---
title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Kilkenny, Ireland | Wimup"
description: "Kilkenny in one page: the castle above the Nore, the round tower at St Canice's, the Medieval Mile, Smithwick's, Jerpoint Abbey and the best pubs for a trad session."
url: https://wimup.com/city/kilkenny
type: City guide
updated: 2026-10-08
publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com)
---

# Top 10 Things To Do in Kilkenny

Kilkenny, Ireland · Europe · By Wimup Editorial, 11 min read

Kilkenny is a city of about 27,000 on the River Nore, an hour and a half from Dublin by train. The Medieval Mile runs from the castle to St Canice's Cathedral, and in between sit Tudor merchant houses, a 1710 brewery site and some of the best pubs in Ireland.

## Quick answer

Walk the Medieval Mile in a day: Kilkenny Castle and its park in the morning, Rothe House and the Medieval Mile Museum after lunch, then the climb up St Canice's round tower before it closes. End at Kyteler's or the Hole in the Wall. On day two, drive south to Jerpoint Abbey and Inistioge, or north to Dunmore Cave.

## Quick facts

- **Best months:** May · Jun · Aug · Sep
- **Ideal length:** 2 days
- **Budget per day:** €120–200
- **Language:** English, Irish
- **Getting around:** On foot, by train to Dublin
- **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://visitkilkenny.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## The 10 best things to do in Kilkenny

### 1. Kilkenny Castle

Castle · The Parade, Kilkenny R95 YRK1

The Butlers' seat for about 550 years, handed over in 1967 and in state care since 1969. The restored rooms and the Picture Gallery are the draw; the 21 hectares of parkland are free.

- **Time:** 2 hrs
- **Cost:** Adult €8
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Buy tickets only from official sites

Links: [Website](https://kilkennycastle.ie/tickets-and-times/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 2. St Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower

Cathedral · The Close, Coach Road, Kilkenny R95 V63H

A 13th-century cathedral beside a 30-metre round tower, the oldest standing structure in the city. The climb is seven ladders and 121 steps to a platform over the roofs. Children under 18 must be at least 1.4 metres tall.

- **Time:** 1.5 hrs
- **Cost:** Combined adult €12
- **Best at:** Late afternoon
- **Tip:** Closed Sundays from October to April

Links: [Website](https://www.stcanicescathedral.ie/visit-us-st-canices-cathedral-in-kilkenny/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 3. Medieval Mile Museum

Museum · 2 St Mary's Lane, Kilkenny R95 K276

St Mary's, a 13th-century church, now holds the Rothe Chapel of about 1560 and the largest collection of Renaissance tombs in Ireland. Book online for the lowest price; the 15:00 graveyard tour runs daily from March to October.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Adult €8
- **Best at:** Midday
- **Tip:** Book online ahead

Links: [Website](https://www.medievalmilemuseum.ie/admission-opening-hours/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 4. Rothe House and Garden

Historic house · 16 Parliament Street, Kilkenny R95 P89C

Three linked merchant houses built for the Rothe family from 1594 to 1610. The garden behind runs to the old walls, replanted after 2008 excavations with an orchard, herb beds and a dovecote.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Adult €8.50
- **Best at:** Afternoon
- **Tip:** Call ahead for winter hours

Links: [Website](https://rothehouse.com/plan-your-visit/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 5. Smithwick's Experience

Brewery tour · 44 Parliament Street, Kilkenny R95 VK54

Smithwick's has been brewed in Kilkenny since 1710, on the site of the 13th-century St Francis Abbey. The 45-minute tour ends with a pint; brewing moved to Dublin in 2013, so this is the story, not the brewhouse.

