Location: Kilkenny
Top Things to do in Kilkenny
The 8 Best Museums in Kilkenny, Province of Leinster
Kilkenny is over 400 years old, but it sure doesn’t show its age. Yes, it's an awe-inspiring throng of medieval cathedrals, castles, abbeys and other massive stone buildings, but Kilkenny loves to party. An endless stream of arts festivals celebrating theater, comedy, bluegrass and dance is constantly pumping the city with new life, toe-tapping energy and international flavor.
Restaurants in Kilkenny
1. Edmund Rice Heritage Centre
2. VALERIE WALSHE CONTEMPORARY
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
The most complete selection of contemporary paintings prints and original gifts in the country. The gallery has two floors, housed in the beautiful medieval landmark Rothe House. Its new location is perfectly suited to the only commercial gallery in Kilkenny. A gallery whose reputation is based on trust and excellent customer service.
3. Medieval Mile Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 624 reviews
Located on the 13th century site of St Mary's cruciform church and graveyard. As the starting point of the 'Medieval Mile' trail, it brings to life Kilkenny's history as Ireland's premier medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny's civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city's historic role in Ireland. There are a number of Guided tours throughout the day, or visitors can purchase an all-day self-guided tour pass. Audio Guides are available in 5 languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish). Child friendly versions are also available in each language. June 2018 saw the launch of the LEGO® mini figure Hunt, which sees 10 characters from Kilkenny's history hidden around the museum in the form of LEGO® mini figures! Kids are now introduced to the city's history through LEGO®.School tours, language schools and third level, please see our website for costings and booking information.Last entry 6.00
Reviewed By 946dylanr - New York City, United States
You must visit this museum while in Kilkenny. Our tour guide John was one of the best we’ve ever had in all our travels. Really enjoyed the 1 hour tour. The museum is an old church that they’ve done an absolutely wonderful job preserving and modernizing into an attraction that gives you a great appreciation for Kilkenny City and it’s long and incredible history.
4. The Kilkenny Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Original artwork and prints ; paintings and sculpture by a selection of Ireland's best artists including several who are based in Kilkenny
5. Butler Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Butler Gallery is a leading contemporary art gallery and museum with a permanent collection in the South East of Ireland.
6. Rothe House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 506 reviews
A magnificent 17th century Irish merchant's townhouse & garden in the centre of Kilkenny city, open as a museum, garden, genealogy centre, book and gift shop. We open throughout the year: seven days a week in summer, six in winter. Paying visitors supports the ongoing maintenance works at Rothe House and Gardens.
Reviewed By johnmcguigan61 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Rothe House is a hidden gem and on the day we visited was bathed in glorious sunshine which added to the garden experience. The site spans three buildings to reflect the growth of the family and the garden was a working garden to support the family over the seasons. The hidden story of Kilkenny's role in the flight of the earls and reformation is brought to life while the garden is hosting many plants and fruits not generally available as a consequence of commercial fruit production. No visit to Killkenny can be complete without a visit to this noble venture.
7. National Design & Craft Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By annalex - Metuchen, United States
Our guide with Collins Day Tours recommended the restaurant above the arts and crafts shop here as the best place in town for a vegetarian lunch, and we wound up discussing this meal for the rest of our trip. The young man behind the counter described the lunch offerings thoroughly and patiently helped us choose an option without cheese. I was with an omnivorous friend, and she also enjoyed the meal. We had the nut loaf, which doesn't necessarily sound appetizing, but it was savory and accompanied by a zesty chili sauce. The salads were creative and healthy, and the hearty brown bread was obviously baked on site. We finished the meal with a slice of pecan coffee cake and a slice of chocolate cake: it's best to get the dessert special with coffee or tea. The wine suggestions are similarly top notch. To enjoy this (slightly) hidden gem, make sure to go upstairs instead of to the small coffee shop upstairs. The poised and well-trained staff will help you choose something if you're unfamiliar with the entrees, and you can go downstairs to pick up some gifts on the way out, before heading to the tour of the castle across the street.
8. Nore View Folk & Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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