Best Things to Do in Kilkenny: A Local’s Guide to Ireland’s Medieval Gem
Located in Ireland’s Ancient East, Kilkenny combines rich history with genuine Irish hospitality. Known as the “Marble City” due to its distinctive black marble, this compact city packs centuries of stories into its winding lanes, impressive castle, and ancient cathedral.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Dublin (just 90 minutes away) or using Kilkenny as a base to explore Ireland’s southeast, this guide covers the essential experiences that make Kilkenny worth visiting.
From climbing St. Canice’s Round Tower for panoramic views to discovering hidden gems like Butter Slip Lane, sampling local Smithwick’s ale, or venturing into the surrounding countryside to explore ancient abbeys and priories, Kilkenny offers authentic Irish experiences that appeal to history buffs, families, and casual travelers alike. Join us as we explore the best things to do in this historical Irish treasure.
Something to keep in mind though, Kilkenny is not just a city in Ireland it is also an incredibly beautiful county and there are so many things to do in County Kilkenny it can keep you busy for days.
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FAQs about Kilkenny
What is Kilkenny famous for?
Kilkenny is famous for its medieval buildings and castle. The town has been referred to as the “Marble City” for centuries.
How far is Dublin to Kilkenny?
Kilkenny is about an hour and a half from Dublin.
Is Kilkenny worth visiting?
Yes, there is a great deal of Irish history to be found in Kilkenny including the Medieval Mile, St. Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny Castle and many more medieval buildings.
How long should I spend in Kilkenny?
Kilkenny is a small city and you will probably only need one day to see all the things in Kilkenny. But I would recommend spending at least 2 days exploring or if short on time spend the night enjoying all the live entertainment and craic that makes this city so much fun.
What are the most popular things to do in Kilkenny with kids?
Kids will love taking the little train around to see all the sites and then dropping into a real Irish Castle. You can take them on a river trip down the Nore and just outside the city if the fabulous National Reptile Zoo.
How to get to Kilkenny from Dublin
If you are planning your visit to Ireland and you are renting a car from the airport you may want to head straight to Kilkenny. If you are planning on spending a day or two in Dublin then I would recommend picking up the car the day you leave.You could also plan a trip around the South coast of Ireland that will include Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Hook Head and several other major sites along the way.
Kilkenny train from Dublin
When visiting Kilkenny getting there is pretty easy it is around an hour and a half drive from Dublin. You can also catch a train from Heuston Station in Dublin to Kilkenny’s Macdonagh Station at a cost of around €13 euros return for one person.
The train journey is also very fast and only takes an hour and a half. Buses also run to Kilkenny and in the summer months, the Xpress service on Bus Eireann takes around 90 minutes for €10 Euros per person.
Top 10 things do in Kilkenny
Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile is packed with history, culture, and lively experiences—all within easy walking distance. Here are the top 10 activities and attractions you can explore on foot in this area:
Walk the Medieval Mile
Kilkenny’s most famous tourist attraction is the Medieval Mile you can stroll the mile-long trail from the castle to St. Canice’s, passing historic buildings, quirky shops, and cozy cafés.
Map of the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Castle & Park
Walk through the grand halls of this 12th-century Norman castle and relax in its beautiful rose gardens and park. Ticket costs for adults is only €8.00.
Kilkenny Castle stands dramatically on a strategic height that commands the crossing on the River Nore and dominates the ‘High Town’ of Kilkenny City.
The original Anglo-Norman stone castle was built for William Marshal, 4th Earl of Pembroke in the first 10 years of the thirteenth century. This is one of the greatest Irish Castles you can visit and it’s one of my favourite things to do in Kilkenny.
Kilkenny Castle later became the principal Irish residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. Their ownership began when James the 3rd Earl of Ormond, purchased the castle around 1390 and lasted until 1967 when Arthur, 6th Marquess of Ormonde presented it to the people of Kilkenny in return for a token payment of £50.
St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower
St Canice’s Cathedral is one of the most prominent sights in Kilkenny, (also called the Kilkenny Cathedral) and it is believed that construction began in the 1250s and was completed in 1285, but the religious roots of the site extend back to the 6th Century when the Church of St Canice stood here.