- **Time:** 45 min
- **Cost:** From €21
- **Best at:** Late afternoon
- **Tip:** Bring photo ID for the tasting

Links: [Website](https://www.smithwicksexperience.com/visit?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 6. Butler Gallery

Art gallery · Evans' Home, John's Quay, Kilkenny R95 YX3F

An 1818 almshouse by the Nore, opened as the city's contemporary gallery in 2020. It holds the Tony O'Malley Collection. Entry is free with a suggested €5 donation, and it stays open until 20:00 on Thursdays.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Thursday evening
- **Tip:** Parking is very limited

Links: [Website](https://www.butlergallery.ie/visit/getting-here?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 7. Black Abbey

Church · Abbey Street, Kilkenny

A Dominican priory founded in 1225 by William Marshal the younger and still in use. The reason to step in is the 1892 Rosary Window by Mayer of Munich, which floods the nave with colour on a bright day.

- **Time:** 20 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** Sunny morning
- **Tip:** It is a working church

Links: [Website](https://dominicans.ie/communities/black-abbey-kilkenny/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 8. National Design & Craft Gallery

Gallery · Castle Yard, Kilkenny R95 CAA6

The castle's old stables, home from 1965 to 1988 to Kilkenny Design Workshops, now show Irish craft and design in rotating exhibitions. It is free and directly across the road from the castle gate.

- **Time:** 45 min
- **Cost:** Free
- **Best at:** After the castle
- **Tip:** Closed Sundays and Mondays

Links: [Website](https://www.dcci.ie/explore/dcci-ndcg/plan-a-visit/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 9. Jerpoint Abbey

Abbey ruin · Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny R95 P523

A Cistercian abbey of about 1180, 17 kilometres south of the city. Come for the carved cloister arcade and the weeper figures on the tombs. A guided tour is included in the entry fee.

- **Time:** 1.5 hrs
- **Cost:** Adult €5
- **Best at:** Morning
- **Tip:** Open March to early December

Links: [Website](https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/jerpoint-abbey/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

### 10. Dunmore Cave

Cave · Ballyfoyle, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny R95 A972

A limestone cave 10 kilometres north of the city, with some of the finest calcite formations in Ireland. The annals record a Viking massacre here in 928. Entry is by guided tour only, capped at 50 a tour.

- **Time:** 1 hr
- **Cost:** Adult €5
- **Best at:** Wet day
- **Tip:** Wear shoes with grip

Links: [Website](https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/dunmore-cave/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best historic sights in Kilkenny

Six stops between the castle and the cathedral, all on foot.

1. **Shee Alms House** (Almshouse · Free · Rose Inn Street): A Tudor almshouse of 1582, now the city's tourist office.
2. **The Tholsel** (Civic building · Outside · High Street): The 1761 market house, its arcade under an octagonal clock tower.
3. **The Butter Slip** (Laneway · Free · High Street): A stepped, arched lane from High Street, named for butter stalls.
4. **St John's Priory** (Church · Free · John Street): Augustinian priory of about 1211; its windowed Lady Chapel was the "Lantern of Ireland".
5. **Talbot's Tower** (City walls · Free · Ormonde Road): The south-west corner tower of the city walls, in a small public park.
6. **Grace's Castle** (Courthouse · Outside · Parliament Street): A Grace family castle by 1210, then a gaol, now the 1824 courthouse.

## Best restaurants in Kilkenny

Two Michelin stars between them and three good tables in the old town.

1. **Campagne** (French · €€€€ · Gashouse Lane): Garrett Byrne's French cooking under the railway arches. One Michelin star. [Website](https://campagne.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Lady Helen** (Fine dining · €€€€ · Thomastown): Tasting menus at Mount Juliet, with a Michelin star and four AA Rosettes. [Website](https://www.mountjuliet.ie/dining-at-mount-juliet-estate/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Petronella** (Modern Irish · €€ · Butter Slip): Local produce in a 1602 building on the Butter Slip, named for Kyteler's maid. [Website](https://www.petronella.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Ristorante Rinuccini** (Italian · €€€ · The Parade): Family-run Italian opposite the castle since 1989, with a deep wine cellar. [Website](https://www.rinuccini.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
5. **Zuni** (Modern Irish · €€€ · Patrick Street): Modern Irish cooking in the city's first theatre, opened in 1902. [Website](https://www.zuni.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best pubs in Kilkenny

Old bars, live trad and one theatre out the back.

