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County Kilkenny Attractions
County Kilkenny has a number of good attractions but we’ve chosen the ones that we think will truly enhance your trip.
14 Results
- Religious Site
Black Abbey
Nobody is quite sure why this Dominican church, founded in 1225, is named Black Abbey. It may be because the Dominicans wore black capes over their white habits, or perhaps because the Black Plague claimed the lives of eight priests in 1348. The abbey’s blackest days came in 1650,… - Religious Site
Duiske Abbey
A fine example of an early Cistercian abbey, Duiske Abbey was founded in 1204. Although it was officially suppressed in 1536, monks continued to occupy the site for many years. In 1774, the tower of the abbey church collapsed. In 1813, the roof was replaced and religious services… - Natural Attraction
Dunmore Cave
This gloomy series of chambers, formed over millions of years, contains some fine calcite formations. The caves have been known to humans for at least a millennium; they are first recorded in written records from the 9th and 10th centuries. These records, known as the Triads of… - Religious Site
Jerpoint Abbey
About 18km (11 miles) southeast of Kilkenny, this atmospheric Cistercian monastery dates from the 12th century. Highlights of the ethereal ruins, which are preserved in a peaceful country setting, include a sculptured cloister arcade, Romanesque architecture in the north nave, and… - Arts & Crafts
Jerpoint Glass Studio
Here you can witness the creation of Jerpoint glass, which you’ve probably been admiring in shops all across Ireland. The lines of the glasses, goblets, and pitchers are simple and fluid, highlighted with swirls of color. Watch the glass being blown and then blow your budget next… - Historic Site
Kells Priory
With its encompassing fortification walls and towers, Kells is a glorious ruined monastery enfolded into the sloping south bank of the King’s River. In 1193, Baron Geoffrey FitzRobert founded the priory and established a Norman-style town beside it. The current ruins date from the… - Natural Attraction
Kilfane Glen and Waterfall
The main place of interest in this small garden is the glen, created in true picturesque style, with an artificial waterfall and a rustic cottage. Views of the cottage and waterfall have been carefully composed, and the sound of water creates a counterpoint to the visual delights of… - Historic Site
Kilkenny Castle
Standing majestically beside the River Nore on the south side of Kilkenny City, this landmark medieval castle was built in the 12th century and remodeled in Victorian times. From its sturdy corner towers to its battlements, Kilkenny Castle retains the imposing lines of an authentic… - Tour
Kilkenny City Sightseeing Tour
This 13-stop double-decker tour bus runs seven times daily from Kilkenny Castle. Tickets are valid for 24 hours, so you can hop on and off at will. - Tour
Kilkenny Walking Tours
Local historian Pat Tynan leads you through the streets and lanes of medieval Kilkenny on this lively walking tour. Tall-sounding (but 100% true) tales are really Pat’s strong point; he’s a mine of trivia, much of it rather sensational (his own website sells the tour with promises of… - Historic Site
Rothe House
This is a typical middle-class house from the Tudor period. Originally a merchant's home, built in 1594, it consists of three stone buildings divided by cobbled courtyards. It has an arcaded shop front and a remarkable timber ceiling. Purchased in 1961 by the Kilkenny Archeological… - Factory Tour
Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny
Established in 1710 by John Smithwick, the St. Francis Abbey Brewery occupies a site that once belonged to the 12th-century abbey of the same name. A popular local beer called Smithwick’s is produced here, as are Budweiser and Land Kilkenny Irish beer. In 2014, the old Victorian… - Cathedral
St. Canice’s Cathedral
The church that gave Kilkenny its name stands at the northern end of the city. Built in the 12th century, it was restored after the English invasion led by Oliver Cromwell in the mid-17th century. It is noteworthy for the rich interior timber and stone carvings, its colorful… - Winery/Brewery/Distillery
St. Francis Abbey Brewery
Established in 1710 by John Smithwick, the brewery occupies a site that once belonged to the 12th-century Abbey of St. Francis. A popular local beer called Smithwick's is produced here, as are Budweiser and Land Kilkenny Irish beer. Tours of the brewery have an unusual selling…
County Kilkenny Shopping
If you're an enthusiast of Irish crafts, Kilkenny City is well worth the trip. Its crafts scene is vibrant and lively, and it's difficult to leave empty-handed. The local tourist office provides a free Craft Trail map and lots of useful information on local artisans.
Kilkenny shopping hours are normally Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm; many shops stay open until 9pm on Thursday and Friday.
The newest major addition to the shopping scene is Market Cross, a shopping center off High/Parliament Street (tel. 056/775-2666), with its own multistory parking lot.
County Kilkenny Nightlife
To find out what's going on around town, pick up a copy of the local weekly paper Kilkenny People. Kilkenny is home to the small-but-mighty Watergate Theatre, Parliament Street (tel. 056/776-1674; www.watergatetheatre.com), a 328-seat venue for local talent and visiting troupes in classic and contemporary plays, concerts, and ballets. Ticket prices average €10 to €20.
Across the street from the theater, John Cleere's, 28 Parliament St. (tel. 056/776-2573), is a pub theater that's good for music and local productions.
For 2 weeks every August, the Kilkenny Arts Festival (tel. 056/775-2175; www.kilkennyarts.ie) takes over the town. It is one of Ireland's largest and longest-running arts festivals, covering music, theater, dance, visual arts, literature, and film. There are also a variety of street theater performances on hand, so even if you don't plan to go to any of the scheduled events, you'll likely get caught up in the proceedings at some point. Check out the festival website for specific program details.
