Known for its craic, crafts and culture, Kilkenny is a fun-filled destination in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
Nicknamed The Marble City because of its distinctive black marble, Kilkenny’s cobbled stone streets are alluring and atmospheric. They have intriguing laneways with quirky names that tempt curious passersby to detour and explore more.
The Medieval Mile is a marked route which takes you on a discovery tour of the marvellous landmarks and buildings throughout Kilkenny centre. Following this walking route is a great way to get to know the city and get a feel for Ireland of old.
Pounding the pavement works up an appetite, and you’ll be well-sated as Kilkenny is known as a gourmet destination with an impressive food scene that promotes local produce and producers. So, whether you are a fan of gastro-pub grub, Michelin-star fine dining, or something in between, Kilkenny has got it all. There is also a thriving independent coffee scene where you can get your fill of caffeine and cake.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning a trip to Kilkenny and immerse yourself in this gourmet destination’s history and heritage.
Need some destination inspiration? Here are some excellent experiences to enjoy in Kilkenny.
Get your culture fix at the brilliant Butler Gallery, located in the heart of Kilkenny City on John’s Quay on the eastern banks of the River Nore. For 44 years, the gallery lived in the basement of Kilkenny Castle, but a few years ago, it broke free from the dungeons and relocated to Evans’ Home, a beautiful building built in 1818 on the former site of a military barracks.
The handsomely appointed interior space features art from Irish, international and emerging artists from the 1800s to the present day.
The site’s military history was reflected in the Gallery’s inaugural exhibition, The Bloods by Amelia Stein, a striking photography study of the people who make up the Defence Forces in James Stephens Military Barracks in Kilkenny.
After your culture fix, get your caffeine fix at MUSE Coffee and Food in the gallery. Grab a seat in the garden courtyard and enjoy the sculptures and views of the monastic site of St John’s Priory.
Marvel at art, artefacts, and architecture that tell the story of the work and lives of the people of Ireland over 800 years of history. The Medieval Mile Museum is centrally located just off the High Street in St Mary’s Church and Graveyard, which dates from the 13th century and is considered to be the finest example of a medieval church in Ireland.
Start your medieval musings in the graveyard, where you’ll find the county’s largest collection of Renaissance tombs. Then, head back inside to read the stories in stone on the High Cross casts originally commissioned by the High Kings of Ossory (don’t worry if you can’t remember this from school; you’ll get a crash course in the museum).
The museum has plenty of medieval masterpieces, including the Rothe Chapel and the Liber Primus—Kilkenny’s medieval town book—as well as human remains unearthed during the building’s restoration. It is grim but engrossing.
An animated timeline provides a fun and fascinating history lesson, and glass floors allow you to peer down at the foundations of the impressive tower that once loomed over the city.
The Medieval Mile Museum gives a glimpse into the past in a very modern and unique way.
A pilgrimage to St. Canice’s Cathedral in the Irishtown area of Kilkenny City is not just a spiritual experience but also a cultural, architectural, and archaeological one.
Kilkenny takes its name from this site, Chill Choinneach, meaning the Church of Canice. The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Here’s another fun fact: the impressive Cathedral is Ireland’s second largest medieval church after St Patrick’s in Dublin.
This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century, and the present Cathedral, which dates from the 13th century, is a magnificent example of the Early English Gothic style.
Step through the magnificent west doorway, with its elaborate carvings, and into the cruciform-shaped church, which has stunning stained glass windows, statues, and carvings.
Pick up a map at the information point and discover all the treasures of the church, including the tombs and effigies of members of the Butler family and other notable families, as well as the plaque marking the tomb of John Keaney, Barack Obama’s ancestor.
There is also a marvellous scale model replica of Kilkenny in the 1600s, and you’ll also find the grave slab of Dame Alice Kyteler, the first recorded person in Ireland to be condemned for witchcraft. A trip to St. Canice’s really is spellbinding.
From one divine experience to another, head to Cakeface Patisserie for some heavenly treats.
Located in Irishtown, just a few minutes walk from St Canice’s, there are some very tough decisions to be made when you get to the counter. Do you go for the enormous squishy squares of handmade marshmallows, the quirky desserts that are almost too pretty to eat or the sensational soups, salads and sambos? Not gonna lie; I went for one of each, ok, two cakes, but I just couldn’t decide. Everything is so tempting. Coffee also comes from speciality Irish roasters, so eating here is a great way to support local businesses.
Grab a seat at the sun-drenched window or head out back to the funky seating area and enjoy the sugar rush.
Top tip: If you can’t make it to this location, you can also enjoy the same treats in Face2 on St Kierans Street, near the Medieval Mile Museum.
Want to get close to crocodiles? Learn about lizards? Stroke a snake? If reptiles rock your world, slither to the National Reptile Zoo in Hebron Business Park, just 2km from Kilkenny Centre.
The National Reptile Zoo is a unique place with a unique history. It is designed as an exhibition and educational facility where you can view and learn about various reptile species from around the world.
Admire the amazing animals from behind the glass or get to know them more intimately at the animal encounter sessions. Here, trained wranglers introduce you to the animals and tell you all about the plight of these creatures in the wild and how important they are to our ecosystem. You can also learn about conservation projects in which the zoo participates.