1. **Kyteler's Inn** (Pub · Live music · St Kieran's Street): Dame Alice Kyteler's old house, tried for sorcery in 1324. Trad nightly in season. [Website](https://kytelersinn.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Tynan's Bridge House** (Pub · Historic · John's Bridge): A 1703 grocer turned bar in 1919, with its old labelled drawers intact.
3. **The Hole in the Wall** (Pub · Live music · High Street): A bar in the inner house of a 1582 Tudor townhouse, with music most weeks.
4. **Cleere's Bar & Theatre** (Pub · Theatre · Parliament Street): Free trad on Monday nights and a 100-seat theatre behind the bar. [Website](https://www.cleeres.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
5. **Matt the Miller's** (Pub · Live music · John Street): Several floors by the bridge, live music every night.
6. **Bridie's Bar & General Store** (Pub · Garden · John Street): A shop at the front and a walled garden bar behind.

## Best craft studios in Kilkenny

Workshops you can watch and buy from, in the city and the villages south of it.

1. **Kilkenny Design Centre** (Craft shop · Castle Yard): The craft shop in the castle's old stable yard.
2. **Nicholas Mosse Pottery** (Pottery · Shop · Bennettsbridge): Handmade pottery from a restored mill, founded in 1976. [Website](https://nicholasmosse.com/pages/visit-us?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Jerpoint Glass Studio** (Glass · Studio · Stoneyford): A working glassblowing studio with a viewing area and shop. [Website](https://visitkilkenny.ie/craft/jerpoint-glass/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best walks and parks in Kilkenny

Parkland, river paths and woods, most of it free.

1. **Castle Park** (Park · Free · The Parade): The castle's walled parkland and terraced gardens, free to walk. [Website](https://www.discoverireland.ie/kilkenny/kilkenny-castle-parkland?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Canal and Lacken Walk** (River walk · Free · Canal Square): A flat 4 km loop along the Nore, crossing the Ossory Bridge. [Website](https://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/services/capital-delivery-office-parks/parks/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
3. **Nore Valley Walk** (Trail · Moderate · City to Bennettsbridge): An 8.2 km riverside trail from the city to Bennettsbridge. [Website](https://www.discoverireland.ie/kilkenny/nore-valley-walk-kilkenny-to-bennettsbridge-section?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Castlecomer Discovery Park** (Park · Activities · Castlecomer): Woods, lakes, a treetop walk and a zipline, 16 km north. [Website](https://www.discoverypark.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Where to stay in Kilkenny

Four addresses, from the castle's dower house to an estate on the Nore.

1. **Butler House** (Georgian house · Patrick Street): The castle's 1786 dower house, with a garden gate to Castle Yard. [Website](https://www.butler.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Kilkenny River Court** (Hotel · 4 star · John Street): Four-star on the Nore, opposite the castle, with free parking.
3. **Pembroke Kilkenny** (Hotel · 4 star · Patrick Street): Boutique four-star with castle-view rooms and a roof deck. [Website](https://www.pembrokekilkenny.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Mount Juliet Estate** (Country estate · Thomastown): A 1750s manor on 500 acres, with a Nicklaus golf course. [Website](https://mountjuliet.ie/rooms?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)

## Best day trips in Kilkenny

Six half-days out by car, all within an hour.

1. **Kells Priory** (Ruin · Free · Kells): A walled Augustinian priory of 1193, free and unstaffed. 15 km south. [Website](https://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/kells-priory/11172?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
2. **Inistioge** (Village · Inistioge): A village on the Nore with a ten-arch bridge of 1763. 25 km south-east.
3. **Woodstock Gardens** (Gardens · Inistioge): Restored walled garden and arboretum above Inistioge. [Website](https://kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Services/Parks/Public_Parks/Inistioge?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
4. **Graiguenamanagh** (Town · Abbey · Graiguenamanagh): A Barrow town around Duiske Abbey, founded about 1204 and still in use.
5. **Rock of Cashel** (Heritage site · Cashel): The castle and cathedral on a rock in Tipperary, about an hour west. [Website](https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/rock-of-cashel/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
6. **Thomastown** (Town · Thomastown): A Nore town 17 km south-east, close to Jerpoint and Mount Juliet.

