Things to do in Kilkenny: castle, Medieval Mile and tips

You are wondering What to do in Kilkenny Indeed, this small medieval town in southeast Ireland has preserved its castle, cathedral, and cobbled streets. Lively and welcoming, it's the perfect stopover between Dublin and the west of the country. Here are our favorite sights, excursions to take in the surrounding area, and our local agency's recommendations.

In short: In Kilkenny, start by visiting the castle and its expansive grounds, then follow the Medieval Mile to St. Canice's Cathedral and its round tower. Next, explore Rothe House, Smithwick's Brewery, and Kyteler's Inn pub. Nearby, don't miss Jerpoint Abbey and the Rock of Cashel. Kilkenny is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dublin by train or car: allow a full day, ideally an overnight stay.

Things to do in Kilkenny: the must-see attractions

Kilkenny Castle

Originally built in the 12th century, the castle was the residence of the powerful Butler family for over five centuries. Today, its restored rooms, including the long picture gallery, are open to the public. The large park surrounding it is also freely accessible, ideal for a relaxing break by the River Nore.

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What kind of traveler are you for? Things to do in Kilkenny: castle, Medieval Mile and tips "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

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In a castle, you look first…

The history of the placeThe architecture and decor

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Would you prefer to visit…

A must-haveA more discreet location

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During the visit?

With a guideAt your own pace

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Which setting appeals to you the most?

An impressive fortressA house with beautiful gardens

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Understanding what happened hereTo transport you to another era

The Medieval Mile

Next, this roughly one-kilometer route connects the castle to St. Canice's Cathedral. It passes by the city's main monuments, as well as through narrow cobbled alleyways known as "slips." The Medieval Mile Museum, housed in a former church, tells its story.

St. Canice Cathedral and its round tower

At the end of the route, this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is one of the most beautiful in Ireland. Right next to it, the even older round tower can be climbed via internal ladders: the view over the city and the countryside is superb.

Rothe House

Nearby, this late 16th-century merchant's house, with its courtyards and garden, is a rare example of urban housing of that period in Ireland.

Smithwick's and Kyteler's Inn

For its part, Smithwick's Brewery, located on the site of a former abbey, tells the story of this famous red ale. Then, step inside Kyteler's Inn, one of the oldest pubs in town. It has a connection to Dame Alice Kyteler, who was accused of witchcraft in 1324.

Experiences to be lived

• Stroll through the artisan shops of the Kilkenny Design Centre, opposite the castle.
• Listen to traditional music in the evenings, in the pubs of High Street and Parliament Street.
• Attend the Cat Laughs comedy festival in June, or the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August.
• Visit the Black Abbey and its magnificent stained glass windows.

To learn more, also consult our guide to the traditional Irish music.

Excursions from Kilkenny

Excursion	Distance	To have
Jerpoint Abbey	Approximately 20 minutes	Cistercian ruins with medieval sculptures
Dunmore Cave	Approximately 15 minutes	Limestone cave steeped in history
Kells Priory	Approximately 20 minutes	Fortified priory in the countryside
Rock of Cashel	Approximately 1 hour	Fortress and cathedral on a rock

The Rock of Cashel is, in fact, one of the stops on our itinerary Ireland in 10 days. For more ideas, also check out the must-sees for a road trip in Ireland.

How do I get to Kilkenny?

• From Dublin : approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by train from Heuston, or by car via the motorway.
• From Waterford approximately 45 minutes.
• On site : the centre is compact and can be visited entirely on foot.

To get around without a car, read our guide to train in Ireland. Kilkenny finally fits in very well with our itinerary for Visit Dublin in 3 days. For visiting hours, please consult the website of the’Kilkenny Tourist Office.

How many days and when to leave?

Generally, a day trip is enough to see the castle, the Medieval Mile, and the cathedral. An overnight stay, however, leaves time for pubs and a day trip to Jerpoint. The city can be visited year-round; summer is usually the liveliest season thanks to the festivals. To help you choose, read our guide. when to go to Ireland.

Frequently asked questions: What is there to do in Kilkenny?

Is Kilkenny worth a visit?

Yes, because it is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Ireland, and it happens to be on the route between Dublin and the southwest.

What to do in Kilkenny in one day?

Start with the castle and its park, then follow the Medieval Mile, climb the round tower of St Canice, then finish at Kyteler's Inn.

Is it possible to visit Kilkenny from Dublin in one day?

Yes, especially thanks to the train journey of about 1 hour 30 minutes. However, spending the night there is still more pleasant to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Why is Kilkenny nicknamed "the marble city"?

It actually owes this nickname to the black limestone extracted near the town, which takes on the appearance of marble once polished and adorns many buildings.

Cover photo: Paul Farmer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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