I noticed many tourists just rushing through the place but it is well worth at least an hour of your time. From the round-headed stained glass windows to the absolutely fascinating tombs made of black marble, this Cathedral is stunning.
The round tower, thought to have been built in the 9th Century, is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. It is also one of only two round towers in all of Ireland that visitors are allowed to climb, weather permitting. From the top of the 30 metres tower, people can take in wonderful views of Kilkenny and the surrounding countryside.
The entry cost for St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower in Kilkenny, Ireland, is generally around €4 for the cathedral and €3 for the round tower. A combination ticket for both is also available, starting from €10.
The Medieval Mile Museum
The 13th century St Mary’s church and graveyard in Kilkenny is the finest example of a medieval church in Ireland. St Mary’s Church has been converted into a modern museum and is also a venue for select events and exhibitions. The Museum provides interactive displays and exhibits designed to tell the story of Kilkenny and its medieval history. Kilkenny’s civic treasures are on display as well as some replicas of Ossory High Crosses. A self-guided Audio tour will cost around €7.00.
Rothe House & Garden
Said to be one of Ireland’s best surviving examples of a 16th Century merchant’s house. Today it is maintained as a museum with artefacts from Viking and Celtic times. The cost to enter the museum is €10.00 in the museum you can see exhibits of costumes, and artefacts from around the area.
The garden at Rothe House is a faithful recreation of the Rothe family garden. Restored it as it would have appeared in the early 17th century. Rothe House garden is now the only urban garden of this period which is open to the public. The long, walled plot runs from the rear of John Rothe’s house on Parliament Street to the city wall. Archaeological excavations in 2008 uncovered the original layout of the garden. Even the seeds and pollen of the plants of the 17th century were discovered.
Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny
A fun, interactive tour of Kilkenny’s famous ale-making history (includes tastings!). The Masters of Ale Experience at Smithwick’s Experience in Kilkenny costs around €20 per person for those over 18 with valid ID. This 75-minute tour includes a guided tour, welcome refreshment, a tasting masterclass of four ales, a pint pouring tutorial, and an engraved glass memento.
You can book a tour here through Viator
Black Abbey
The Dominican Black Abbey in Kilkenny was founded in 1225 the church has been beautifully restored to its original splendour with a spectacular coloured stained glass window. The Black Abbey was part of the Dominican Priory and derived its name from the Black Friars, as the Dominicans were called. Admission is free.
Kyteler’s Inn
Kyteler’s in Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s oldest inns. It has a unique story, great food, artisanal beers, live music and of course a ghost and today is a unique Kilkenny pub you can enjoy the craic in.
Dame Alice de Kyteler was accused of witchcraft by her husband’s children who believed she had poisoned him to get to his money. This was the first known Witchcraft Trial in Ireland, and through torture, the church obtained confessions and Dame Alice was sentenced to be burnt at the stake, but the night before her burning in 1325 Dame Alice escaped. It is believed that Dame Alice went to London but nothing more was heard of her after her escape.
Kilkenny Design Centre
Kilkenny Design Craft Gallery offers an amazing selection of Irish and international artists handcrafted gifts. The Centre is Ireland’s most prestigious source of Irish gifts of exceptional quality, all chosen with a discerning eye for quality, uniqueness and style.
Located directly across the road from Kilkenny Castle it houses a fabulous restaurant upstairs called Anoch and a cafe downstairs where you can enjoy fresh baked goods and dishes prepared by Ireland’s finest regional producers.
Butler House & Gardens
A peaceful Georgian mansion (once the castle’s dower house) with lovely gardens—great for afternoon tea. Ticket costs for adults is €15.50.
All of these are within a 15-minute walk of each other, making Kilkenny perfect for exploring on foot.
Hidden Gems in Kilkenny
Kilkenny Road Train Tour
There are so many attractions in Kilkenny that you may want to save your feet a little before you really explore so take the Road train tour. At a cost of €9.50 for adults and children are €6.00, this is a great way to get around Kilkenny if you are mobility challenged. This small road train does tours all around the city starting off at Kilkenny Castle and does a 30-minute tour of Medieval Kilkenny.