## Festivals & annual events in Kilkenny (2026)

- **Kilkenny Tradfest** (Mar): Traditional music across the city on the St Patrick's weekend.
- **Kilkenny Roots Festival** (May): Americana and roots, 90 shows in 30 venues on the May bank holiday.
- **Cat Laughs Comedy Festival** (Jun): Stand-up in pubs and theatres over the June bank holiday weekend.
- **Kilkenny Arts Festival** (Aug): Ten days of music, theatre and visual art each August.
- **Kilkenny Animated** (Sep): Animation festival hosted by Cartoon Saloon, the city's Oscar-nominated studio.
- **Savour Kilkenny** (Oct): Food festival over the October bank holiday weekend.
- **Toil & Trouble** (Oct): A Halloween festival built on the story of Dame Alice Kyteler.
- **Yulefest** (Dec): Christmas lights, market and events from late November to 23 December.

## Must-try dishes in Kilkenny, Ireland

- **Smithwick's red ale**: Brewed in Kilkenny from 1710; taste it at the end of the brewery tour.
- **Kilkenny cream ale**: The nitro export cousin of Smithwick's, launched abroad in the 1980s.
- **Sullivan's Maltings**: A revived Kilkenny red ale, poured at the John Street taproom.
- **Highbank apple syrup**: Organic orchard syrup from Cuffesgrange, plus their ciders.
- **Goatsbridge trout**: Smoked trout and trout caviar from a Thomastown farm since 1961.
- **Knockdrinna cheese**: Farmhouse cheeses from Stoneyford, including the Lavistown.
- **Irish stew**: Lamb or mutton with potatoes and onion, slow-cooked.
- **Colcannon**: Mash with cabbage or kale, the side to order with the beef.

## Kilkenny transport & airports

- **Dublin Airport** (DUB): The nearest working airport, about 130 km away. JJ Kavanagh route 717 runs from the terminal to Kilkenny. [Website](https://jjkavanagh.ie/bus-route/717?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **Trains** (Irish Rail): MacDonagh station is on the Dublin Heuston to Waterford line, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. [Website](https://www.irishrail.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **City buses** (TFI): Routes KK1 and KK2 run every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday, with late buses on Friday and Saturday. [Website](https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bus/kilkenny-city-services/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- **On foot** (Walk): Castle to cathedral along the Medieval Mile is about a kilometre. Leave the car at the hotel.

## Kilkenny at a glance

- **Country:** Ireland
- **Region:** County Kilkenny, Leinster
- **Population:** 27,184 (city, Census 2022)
- **Founded:** St Canice's monastery, 6th century; charter 1207
- **Nickname:** The Marble City
- **Language:** English, Irish
- **Currency:** Euro (€)
- **Time zone:** GMT (UTC+0), IST (UTC+1) in summer
- **Calling code:** +353 56
- **Airports:** Dublin (DUB)
- **Power:** 230V, type G
- **Emergency:** 112 or 999

## Interesting facts

- "Marble City" comes from the local black limestone, quarried just south of town.
- The Statutes of Kilkenny, passed here in 1366, banned settlers from adopting Irish ways.
- From 1642 to 1649 the city was the seat of the Confederation of Kilkenny.
- Kilkenny holds the hurling record with 36 All-Ireland senior titles, the last in 2015.
- Cartoon Saloon, maker of The Secret of Kells and Wolfwalkers, was founded here in 1999.

## Kilkenny travel FAQ

### How many days do you need in Kilkenny?

Two days. One covers the Medieval Mile on foot: the castle, Rothe House, the Medieval Mile Museum and St Canice's. The second is for a drive to Jerpoint Abbey and Inistioge, or north to Dunmore Cave.

