Kilkenny is one of the most beautiful and charming Irish cities.
Located in the center of Ireland, it has a charming medieval center, lively pubs, amazing castles, and a dynamic art scene. Because of this, there are many unique things to do in Kilkenny, Ireland.
READ MORE: Best Hotels In Kilkenny.
From its majestic creeper-clad castle, a bustling crafts industry, cobbled lanes, beautiful churches, and secret passages, Kilkenny will surprise you in many ways.
Things you'll find in this article
- Things To Do In Kilkenny, Ireland (For 2023)
- 1. Explore Kilkenny Castle and Park
- 2. Walk around the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny’s town center
- 3. Experience Saint Francis’s Abbey Brewery/ Smithwick’s Beer
- 4. St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower
- 5. The Black Abbey, Kilkenny
- 6. Relax at Rothe House and Garden in Kilkenny
- 7. Peruse the National Design and Craft Gallery
- 8. Kilkenny Design Centre
- 9. Visit Shee Alms House
- 10. The Tholsel City Hall
- Where to stay in Kilkenny
Things To Do In Kilkenny, Ireland (For 2023)
1. Explore Kilkenny Castle and Park
View this post on Instagram
Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore and the junction of several routeways.
It was a symbol of Norman occupation and it is an important site to the history of Kilkenny
In 1967, the Castle was transferred to the people of Kilkenny for £50.
The Kilkenny Castle is now one of the very few castles in Ireland that offer tours to the public and it’s also one of the popular day trips from Dublin and Cork.
The garden and park in the castle complex are also open to the public and it’s one of the best things to do in Kilkenny.
Opening Hours
Daily from 9 am to 5:30 pm
Admission Fee
Adult € 8.00 | child € 4.00 | Family € 20.00
Contact Information
Address: The Parade, College Park Kilkenny Ireland
Phone: +353 56 770 4106
Email: bookingskilkennycastle@opw.ie
For other visitor’s information, click here.
2. Walk around the Medieval Mile in Kilkenny’s town center
The Medieval Mile is a discovery trail running through the center of Kilkenny city linking the 13th-century St Canice’s Cathedral and the Anglo-Norman castle with much more in between.
Once the medieval capital of Ireland, the city has a rich medieval heritage visible through its narrow streetscapes; its historical buildings and landmarks.
These landmarks are what makes up the best things to see in Kilkenny.
3. Experience Saint Francis’s Abbey Brewery/ Smithwick’s Beer
St. Francis Abbey Brewery is the oldest brewery in Ireland. It is standing on the site of a Franciscan Abbey founded in 1231.
Brewing was carried on here for centuries until the dissolution of the monasteries around 1540.
A visit to St. Francis Abbey Brewery exposes the visitor to a thriving brewery proud of its unique heritage and of its continuing achievements in producing some of the world’s finest beers.
The ruins of the original abbey can still be seen on the grounds of the modern-day brewery.
Now named after its founder, Smithwick’s beer is known for its trademark red ale, though several other varieties have been added to its lineup recently.
In celebration of its 300th birthday, the brewery started offering tours of its facilities.
Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is a multi-sensory experience that immerses you in the history of Ireland’s oldest ale.
Opening Hours
Daily- March – October: 10.00am -5.00pm
November – February: 11.00am -4.00pm
Admission Fee
Adult – €16.00
Senior Citizen ( +65yrs) -€14.00
Student under 18 ( with student ID) -€10.00
Student over18 (with valid student ID) – €14.00
Family (2 adults and 3 children)- €40.00
Contact Information
Address: Saint Francis Abbey Brewery 44 Parliament Street R95 VK54
Phone: +353 56 778 6377
Email: info@smithwicksexperience.com
4. St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower
View this post on Instagram
St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny.
This ecclesiastical church was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice.
Beside the cathedral stands a 100 ft 9th-century round tower. St Canice’s tower is an example of a well-preserved 9th-century “Celtic Christian” round tower.
The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure and one of the best things to do in Kilkenny City. Tourists can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city.
Opening Hours
April, May & September
Monday- Saturday: 10am -1pm & 2pm-5pm
Sunday: 2pm -5pm.
June, July & August: Monday
Saturday: 9 am–6 pm.
Sunday: 1pm – 6pm
October – March: Monday
Saturday: 10am -1pm & 2pm -4pm
Sunday: 2pm – 4pm.
Admission Fee
Adult – Cathedral is € 4.50 while Round Tower is € 4.
For both, it’s € 7. For admission fee for groups, click here.
Contact Information
Address: The Cathedral Church of St Canice, The Close, Coach Rd
Phone: +353 56 776 4971
Email: info@stcanicescathedral.com
5. The Black Abbey, Kilkenny
View this post on Instagram
The Black Abbey is a Catholic priory of the Dominican Order and was established in 1225 as one of the first houses of the Dominican Order in Ireland.
From 1642 to 1649, Black Abbey played a major part in attempting to save both the Irish Catholic religion. This effort did not last long, however.
