Kilkenny

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Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a stunning, historic city where the past and present blend seamlessly in an unspoiled setting. It has managed to protect its precious heritage whilst evolving as one of Ireland’s liveliest small cities. Kilkenny boasts narrow alleyways, charming side streets, and well-preserved structures, along with a reputation for exceptional dining, shopping, entertainment, and accommodations.

The City

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.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Kilkenny – a beautiful and ancient city where history and modernity fuse together on an unspoiled landscape. The ancient medieval city of Kilkenny has protected its precious heritage whilst evolving as one of Ireland’s most vibrant small cities. Its narrow slipways, side streets and preserved buildings, are matched only by its reputation for fine dining, great shopping, entertainment and accommodation.

The Blackbird Gallery

One of Ireland's most prestigious commercial galleries, The Blackbird showcases the very best of Irish and international contemporary …

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 …

Rothe House and Garden

A unique, early 17th-century, Irish merchant’s townhouse and garden set in the centre of Kilkenny City, Rothe House and Garden is also the base of genealogical research for those looking to trace their Kilkenny …

National Design & Craft Gallery

Established by the Crafts Council of Ireland in 2000, this is the country's leading center for contemporary craft and …

St. Marys Cathedral

St. Marys is a gothic revival-style Catholic cathedral that dominates the skyline of Kilkenny City. Taking inspiration from Norman architecture, the impressive house of worship was designed by renowned architect William Deane Butler in …

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 …

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 …

Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny

Since 1710, Smithwick's Superior Irish Ale has been crafted and perfected in Saint Francis Abbey Brewery. Join a guided tour and get a flavour for some freshly-brewed …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Pat Tynan Kilkenny Walking Tours

Enjoy a humorous and informative walking tour of Ireland's medieval city, led by a proud local of the medieval capital of …

Medieval Kilkenny Stories Through Time

Medieval Kilkenny Stories through time is the city's first street theatrical Walking Tour. The tour starts from the Hole In the Wall on High Street, about a 10 min walk from Kilkenny …

The National Reptile Zoo

Want to touch a snake or see a chameleon catching its prey? The National Reptile Zoo is Ireland's only reptile zoo and houses over 100 different species, from Alligators to Tortoise and Toads to …

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 …

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 …

Dining

The passion and personality of Kilkenny's food makers, restauranters, café/bar-owners and retailers shines through. The city offers wonderful discoveries for visitors who love great food as well as warm hospitality.

Campagne

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

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 …

Italian Connection

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Zuni Restaurant

The award-winning Zuni Restaurant on Patrick Street prepares dishes using only the finest local ingredients, creating modern Irish flavours and tastes with hints and influences from around the …

Cafes

There are a number of cafés in Kilkenny offering the finest coffees and teas from around the world along with a wide selection of delicious handmade food and sweet cakes to accompany them.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Bars & Nightlife

Kilkenny has no shortage of establishments in which to stop for a pint and a bit of craic. Most pubs provide food during the day and many offer live entertainment at night.

Kytelers Inn

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Shopping

Kilkenny is renowned as a creative hub with a vibrant craft industry. Discover authentic craft created by designer makers all over the county; using the mos tmodern techniques as well as preserving and developing age old methods. From the white furnace of the glassblower, to the traditional throwing wheel of the potter and the hammering of precious metal; each creating unique, functional and decorative pieces.