy introducing all kinds of plants to make the estate predominantly green.
Kilfane Glen, not far south-east of Kilkenny, is six hectares of garden that were planted in the late 18th century. One of the most beautiful things to see is a waterfall, in fact, this large garden has been compared to Marie Antoinette’s Hameau de la Reine. There are all kinds of plants and flowers.
Something relatively close and interesting to see is Dunmore Cave. It is a compact cave that is 46 metres deep and 400 metres long. According to some writings, when they found human remains, they said it was a massacre in the 1600s. A silver treasure has also been found. The cave has been formed over 11 million years, it is interesting to visit it with a guide, the entrance is free of charge.
What things to do in Kilkenny in 3 days
We recommend that depending on how many days you are going to stay, you organize yourself based on how much you want to see and how much walking you can handle or what your limits are, as it is normal that you want to see everything and go to a thousand places, but it is very important that you rest well to enjoy yourself at all times.
First day in Kilkenny:
- Walk around the centre of Kilkenny.
- Visit the castle
Second day in Kilkenny:
- Visit St Canice’s Cathedral
- Visit the Medieval Mile Museum
Third day in Kilkenny:
- Visit Dunmore Cave
- See Black Abbey
Where to stay in Kilkenny Ireland?
Kilford Arms Hotel Kilkenny: Located near John The Evangelist Cathedral and 4 minutes from Macdonagh Station, and 8 minutes from Kilkenny Castle Art Galleries. It offers free parking and free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning in all rooms and a restaurant for dining. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00. Average price €70.
Kilford Arms Hotel: Located a minute’s walk from St. John the Evangelist Church. Free TV and free Wi-Fi are available on the premises. It also offers free parking and room service. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00. Average price €77.
Kilkenny Inn Hotel: Situated one minute from St Canice’s Cathedral, it offers free parking, free Wi-Fi and free breakfast, check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 12:00. The facilities are comfortable, and it is centrally located, making it ideal for sightseeing in Kilkenny. Average price €80.
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel: Famous for its pretty facade, formerly a bank, you can find it just a minute from Kilkenny Castle. You can enjoy free breakfast and Wi-Fi. Check-in time is 15:00 and check-out time is 12:00. Average price €100.
Where to eat in Kilkenny Ireland?
The Hole in the Wall: Located on High Street near the River Nore, this famous pub, formerly a tavern, is over 400 years old, and has become a must-see in the city, famous for offering the best Irish beer in town. Price range 16€.
John Cleeres Bar: Located near Watergate Urban Park, the cuisine is Irish, serving traditional stew, lots of homemade soups and famous sandwiches, and has become famous for its food and facilities. Price range €27.
Smithwick’s Experiencie: If you’re a fan of beer you have to see this brewery and try it, they’re typical of the city, although Guinness bought the brand in 2013 they still offer tours and you can have a nice experience. Price range 15€.
Riverside Restaurant: You’ll find it at the other end of the River Nore from St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum. Famous for its Irish food, it has outdoor terraces overlooking the river and good service. Price range €18.
Mocha’s Vintage Tea Room & Restaurant: Located near Kilkenny train station, if your idea of Irish tea is a must-try. The food is Irish and European, though its charm lies in the tea and breakfast. Price range €14.
How to get to Kilkenny Ireland
There are many ways to get to Kilkenny depending on the airport or the area you are coming from as it is a major tourist destination.
If you’re coming from Dublin, there are different options.
The first is by train, from Heuston station there are several trains to Killkenny MacDonagh, it takes an hour and a half and costs €14.
The second is by bus, the private company Dublin Coach offers direct trains from the bus station to Kilkenny these take about an hour and forty-five minutes and cost €10.
The third option is by car, either renting one, car sharing or going by taxi, the taxi option I do not recommend because it is too expensive, in Dublin there are different companies that rent a car, an interesting option if you want to see too many things around.
If you are coming from Cork you can come by train, this takes about 4 hours as it is not direct and costs about €40. The best option is by bus from Cork, St Patricks Quay to Kilkenny which takes about two and a half hours but costs about €20.
Travel tips for visiting Kilkenny
- The currency in Kilkenny is the Euro.
- Even though it may rain in summer, it is advisable to bring closed shoes and warm clothing.
- Take a small first aid kit for emergencies.
- Take comfortable clothes if your idea is to travel to different places and especially to see beaches, desert and natural passages.
- The best time to visit the city is in summer, when the weather is more pleasant.
- The tap water is safe to drink, although as always we recommend drinking bottled water.
- The city is safe, but as with any tourist destination, it is best to be careful with your belongings.
Organise your trip to Kilkenny
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kilkenny
For starters, you can try a typical Irish breakfast.
Irish Stew, a very famous beef stew.
Salmon, salmon fillets are delicious.
Whiskey chocolate cake.
Bacon and cabbage, cooked bacon with white sauce.
The typical fish and chips.
The weather is best in summer as it won’t be as rainy or as cold, which will make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
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