Welcome to Kilkenny!
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About Kilkenny
Kilkenny is a city in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is located in the South-East Region and in the province of Leinster. It is built on both banks of the River Nore. The population is around 25,000.
Kilkenny is a tourist destination, and its environs include historic buildings such as Kilkenny Castle, St Canice’s Cathedral and round tower, Rothe House, Shee Alms House,[4] Black Abbey, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny Town Hall, St. Francis Abbey, Grace’s Castle, and St. John’s Priory. Kilkenny is also known for its craft and design workshops, the Watergate Theatre, public gardens and museums.
A special thank you to Wild Rover Tours for a great look at the village of Kilkenny and nearby Jerpoint, Sheep herding, and the landmarks of Wicklow. click Visit Kilkenny for information from the official travel site.
Planning Guide
Maps & Other Resources
Kilkenny Maps has some great information on routes and stops in Kilkenny. Click on Explore Maps to learn more. Each sight is labeled and linked to more information as you set up your itinerary.
Eat Play & Stay
For some of our top recommendations and off-the-beaten-path suggestions, check out the slider below. We have vetted these based on past stays or future bucket list goals. There are many other choices that fit each style and taste, so be sure to click the additional links below to narrow down options on things to do, and where to eat & stay.
Feel free to click on the slider or the icon at the top right to stop the slide and the arrow to continue.
We had the restaurant on our bucket list as there is a replica of this restaurant in Dublin, Ohio. The owners wanted to recreate the food and atomosphere. This lovely restaurant is right on the river and serves pub style food with the best beer in town. Click on the title for info or Explore More for other options.
This is a magial tour down the RIver Nore to learn about the history of this unique village and view the wildlife and historic sites. Very highly rated and worth your time. You can book a private group for affordable rates.
About 35 minutes north west of Kilkenny and on the way to Wicklow or Dublin, you will find this amazing castle. When we are in Europe, we try to find a castle or estate stay to understand the history or the area. This is worth a little of a splurge at about $250 per night. But look inside and you will have your breath taken away. If you can add it to your itinerary you will not be sorry.
This guest house is just outside of Kilkenny on the Nore River. The reviews are outstanding with many guests commenting on the idyllic location and gracious host. The property is very affordable and offers a local experience. Whenever we look for an accomation we try to find a guest house or manor where we can spend time with the host and other guests. They are so helpful with suggestions on what to do and where to eat.
For the most comprehensive travel guides out there, click Trip Savvy and Culture Trip below! These travel sites hire local writers and expert travelers to share the most relevant articles and best tips in the industry! Branding belongs to each respecitve company.
Get Your Guide Options
Local Spotlight ~ Kilkenny
This site (discoverireland.ie) is packed with amazing suggestions on things to do, places to stay, and to eat! Be sure to check out the top things to do in Kilkenny for some great ideas. Be sure to also check out Smithwicks Brewery Experience as it is the main brewery of this popular beer.
VisitKilkenny.com
visitkilkenny.com has some of the most helpful information you will find before coming to this amazing village! In our opinion, it is one of the best sites around. Be sure to check out the article on the Most Instagrammable Sites in Kilkenny. Click on the title to view that article and Explore More for the main page.
Cycling Tours
Kilkenny Cycling Tours is a great way to see the city. The owner has a passion for sharing the history and great sites around the city.
Amateur Traveler
Travel to Ireland
Hear about travel to Ireland as Chris, the Amateur Traveler himself talks about a recent trip to the Emerald Isle. Chris did a driving tour with 7 family members and friends from Dublin to the west point of Ireland and of Europe. He visits Kilkenny, Rock of Cashel, and many other sites on the west side of Ireland.
Off the Beaten Path
Rock of Cashel
This was worth a stop when we visited Ireland. The structure is awe inspiring, at the top of a hill surrounded by sheep pastures.
Sheep Herding
Jerpoint Park is a great way to experience local culture and customs. Sheep herding demonstrations as well as bird falconry are great activities in the area.
Virtual Walking Tour ~ Kilkenny
by Pop Travel