### How do you get to Kilkenny from Dublin?

Take the train from Heuston to Kilkenny MacDonagh, about 1 hour 30 minutes on the Waterford line. From Dublin Airport, JJ Kavanagh route 717 runs direct. By car it is about 130 km on the M9.

### Can you climb the round tower at St Canice's?

Yes. It is 30 metres and 121 steps by internal ladders to a platform at the top. Children under 18 must be at least 1.4 metres tall, and from October to April the cathedral is closed on Sundays.

### Is Kilkenny Castle free?

The parkland and gardens are free. The castle rooms are ticketed, from €8 for an adult and free for under-12s. Buy only from the official sites; resale tickets are not accepted.

### When is the best time to visit Kilkenny?

May to September, for the longer days and the festivals: Roots in May, Cat Laughs in early June and the Arts Festival in August. Book rooms well ahead for those weekends.

## Nearby guides

- [Dublin](https://wimup.com/city/dublin.md): Day trip · 10 picks
- [Cork](https://wimup.com/city/cork.md): Day trip · 10 picks
- [St Andrews](https://wimup.com/city/st-andrews.md): United Kingdom · 10 picks
- [All of Europe →](https://wimup.com/europe): 110 cities

Part of the [Ireland guide](https://wimup.com/country/ireland.md) · [Europe](https://wimup.com/europe.md)

## Sources

- [Kilkenny tourism board](https://visitkilkenny.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Kilkenny Castle (official site)](https://kilkennycastle.ie/tickets-and-times/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [St Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower (official site)](https://www.stcanicescathedral.ie/visit-us-st-canices-cathedral-in-kilkenny/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Medieval Mile Museum (official site)](https://www.medievalmilemuseum.ie/admission-opening-hours/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Rothe House and Garden (official site)](https://rothehouse.com/plan-your-visit/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Smithwick's Experience (official site)](https://www.smithwicksexperience.com/visit?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Butler Gallery (official site)](https://www.butlergallery.ie/visit/getting-here?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Black Abbey (official site)](https://dominicans.ie/communities/black-abbey-kilkenny/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [National Design & Craft Gallery (official site)](https://www.dcci.ie/explore/dcci-ndcg/plan-a-visit/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Jerpoint Abbey (official site)](https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/jerpoint-abbey/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Dunmore Cave (official site)](https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/dunmore-cave/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Campagne (official site)](https://campagne.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Lady Helen (official site)](https://www.mountjuliet.ie/dining-at-mount-juliet-estate/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Petronella (official site)](https://www.petronella.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Ristorante Rinuccini (official site)](https://www.rinuccini.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Zuni (official site)](https://www.zuni.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Kyteler's Inn (official site)](https://kytelersinn.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Cleere's Bar & Theatre (official site)](https://www.cleeres.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Nicholas Mosse Pottery (official site)](https://nicholasmosse.com/pages/visit-us?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Jerpoint Glass Studio (official site)](https://visitkilkenny.ie/craft/jerpoint-glass/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Castle Park (official site)](https://www.discoverireland.ie/kilkenny/kilkenny-castle-parkland?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Canal and Lacken Walk (official site)](https://www.kilkennycoco.ie/eng/services/capital-delivery-office-parks/parks/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Nore Valley Walk (official site)](https://www.discoverireland.ie/kilkenny/nore-valley-walk-kilkenny-to-bennettsbridge-section?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Castlecomer Discovery Park (official site)](https://www.discoverypark.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Butler House (official site)](https://www.butler.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Pembroke Kilkenny (official site)](https://www.pembrokekilkenny.com/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Mount Juliet Estate (official site)](https://mountjuliet.ie/rooms?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Kells Priory (official site)](https://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/kells-priory/11172?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Woodstock Gardens (official site)](https://kilkennycoco.ie/eng/Services/Parks/Public_Parks/Inistioge?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Rock of Cashel (official site)](https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/rock-of-cashel/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Dublin Airport (official site)](https://jjkavanagh.ie/bus-route/717?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [Trains (official site)](https://www.irishrail.ie/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- [City buses (official site)](https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bus/kilkenny-city-services/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral)
- Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.