{"id":4627,"date":"2026-10-16T11:39:26","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T09:39:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/guides\/que-faire-a-kilkenny\/"},"modified":"2026-10-16T13:43:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T11:43:40","slug":"things-to-do-in-kilkenny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brightside-travel.com\/en\/guides\/things-to-do-in-kilkenny\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Kilkenny: castle, Medieval Mile and tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

You are wondering What to do in Kilkenny<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00ab"A very good program, varied and very well organized in terms of timing. Everything went as planned." Xavier<\/strong>, Google reviews<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Things to do in Kilkenny: the must-see attractions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kilkenny Castle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Medieval Mile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Canice Cathedral and its round tower<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rothe House<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smithwick's and Kyteler's Inn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experiences to be lived<\/h2>\n\n\n\n