In March 1650, the English army surrounded Kilkenny in a siege. Many people died from epidemic and hunger, many more fled before the city finally surrendered.
Black Abbey is famous for its beautiful stained window with intact medieval tracery of the magnificent stonework of Rosary Window.
These stained glass panels represent the Fifteen Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Black Abbey is one of the best free things to do in Kilkenny.
Opening Hours
open daily for mass and to the public
Admission Fee
none but a donation is welcome
Contact Information
Phone : +353 56 772 1279
Address: The Black Abbey Abbey Street
Email: info@blackabbey.ie
6. Relax at Rothe House and Garden in Kilkenny
Rothe House is a late 16th-century merchant’s townhouse complex nestled in the center of Ireland’s Medieval Mile. This museum and garden are one of the hidden gems and top attractions in Kilkenny. The complex was built by John Rothe Fitz-Piers between 1594–1610 and is made up of three houses, three enclosed courtyards, and a large reconstructed garden with an orchard.
Opening Hours
Monday –Saturday -10:30 am –4:30 pm
Admission Fee
Adults €5.50. Seniors and students €4.50. Groups (10+) 3.50
Contact Information
Address: Rothe House and Garden, Parliament Street R95 P89C
Phone: +353 (0)56 7722893
Email: reception@rothehouse.com
7. Peruse the National Design and Craft Gallery
View this post on Instagram
The National Design and Craft Gallery is Ireland’s leading center for contemporary craft and design, with a groundbreaking exhibition and events program.
They inspire appreciation, creativity, and innovation through their exhibition, education programs, and events and play a critical role in building an understanding of craft and material culture in Ireland.
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Sundays 11:am-5:30pm
Closed Mondays
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Address: Castle Yard, Kilkenny City
Phone: +353 56 7796147
Email: info@ndcg.ie
8. Kilkenny Design Centre
Kilkenny Design Centre is home to the best Irish fashion & crafts.
Offering an unrivaled selection of Irish handcrafted gifts, the center specializes in handcrafted works of exceptional quality, all chosen with a discerning eye for quality, uniqueness, and style.
Opening Hours
Daily 10 am -7 pm
Admission Fee
None
Contact Information
Phone: +353 56 772 2118
Address: The Castle Yard, The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, Ireland
Email: info@kilkennydesign.com
9. Visit Shee Alms House
Shee Alms House was founded by the Shee family in 1582 ‘to accommodate twelve poor persons’ in the city of Kilkenny.
The Shees were a wealthy merchant family in Kilkenny in the sixteenth century.
Shee Alms House is a nationally significant Tudor period Almshouse.
The house is a two-story gable-fronted rubble stone almshouse with a half-dormer attic.
Today it is the Kilkenny Tourist Office which provides detailed information on accommodation, places of interest, events, festivals, and activities nationwide to the tourists.
The building by its own merits is an attraction in itself and is well worth a visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm
Admission Fee
Free
Contact Information
Phone: +353 56 775 1500
Address: Address: Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny, Ireland
Email: kilkenny@failteireland.ie
10. The Tholsel City Hall
View this post on Instagram
The Tholsel on High Street was built in 1761 by Alderman William Colles as a place for collecting tolls initially. But it has also been used as a customs house, a courthouse, and a guildhall.
It is used today as the city hall, and this is the name by which many local people know the building.
The open arcade on the ground floor is now used for art exhibitions and street theatre companies’ performance.
Contact Information
Address: High Street, Kilkenny City, Republic of Ireland
Email: info@kilkennytourism.ie
Where to stay in Kilkenny
[adinserter name=”Block 1″]
11 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Ireland - Ireland Travel Guides
Sunday 15th of August 2021
[…] the most beautiful medieval cities in the world, is one of this city’s many historic sites. Kilkenny is the best place for honeymooners who prefer to […]
Ireland Bucket List: 50+ Top Things To Do In Ireland For 2021 - Ireland Travel Guides
Saturday 24th of July 2021
[…] an important site to the history of Kilkenny. In 1967, the Castle was transferred to the people of Kilkenny for […]
100 Top Things To Do In Ireland For 2019 - Ireland Travel Guides
Friday 21st of December 2018
[…] an important site to the history of Kilkenny. In 1967, the Castle was transferred to the people of Kilkenny for £50. The Kilkenny Castle is now one of the very few castles in Ireland that offer tours to the […]
The Cliffs of Moher Tour (Tips and Guide For First Time Visitors) - Ireland Travel Guides
Wednesday 19th of December 2018
[…] route typically includes stops in Kilkenny, Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare, Cork, and […]
10 Best Day Trips From Dublin - Ireland Travel Guides
Friday 23rd of November 2018
[…] medieval center, lively pubs, and a dynamic art scene. Because of this, there are many unique things to do in Kilkenny, Ireland. From its majestic creeper-clad castle, a bustling crafts industry, cobbled lanes, beautiful […]