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If you are in Ireland there are a number of destinations that you’d be hitting. There are plenty of top things to see in Kilkenny, the beauty and charm of this incredible city will be showered upon you as soon as you arrive.
Through this Kilkenny blog, I will share with you some of the most interesting things to do in Kilkenny.
An itinerary of 4 days is good to see the most popular tourist attractions in Kilkenny. But if you can spare couple of days more that’s even better, you can take the sights more slowly. Let me share with you the best things to do in Kilkenny and tips to make the most out of your trip.
1. Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle is an age-old fortified structure sitting on a hilltop.
The Kilkenny Castle has borne witness to some of the most important events of the city’s history. Occasionally, you will find information boards giving you details about the place.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Kilkenny Castle features include a gallery and a large garden.
- The castle was built somewhere around 12th-century.
Address: The Parade, Collegepark, Kilkenny, Ireland
2. Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower
Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower is a charming old Cathedral located in the city of Kilkenny, Ireland.
You’ll be in awe by the amount of intricacy and design that has gone into creating the beautiful interiors. As you walk down you will observe gilded furniture and ornately carved benches dating hundreds of years.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower features include a round tower from 9th-century offering fabulous city views.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around 13th-century.
- The cathedral belongs to the Catholic faith, but is visited by others too.
An incredible sight, Cathedral Church of St Canice & Round Tower scores high in the list of the best things to do in Kilkenny.
Address: The Close, Coach Rd, Kilkenny, Ireland
3. Rothe House & Garden
Rothe House & Garden is a house turned museum established in the honor of Ireland’s one of the top cultural icons.
This house museum is an excellent place to learn more about the person and his works. And even if are clueless about the person, you can still appreciate the magnificent house and its garden.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Rothe House & Garden features include stunning timber ceiling.
- The house museum houses a genealogy center.
Address: 16 Parliament St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 P89C, Ireland Pending review
4. Black Abbey
Located in the heart of Kilkenny, Black Abbey, is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces.
The cemetry is where the famous and powerful people of the Kilkenny are buried. As this is a sacred location, anyone who want to enter are advised to cover their knees and shoulders.
Quick Facts:
- The church was built somewhere around 14th-century.
- The church was opened on 1225.
- It is William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke who is credited with found this gem of a site.
- The church belongs to the Dominican faith, but is visited by others too.
A natural crowd puller, Black Abbey is right up there in the list of best things to do in Kilkenny.
Address: Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland
5. Smithwick’s Experience
Exploring the origin and evolution of the famed beer, Smithwick’s Experience is a must for the beer enthusiasts.
The tour ends with a picture perfect finish where in you get to taste the house beer. You will learn about the brewing process, right from growing the grains that it comes from to the bottling and shipping.
Address: 44 Parliament St, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 VK54, Ireland
6. St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum
Quick Facts:
- St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum is housed in a 13th-century church.
- The niche church’s collection include fanastic medieval sculptures.
With so much to offer, no wonder St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum is one of the top things to do in Kilkenny.
Address: 2 St Mary’s Ln, Gardens, Kilkenny, R95 ANW5, Ireland
7. St Mary’s Cathedral
St Mary’s Cathedral is an old Cathedral located in the Kilkenny city.
The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint. The Church’s front façade has majestic stone columns, beautiful sculptured religious figures and high arched stained glass windows.
Quick Facts:
- A fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, the cathedral is a center of Catholic faith.
- The cathedral was built somewhere around 19th-century.
- The cathedral was opened on October 1857.
Address: James’s St, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland
8. The Tholsel
The Tholsel is a historic town located on the city’s main square in the heart of the city.
The Kilkenny’s town hall stands as the centerpiece of the old town’s architecture.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things The Tholsel features include a stunning columned arcade.
- The Tholsel is housed in a former toll house from 18th-century.
- The town hall was built somewhere around 1761.
- The town hall was opened on 1761.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kilkenny trip.
Address: High St, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland
9. National Design & Craft Gallery
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, National Design & Craft Gallery is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch. The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography.
Quick Facts:
- It was in 2000 when it was established.
Address: The Castle Yard, The Parade, Gardens, Kilkenny, Ireland
10. Butler Gallery
Quick Facts:
- Also worth seeing here include educational programs.
Add it to your Kilkenny trip if you have time.
Address: The Castle, Collegepark, Kilkenny, R95 YRK1, Ireland
12. Dunmore Cave
Dunmore Cave is an extensive cave system with brilliant limestone ‘interiors’.
If you can find shapes in cloud, so can in the inner walls. Like most caves, it’s dark and cold out here, a perfect place for bats to ‘hang’ out.
Quick Facts:
- The cave has a depth of around 46 m.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kilkenny trip.
Address: Castlecomer Rd, Inchabride, Kilkenny, Ireland
13. Kilkenny Golf Club
Kilkenny Golf Club is a modern golf resort which guarantees you will have a great time.
Address: Glendine Rd, Glendine, Kilkenny, Ireland
14. Jerpoint Abbey
Fascinate over the ruins of a basilica which once stood here.
The church built ages ago, couldn’t withstand the test of time, and slowly degraded.
Quick Facts:
- Built in 1180, the highlight of the church ruins includes the stone carvings.
- The church ruins was opened on 1180.
Add it to your Kilkenny trip if you have time.
Address: Jockeyhall, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Kilkenny. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Kilkenny for everyone.
And if you plan it well, these popular tourist attractions in Kilkenny can be easily covered in a short itinerary. If you have any questions or suggestions on sightseeing in Kilkenny, I would love to hear them in the comments section below.