Location: Kilkenny
Top Things to do in Kilkenny
What to do and see in Kilkenny, Province of Leinster: The Best Things to do
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. Jerpoint Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 286 reviews
Welcome to Jerpoint Park, where we strive to immerse you in a unique experience of heritage and culture in a very special destination Thomastown in Kilkenny , south east of Ireland. Unearth the history of Jerpoint Park with a guided tour of the footprints of a deserted 12th century medieval town. When it was founded near a crossing point on the River Nore near the Cistercian Jerpoint Abbey. The site also contains the Tomb Effigy of St. Nicholas (Bishop of Myra) plus the Church of St. Nicholas. "One of Irelands's best examples of a deserted 12th century medieval town" a quote from The Heritage Council of Ireland. Angling on the River Nore for wild salmon & wild brown trout from March - September ( rods & bait available for hire). Sheep dog demonstrations is a wonderful event to see. Tour times daily at 10.30am & 2.30pm from 1st April - 28th Ocbotber 2018.
Reviewed By S1355SKmarieg
A most intriguing and memorable historical tour in the company of Joe, the owner of Belmore, who was a welcoming and entertaining guide to the ancient church, graveyard and lost medieval town on his lands. He explained that the thriving town once boasted houses, inns, water mill, brewery, woollen mill, tannery, holy well, courthouse and even a tolled bridge across the river, but that its real claim to fame was its renown as a site of pilgrimage to the man we know as Santa Claus. The crusading knights who brought the relics of St. Nicholas of Myra to Jerpoint Park some 800 years ago can still be seen in the tomb effigies in the old graveyard which show the saint with his hands raised in prayer, flanked by two crusader heads. Walking the land, it is possible to see where the old streets ran towards the marketplace, with the ruined remains of houses giving a sense of the scale of this once prosperous town. Over time, religious upheavals, plague and war all took their toll, and Jerpoint Park fell into decline. Laying still and silent for hundreds of years, it is now being rediscovered, and recognised for the richness of its history and its yet-to-be-unfolded secrets. I will be following developments as historians and archaeologists study the site, and in the meantime, I promised Santa to be a good girl and spread the word about it!
2. The Kilkenny Way
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 246 reviews
We Provide a unique sporting experience giving you an insight into the worlds Oldest (3000 yrs) and fastest field game in the true Home Of Hurling Champions - Kilkenny. Join us for 2 hours of Hurling fun in the Home of the Famous Kilkenny Cats.
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. Kilkenny Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,363 reviews
Founded soon after the Norman conquest of Ireland, the Castle has been rebuilt, extended and adapted to suit changing circumstances and uses over a period of 800 years. Today, Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodelling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle
Reviewed By M4474IDtomk
A must see in Kilkenny ....really great experience. Very friendly welcoming staff....who managed visiting during Covid really well. The castle itself is magnificent ...we were on a self guided tour and I would strongly recommend engaging with the staff in the rooms ...very knowledgeable and made our visit a truly memorable one.
5. Jerpoint Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 605 reviews
Reviewed By PringleNI
this was an amazing place to see built probably 1000 yers ago, well worth a visit and to stop in the little village.
6. St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,582 reviews
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Channigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century.The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland. Opening times from 29/11/2011 to 23/11/2011. Monday to Saturday 10am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm. Sunday 2pm to 4pm. Round Tower Climb Time at 12 noon and 3pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 3pm. Weather and staff permitting. Admission fee applies for visit into Cathedral and Round Tower. From 24/12/2011 to 02/01/2012 the Cathedral and Round Tower is closed for visiting. PLease check our website for services during the Christmas period.
Reviewed By longandshortofit - Overland Park, United States
Eager to climb a round tower during our time in Ireland, we were happy to find we could do just that in Kilkenny. A bit scary for anyone afraid of heights, the views at the top were expansive and worth the climb. (Their are good railings the whole climb.) There isn't much room at the top so we were glad to go when it wasn't crowded. It also helped to not have too many people trying to climb either up or down at the same time in the narrow space of the tower. The cathedral was lovely and had a very informative self-guided tour with lots of points of interest. We actually preferred it to St Patrick's and Christ Church in Dublin.
7. Black Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
Reviewed By 734larryb - Prince George, Canada
This is a a bit of a wander off of High Street and it seemed like most tourists were happy to see St Mary's cathedral we didn't see many at the Abbey. This is a beautiful building and part of the with spectacular windows.
8. Woodstock House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By 574darad - Dublin, Ireland
Stumbled upon Woodstock Gardens on a trip through beautiful Inistioge village in Co. Kilkenny. Woodstock was just stunning. The gardens belonged to an old house (long since burned down), but the magnificent gardens remain. Most of the trees (and there's a huge variety) were planted in the mid to late 19th century and are mature. Despite my wheelchair, we got to see most of the gardens courtesy of 'Lenny Woodstock' & the garden buggy. Lenny even dropped us off at the Woodstock cafe for delicious homebaked cake (the cafe is situated in what looks like an old victorian glasshouse). As well as the cafe, there's a terraced garden, a walled garden, the magnificent Noble Fir drive, a rose garden, a dove cote, and lots more. With such magnificent gardens and a rich history, Woodstock is definitely a hidden gem... don't miss out!
9. 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.
10. St Marys Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 236 reviews
Reviewed By elizethcrowe - Belem, Brazil
We found this church a lovely place to come and pray, inside the lighting was very well done. The organ music made it feel even more of a spiritual home
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