Kilkenny travel guide

One fascinating sight in Kilkenny is the unforgettable Kilkenny Castle. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Kilkenny. This remarkable attraction is located at The Parade, Dukesmeadows, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1, Ireland and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 09:00-17:30.

Discover the best places to visit in Kilkenny, including the fascinating Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Castle Park, St Canice's Cathedral, Smithwick's Experience, and St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Kilkenny.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Kilkenny.

Kilkenny offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Kilkenny by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Kilkenny can choose from 8 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Cultural Tours is the answer.

The most popular tour in Kilkenny is the fantastic Walk the Medieval Mile with Pat.

Kilkenny also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Historical Tour. This experience costs around 9 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Kilkenny. This Historical Tour is available in 6 languages: German, Mandarin Chinese, English, Italian, and French. Around 75 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 5 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Kilkenny and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Kilkenny below.

Discover the best things to do in Kilkenny. Choose from 21 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Kilkenny. Click the green button to view your options.

In Kilkenny, Ireland, the culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional tastes and contemporary flair. One of the best places to eat in Kilkenny is the area around Kieran Street and the Medieval Mile, where you can find everything from street food to high-end dining. For a taste of traditional Irish cuisine, try the hearty Irish stew or boxty, a potato pancake, at one of the local pubs. Kilkenny is also known for its artisanal cheese, so don't miss the chance to sample some at a local farmer's market or specialty store. For a more upscale dining experience, visit the award-winning Lady Helen Restaurant, which offers a tantalizing menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a luxurious dinner, Kilkenny offers a range of culinary experiences that cater to all palates. Remember to pair your meal with a pint of local Smithwick's ale or a glass of Irish whiskey to complete the experience.

Kilkenny, a charming city in Ireland, is also known for its vibrant nightlife that captures the true spirit of Irish hospitality and entertainment. The best area for bars in Kilkenny is undoubtedly the city center, where you can find an array of pubs and clubs offering live music, traditional Irish dances, and a wide selection of local beers and whiskeys.

Kyteler's Inn, the oldest pub in Kilkenny, is a must-visit establishment. With its medieval atmosphere and live folk music, it provides a unique experience that is quintessentially Kilkenny. For those who prefer a more modern setting, the Left Bank is a stylish bar housed in a converted bank building, offering craft cocktails and an upscale ambiance.

Kilkenny’s nightlife is not just about the bars and pubs. The city is also home to the renowned Watergate Theatre, where you can enjoy a range of performances from drama to comedy and live music. Remember to check the schedules and book in advance.

Whether you are looking for a traditional pub experience or a lively club scene, Kilkenny’s nightlife has something to suit everyone's taste. It’s an important part of the city's culture that is not to be missed when visiting.

Kilkenny offers a unique shopping experience combining traditional craftsmanship, modern fashion, and local flavor. One of the best places to go shopping in Kilkenny is the Kilkenny Design Centre, a hub for local artisans showcasing handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and textiles. Here, you can pick up iconic Nicholas Mosse pottery or a piece of handwoven Celtic Shawl. For a mix of top international brands and independent boutiques, head to the MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. It's the perfect place to find the latest fashion trends and traditional Irish clothing.

For a more down-to-earth experience, visit Kilkenny's weekly farmers' market, held every Thursday on the Parade. You'll find locally grown produce, homemade goodies, and artisanal crafts, making it a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.

When planning your shopping trip, remember that most shops in Kilkenny open around 9 am and close at 6 pm, with later hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Many shops accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially for the farmers' market. Happy shopping in Kilkenny!

When it comes to exploring the medieval charm of Ireland, Kilkenny never disappoints. For budget travelers, there are countless best free things to do in Kilkenny. Start with a self-guided walking tour of the city's medieval mile, an enchanting stretch filled with ancient buildings, winding lanes, and hidden courtyards. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Kilkenny Castle's parklands, with the castle as an impressive backdrop. Remember, the park is free, though the castle itself has an admission fee. For art lovers, the Butler Gallery offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art without any entry cost. A stroll along the picturesque River Nore is a must for nature enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife. Lastly, don't forget to visit St. Canice's Cathedral, one of Ireland's most magnificent religious buildings. You can appreciate the stunning architecture from outside for free. These activities not only offer a great way to save money but also provide a rich, fulfilling experience in Kilkenny.

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Kilkenny.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Kilkenny get fully booked quickly. Your customized holiday package to Kilkenny is only a few clicks away!

Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 73 hotels, 7 vacation rental apartments, 1 bed & breakfast and 1 cottage. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Kilkenny provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, Newpark Hotel is one of the top picks of travelers in Kilkenny.

The hotel is located at 1 CASTLECOMER ROAD and boasts many great utilities, including 24-hour front desk, Air conditioning, and Bar.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Kilkenny. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In Kilkenny, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose Kilkenny Tourist Hostel. For approximately 28 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 4 different types of places to stay in Kilkenny. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Kilkenny for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 83 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Kilkenny provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Kilkenny are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Kilkenny.

Penthouse Apartment offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in Kilkenny. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Newpark Hotel, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in Kilkenny, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Fanad House Bed & Breakfast, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Kilkenny. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Kilkenny on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Kilkenny that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Kilkenny to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in Kilkenny can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in Kilkenny is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in Kilkenny is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Kilkenny.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Kilkenny.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.