While onboard you will get a full commentary on all the Kilkenny City landmarks giving a historical and fascinating insight into the history of Kilkenny.
The Rivers of Kilkenny
Kilkenny was the capital of Ireland for 9 years until Cromwell began his conquest in 1649. It is located in the southeast of Ireland in the province of Leinster. The county of Kilkenny has three major rivers running through it, known as the Three Sisters: the Nore, the Suir and the Barrow.
The Shee Almshouse
Shee Almshouse was founded by the Shee family in 1582 during the Tudor period to accommodate twelve poor persons in Kilkenny. The Shee Almshouse in Kilkenny offers guided tours as part of Kilkenny Civic Trust’s historical walking tours. The building, dating back to 1582, is one of the best-preserved Tudor almshouses in Ireland and provides fascinating insights into Kilkenny’s medieval past. Cost for adults is around €5–€7 per person (prices may vary slightly).
Famine Heritage of MacDonagh Junction
The historic nature of the MacDonagh site originally on the site was the former Union Workhouse built in 1842 to accommodate up to 1,300 local poor. When the potato famine began in 1845 the Poor House quickly became the City Famine Workhouse.
You can visit the Kilkenny Union Workhouse, now beautifully restored to take a free self-guided audio-visual tour at the Kilkenny Famine Experience.
The Butler Gallery
In the Butler Gallery, it has one of the finest exhibition spaces in the country. The gallery serves not only as a particularly fantastic venue for visiting touring shows but also originates some formidable exhibitions. It has an impressive, representative collection of nineteenth and twentieth-century Irish art.
Kilkenny Jail & Courthouse
The building is on the site of an ancient castle built around 1210. This was replaced in 1566 by the present building, which was eventually given to the authorities by its owner for use as a jail. It became a courthouse around 1792 and still houses the local district and circuit courts. The foyer also functions as an exhibition venue during the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August. Entry is free.
Tholsel (City Hall)
The Tholsel was built in the 1700s as a toll collection point, these days though it acts as Kilkenny’s City Hall and its lovely arcade it is the place to come and see the buskers of Kilkenny.
Butterslip Lane Kilkenny
Butter Slip Alley is a tiny dark walkway that connects the High Street to the Low Street, now known as St Kieran’s Street. The narrow medieval cobblestone alley was built in 1616 and was home to butter vendors.
Canal Walks
The perfect way to stroll the day away is to take a walk around Kilkenny’s lovely canal. The canal promenade begins at Canal Square near John’s Bridge – remember your Ghost tour walk guide told you about the 16 souls lost when the bridge collapsed in 1763. and runs along the lower wall of Kilkenny Castle following the River Nore for miles into the countryside.
Take the trail until you reach the pedestrian bridge and cross over the river to return back to town on the Lacken walk. There are several hotels, restaurants and pubs if you fancy a cold pint or coffee on your leisurely stroll.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Located on the highest point of Kilkenny, St. Mary’s Cathedral is built in the early gothic English style. It is believed the architect and builders constructed the Cathedral as a copy of the Gloucester Cathedral in England. This impressive Cathedral is created from cut limestone, all of which was sourced locally when it was built in the 1800s. Entry is free but donations gratefully accepted.
Kilkenny Hurling
Hurling is Ireland’s national sport and pretty much everyone plays or is a fan. The sport of hurling is over 3000 years old and you can learn all about the sport with Kilkenny Hurling Way Experience. There are 2 hour long tours which will give you an insight into the game and how it is played as well as packages that include a meal and a game.
Kilkenny tours
Kilkenny Ghost Tours
No shortage of ghostly tales and legends in Kilkenny. If you are a fan of the thin places then take a Ghost Tour and learn all the ghostly tales. You can also take a Medieval grave tour of open tombstones and ghastly graves within the City’s famous churchyard.
