Things to do in Kilkenny

Activities, attractions and tours

Ireland showing a small town or village, farmland and landscape views
Ireland showing a small town or village, farmland and landscape views
Inistioge which includes a river or creek, landscape views and a bridge
Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village
Kilkenny City Centre which includes a bridge and a river or creek
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What to do in Kilkenny

Popular places to visit

Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village

Kilkenny Castle

4.5/5(22 reviews)

After visiting Kilkenny Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Kilkenny Castle
St. Canice\'s Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. Canice's Cathedral

4/5(4 reviews)

St. Canice's Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Kilkenny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

St. Canice's Cathedral
Black Abbey which includes heritage architecture

Black Abbey

You can find out about the history of Kilkenny when you stop by Black Abbey. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Black Abbey
Rothe House featuring outdoor eating, street scenes and a city

Rothe House

You can browse the exhibits at Rothe House, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Rothe House
St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum featuring interior views

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum during your trip to Kilkenny. While in this walkable area, you can savour the lively bars.

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum
St. John the Evangelist Church featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. John the Evangelist Church

St. John the Evangelist Church is just one of the places to see in Kilkenny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

St. John the Evangelist Church

The Hub

4/5(10 reviews)

There are two distinct sides to Kilkenny that combine to make it one of the best cities to visit in the Republic of Ireland. Recently voted Top Tourism Town by Failte Ireland, the medieval capital of Ireland boasts a rich historical heritage immediately apparent in the very architecture of the Marble City, while it is also a thriving cosmopolitan centre for the arts, for music and design, and host of the popular Cat Laughs Festival every May.

The Hub

Butler House

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Kilkenny with a stop at Butler House. While in this walkable area, you can savour the lively bars.

Butler House

St. Lukes General Hospital

If St. Lukes General Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Kilkenny.

St. Lukes General Hospital

Areas of Kilkenny

Kilkenny City Centre which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a small town or village

Kilkenny City Centre

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Kilkenny City Centre is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Smithwick's Brewery Tour and Black Abbey while you're in town.

Kilkenny City Centre
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Talbotsinch

Talbotsinch might not have many top sights, but Black Abbey and Smithwick's Brewery Tour are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Talbotsinch
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Newpark

Though Newpark may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nowlan Park and Smithwick's Brewery Tour.

Newpark
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Deansground

While there might not be top attractions in Deansground, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Butler House and Smithwick's Brewery Tour.

Deansground
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Walkinslough

While there might not be top attractions in Walkinslough, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Butler House and Black Abbey.

Walkinslough
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Lyrath

While there might not be top attractions in Lyrath, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Hub and The Watershed.

Lyrath

Frequently asked questions

Is Kilkenny worth visiting?
Kilkenny offers a unique blend of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional food, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Kilkenny?
After you've checked off major attractions like The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave, spend the rest of your day exploring Kilkenny's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny?
Don't leave without checking out Smithwick's Brewery Tour, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny.
Is three days enough to stay in Kilkenny?
Three days in Kilkenny is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Smithwick's Brewery Tour, The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots like Waterford.
Is Kilkenny a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Kilkenny is a good destination to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between Smithwick's Brewery Tour and The National Reptile Zoo. Then take a stroll through Kilkenny City Centre, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Lyrath, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Kilkenny with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Kilkenny with kids.

What to do in Kilkenny for adults?
Smithwick's Brewery Tour and St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Kilkenny. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Kilkenny?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Kilkenny. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. St. John the Evangelist Church is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

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