Things to do in Kilkenny

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Ireland featuring landscape views, a small town or village and forests
Inistioge which includes a river or creek, landscape views and a bridge
Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village
Kilkenny City Centre which includes a bridge and a river or creek
Black Abbey which includes heritage architecture

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What to do in Kilkenny

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village

Kilkenny Castle

After visiting Kilkenny Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

Kilkenny Castle
St. Canice\'s Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. Canice's Cathedral

St. Canice's Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Kilkenny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

St. Canice's Cathedral
Black Abbey which includes heritage architecture

Black Abbey

You can find out about the history of Kilkenny with a visit to Black Abbey. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

Black Abbey
St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum featuring interior views

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum during your trip to Kilkenny. While in this walkable area, you can savor the lively bars.

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum
Rothe House featuring outdoor eating, street scenes and a city

Rothe House

You can browse the exhibits at Rothe House, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

Rothe House
St. John the Evangelist Church featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. John the Evangelist Church

St. John the Evangelist Church is just one of the places to see in Kilkenny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're here, you can savor the lively bars.

St. John the Evangelist Church

The Hub

There are two distinct sides to Kilkenny that combine to make it one of the best cities to visit in the Republic of Ireland. Recently voted Top Tourism Town by Failte Ireland, the medieval capital of Ireland boasts a rich historical heritage immediately apparent in the very architecture of the Marble City, while it is also a thriving cosmopolitan centre for the arts, for music and design, and host of the popular Cat Laughs Festival every May.

The Hub

St. Lukes General Hospital

Though St. Lukes General Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Kilkenny while you are here.

St. Lukes General Hospital

Butler House

Learn about the local history of Kilkenny when you take a trip to Butler House. While in this walkable area, you can savor the lively bars.

Butler House

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kilkenny

Kilkenny City Centre which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a small town or village

Kilkenny City Centre

5/5(135 area reviews)

Kilkenny City Centre is popular for its lively bars, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Smithwick's Brewery Tour or St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.

Kilkenny City Centre
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Newpark

When in Newpark, you can plan a visit to Nowlan Park and The National Reptile Zoo, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Newpark
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Talbotsinch

While Talbotsinch isn't home to many top sights, Black Abbey and Smithwick's Brewery Tour are some notable places to visit nearby.

Talbotsinch
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Lyrath

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Lyrath and surrounding area, you can visit The Hub and The National Reptile Zoo.

Lyrath
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Walkinslough

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Walkinslough and surrounding area, you can visit Butler House and St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.

Walkinslough
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Deansground

While Deansground might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Butler House and St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum.

Deansground

Frequently asked questions

Is Kilkenny worth visiting?
Kilkenny offers a unique blend of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional food, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Kilkenny?
After you've checked off major attractions like The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave, spend the rest of your day exploring Kilkenny's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny?
Don't leave without checking out Smithwick's Brewery Tour, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny.
Is three days enough to stay in Kilkenny?
Three days in Kilkenny is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travelers stay for two days on average. Smithwick's Brewery Tour, The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots like Waterford.
Is Kilkenny a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Kilkenny is a good destination to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between Smithwick's Brewery Tour and The National Reptile Zoo. Then take a stroll through Kilkenny City Centre, located 0.32 kilometers from the center, and Lyrath, which is roughly 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Kilkenny with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Kilkenny with kids.

What to do in Kilkenny for adults?
Smithwick's Brewery Tour and St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Kilkenny. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Kilkenny?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Kilkenny. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. St. John the Evangelist Church is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their traveling adventures.