The Ghost tour was one of my favourite things to do in Kilkenny. Hear tales and folklore handed down through the generations, such as the curse of Sir Richard Shee and Dame Alice Ketyler’s infamous witch trial in the 14th century. Take in historic sites including the imposing Kilkenny Prison, St Mary’s Cathedral, Rothe House and the stone tombs of Black Abbey, and perhaps bump into ghostly apparitions along the way.
Read more about Kilkenny Ghost Walking Tour
Kilkenny pubs
Lanigan’s Bar and Hostel
Looking for an archetypal Irish pub? Look no further than Lanigan’s Bar and Hostel is the best-located hostel in Kilkenny, safe, comfortable and clean for visitors on a budget. It is approved by the Irish Tourist Board and it is in the heart of Kilkenny City. All rooms are ensuite, and they have female-only rooms, there is one of Ireland’s award-winning traditional Irish pubs & restaurants attached for some great drinks and craic. Rates at Lanigan’s Hostel start from €16.
Lenehan’s
If you want to visit an authentic Irish pub then you can’t go wrong with Lenehan’s. This fabulous little pub has been in the Lenehan’s family since 1911 but the building dates back to the 17th Century. This is exactly how Geri envisioned such Irish pubs.
The Hole in the Wall
The Hole in the Wall in Kilkenny is one of Ireland’s oldest surviving pubs, dating back to 1582. Tucked away on a narrow lane, this charming tavern is steeped in history, with its name possibly originating from an actual hole in the wall used to serve drinks during times when pubs were restricted.
Its cozy, rustic interior features low ceilings, stone walls, and a warm fireplace, creating an inviting atmosphere. Known for its traditional Irish music sessions and friendly vibe, the Hole in the Wall remains a beloved spot for both locals and visitors looking to experience Kilkenny’s rich heritage.
Matt the Millers
Ireland is known for its traditional (trad) music, or as the folks here in Donegal call it the “diddily I di”. Some of the best can be found at Matt the Millers across the River Nore from the Medieval Mile.
Best places to stay in Kilkenny Ireland
The Butler House in Kilkenny comes highly recommended. A 4-star guesthouse with 13 luxury rooms and gorgeous gardens and grounds The Butler House is a great location.
The 4-star Newpark Hotel rests on the edge of medieval Kilkenny city, a cultural gem of festivals and historical sites. This is a gorgeous Irish country house to explore the area.
On over 40 acres of parkland, offering luxurious accommodation, a Health Club & Spa and fun-filled kids’ activities, this family-friendly hotel is the ideal base for exploring Kilkenny.
The Hibernian House is a Georgian Guest House situated on Lower Patrick Street in the centre of Kilkenny’s cultural quarter and just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of city life. Kilkenny Castle and Gardens is a 2-minute walk. Attractions like The Smithwick’s Experience and the Medieval Mile are also within a short walking distance.
The Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel is a 4-star city centre Hotel, located right next to Kilkenny City landmarks such as the Kilkenny Castle, the intriguing Medieval Mile Museum, St. Canice’s Cathedral with its Round Tower offering incredible views of the City. The restaurant serves a full Irish breakfast and authentic Irish cuisine.
For the more budget-minded traveller here is a great hostel to stay at for around €17 Euros a night.
MacGabhainns Backpackers Hostel is one of the top 10 hostels in Ireland and number 1 in Kilkenny. Located in the City Centre only minutes from the bus and train stations. They are noted to have the best showers in the city and lots of freebies, such as free breakfast, parking, security lockers, internet access, Wi-Fi and even a free map of the city! Breakfast includes porridge, cornflakes, toast, butter, jam and tea or coffee. You can also have as much free tea and coffee as you want, all day long!
Kilkenny is a city that is rich in culture and history, offering visitors an abundance of things to do and see. Whether you are interested in exploring medieval castles, enjoying traditional Irish music and dance performances or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Kilkenny has something for everyone. From the charming streets of the old town to the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, there is no shortage of places to explore and discover. So if you are looking for a unique travel experience that combines history, culture and natural beauty, be sure to add these places to your list of what to see in Kilkenny!
How many things to do in Kilkenny did you find?
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