Kilkenny City
Kilkenny City is bursting with unbridled energy and boasts a fascinating history and heritage – not to mention great pubs and places to eat.
Activities
Set your sights on spectacular golf, delve into the city’s secrets and place your bets at some fast-paced horse and greyhound racing.
Horse racing and riding
Head to Gowran Park Racecourse just outside the city and experience racing on one of the best tracks in the country.
Kilkenny Golf Club
As inland courses go, Kilkenny Golf Club boasts a plethora of trees and its difficulty range increases year after year, for those looking for the ultimate golfing challenge.
Kilkenny Greyhound Racing Stadium
Place your bets at one of the country’s top greyhound racing venues.
See more highlightsTynan Walking Tours of Kilkenny City
Enjoy an hour-long walking tour around some of Kilkenny’s City’s most important sights, and get to know the secrets of the city’s past.
Children
Dig deep into history or look to the skies for some fine family fun!
Kilkenny Castle
Enjoy this magical voyage through time with a trip to this wonderful 12th century castle, and the kids can escape the trappings of modern day with a peek at the Castle’s two medieval towers.
Kilkenny Castle Garden
Be at one with nature at Kilkenny Castle Garden, which boasts a fabulous children’s playground amongst its many amenities.
Kilkenny Hot Air Balloon Festival
Unique to the sunny South East, this a family festival in all respects, with events focused around the stunning Kilkenny Castle.
See more highlightsKilkenny International Air Rally
Look up to the skies for one of Europe’s finest and friendliest air rallies!
Culture & Festivals
Indulge your sense of adventure with sky-high festivals and laugh out loud events
Butler Art Gallery
One of Ireland’s most dynamic contemporary galleries, the Butler attracts major international artists while also nurturing local talent.
Kilkenny Craft Trail
Learn all about Kilkenny’s dynamic arts and crafts industry with a visit to a whole host of stores and studios.
Kilkenny Hot Air Balloon Festival
Unique to the sunny South East, this a family festival in all respects, with events focused around the stunning Kilkenny Castle.
See more highlightsKilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival
A highlight in Ireland's musical calendar, this excellent festival incorporates Americana, country, blues, alternative, folk, rockabilly and western swing.
Smithwick E and Sons Saint Francis Abbey Brewery
Discover the magic of Smithwicks at the Saint Francis Abbey Brewery – tickets on a first come, first served basis and no under-18s allowed.
Smithwicks Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
Check out a host of top national and international comedy acts for this sizzling comedy festival.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
Sit back, relax and indulge your senses with a feast for all occasions.
Butler House, Kilkenny City
Home to the Earls of Ormonde, Butler House enjoys sweeping staircases, plastered ceilings, marble fireplaces and a charming walled garden. Rooms are a unique balance of old and new and are spacious and comfortable.
Langton’s Bar and Restaurant
Not many places can claim to have won the National Pub of the Year FOUR times – this is a must-visit if you’re visiting Kilkenny City.
Pubs, Kilkenny City
Kilkenny is full of old-fashioned, atmospheric pubs that have made it the South East’s major party town. Try a pint of local Kilkenny beer at the Marble City Bar, Jim Hollands, Matthew Duggan’s, John Cleere’s and Caislean ui Cuain.
Shopping
Exquisite arts, crafts and fine designs in cool Kilkenny City.
Kilkenny Craft Trail
Learn all about Kilkenny’s dynamic arts and crafts industry with a visit to this myriad of stores and studios.
Kilkenny Design Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny
Kilkenny stocks a good range of contemporary crafts, pottery, jewellery and clothing.
Kilkenny Farmers’ Market
Indulge your senses with a whole host of mouth-watering local produce.
Sightseeing
Explore the ancient and awe-inspiring landmarks of Kilkenny City.
Black Abbey
Known as the Black Abbey, this Holy Trinity Church was founded outside the walls of the ancient city for the Dominican Order who wear black overgarments. Eight friars died in one day during the Black Death of 1349, while the Abbey survived…
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle has been an important site since Strongbow constructed the first castle, which was probably a wooden structure, in the 12th century. It remains in remarkable condition with many of its original features.
Kilkenny Castle Garden
Enjoy the tranquil rose garden at Kilkenny Castle, as well as 50 acres of beautifully maintained gardens.
See more highlightsRothe House
A prime example of a middle-class house from the Tudor period, built for his new bride by merchant Prince John Rothe in 1594.
St. Canice’s Cathedral, Irishtown, Kilkenny City
The 13th-century Cathedral of St. Canice is the second longest cathedral in Ireland. The site on which the cathedral stands has been a place of Christian worship since the sixth century.