Apart from reptiles, there are some spiders and scorpions, too. There is a nocturnal zone, a play zone—for the kids, not the reptiles—and a cafe as well. There are loads of interesting facts and information plaques throughout the zoo, and it really is a super fun and educational experience for all the family. I mean, who doesn’t want to hang out with dragons, turtles, and alligators? Oh my!
If you prefer animal encounters with fewer scales and more fluff, then Nore Valley Park is probably more your style. This pet farm has everything Old MacDonald sang about – lambs, goats, chickens, rabbits, donkeys, deer and, eh, ostriches.
You can watch the baby animals being bottle-fed and cuddle some of the adorable creatures, too. After the animals are fed, you can refuel in the shop with hot and cold drinks and snacks. You’ll need the energy before playing a round of crazy golf, tackling the go-karts and taking a tractor ride around the park.
Can’t tear yourself away from all the fun? You don’t have to. There is a campsite at Nore Valley Park so you can stay over. Pitch a tent, make yourself comfortable in a mobile home or go wild in one of the wooden lodges. A night on a farm is a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
The village of Graiguenamanagh, 30km from Kilkenny centre, lies in the shadow of Brandon Hill, Kilkenny’s highest mountain. Graiguenamanagh or Graignamanagh means the village of the monks, and in 1204, monks established Duiske Abbey and a mill here.
There is still a mill here today, the Cushendale Woollen Mills, and the Cushen family can trace their weaving heritage as far back as 1778. But this is no ordinary mill; this is one of the few remaining Irish woollen mills that creates textiles from the fleece of Irish sheep. In fact, when you walk into the shop, you can see a photo of the protected white-faced sheep in Galway, where they get their fleece. From fleece to fabric, there is full traceability.
In the historic mill, craftspeople use traditional methods to card and spin the fleece to produce quality yarns and fabrics. Yarns are dyed at the mill, giving the fibres a softer finish and a bespoke colour palette. The colours of Cushendale textiles are vibrant and unique.
Take the tour, and you’ll discover the history of the wool trade in the area. Learn about and see the heritage processes and skills used to produce natural fibre blankets, throws, and scarves. And wait until you see and hear the magnificent 1900s spinning mule in operation. It is fascinating.
As you walk around, you can feel the sense of history in this heritage building. The sounds, the smells, and the skilled craftspeople all take you back to a time before everything was computerised. The tour is eye-opening and will appeal to those with a love of crafts, heritage, and history—and even those who appreciate engineering!
The Cushendale Woollen Mills is a place where past and present weave together. Where traditional methods and materials are used to create textiles in modern styles and colours. The Cushendale Woollen Mills truly is an iconic Irish brand and a visit gives wonderful insight into a craft little changed in over a century.
Relax and repose with a ramble around the tranquil and whimsical Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum. Located in the pretty village of Inistioge, Woodstock is a place for wonderful walks through woodland and delightful scenery.
The Victorian Gardens have plenty to explore, including Woodstock House and Winter Garden, The Walled Garden and Fountain, The Turner Conservatory, and The Flower Terraces. You can also meander around blooming rose gardens and down the magnificent Monkey Puzzle Avenue and Noble Fir Avenue, where blowing branches and birds create a soothing soundtrack.
Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum is a great day out for all the family and the perfect place to go for some solitude amongst the trees. Bring a book and a picnic, find your favourite spot, and get swept up in the romance of it all.
To experience more of this area’s bucolic beauty, lace up your walking shoes and take the 4.5km Woodstock Loop or the shorter 3km Ladies Loop.
Starting at the Inistioge village car park, the Woodland Loop Walk takes you along woodland tracks and forest trails as you follow the River Nore. You’ll pass plenty of places of interest, and you can walk to Woodstock Gardens along this route, too. Say hello to the cows in the fields and explore the fanciful ruins of Mount Sandford Castle. The view here is terrific as you look down over Inistioge and the 10-arch bridge crossing the River Nore. The arched window fantastically frames the scenery. It is postcard-perfect. Enjoy.
Whilst Kilkenny maintains its medieval character and proudly promotes its medieval masterpieces, it is far from being stuck in the past. Kilkenny is a creative, cosmopolitan city brimming with character. It gives you a taste of ye olde Ireland as well as contemporary Irish crafts and cuisine. It tells the stories of Ireland’s Ancient East in a truly modern way.
With its marvellous museums and ancient architecture, gorgeous gardens and woodland walks, cool cafes, and fabulous food, Kilkenny is a destination for the culturally and culinary curious—a place for those who like a little bit of everything and a whole lot of fun.
Here my blog post on Beyond the Trees Avondale – Tree Top Walk.
Click here to read my guide on things to do in Wicklow.
You can read my West Cork Travel Guide.
If you are visiting Ireland, take a look at my many blog posts, for example things to do in Ireland.
Furthermore, if you are looking for a place to stay in Ireland, I highly recommend Glenlo Abbey and Longueville House.
Check out my review of the Culloden Estate and Spa for somewhere to stay in Northern Ireland.
Additionally, click here to learn about the traditional Irish foods we use to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
Click here if you want to learn about Christmas dinner in Ireland.
Finally, click here to learn about Easter in Ireland: Traditions, food, and festivities.
Lastly, do you like this blog post about Things to do in Wicklow? If so, please share it with others.
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