The best places you can visit In Kilkenny, Ireland

This grand castle features a mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Victorian elements. The castle’s interior is adorned with lavish furnishings, tapestries, and artwork, offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of its former residents. The castle’s grounds encompass 50 acres of parkland, including formal gardens and a rose garden.

Location: Kilkenny Castle is located in the heart of Kilkenny City, on the banks of the River Nore. It stands on a strategic height above the river, just a short walk from the city’s medieval streets and landmarks.

How to Get There: Kilkenny Castle is easily accessible from the city center. Visitors can walk to the castle from anywhere in Kilkenny, as it is located in the city’s core. Alternatively, visitors can take a short taxi or bus ride from the city’s main bus and train stations.

What Can See: Inside the castle, visitors can explore the grand state apartments, the medieval undercroft, and the beautiful Long Gallery. The castle’s grounds offer stunning views of the River Nore and the surrounding countryside. The formal gardens feature a variety of plants and flowers, while the rose garden is a riot of color during the summer months.

What Can Do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle to learn about its history and see its magnificent interiors. The castle also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year. The parkland surrounding the castle is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic on a sunny day.

Conclusion: Kilkenny Castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Irish history and architecture. Its impressive size, beautiful interiors, and stunning grounds make it one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions.

This three-story building features a central courtyard and a beautifully restored 17th-century garden. The house is named after its original owner, John Rothe, and is now a museum showcasing the history of Kilkenny and its people.

Location: Rothe House is located on Parliament Street in Kilkenny City, just a short walk from Kilkenny Castle and the city’s medieval streets.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily walk to Rothe House from anywhere in Kilkenny City. The house is located in the city center, making it accessible by foot from the main bus and train stations.

What Can See: Inside the house, visitors can explore the three floors of period rooms, each furnished with antiques and artifacts from the 17th century. The highlight of the visit is the beautifully restored 17th-century garden, which features a variety of herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees.

What Can Do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the house to learn about its history and the lives of its former residents. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year. The garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a quiet stroll or a picnic.

Conclusion: Rothe House is a unique and fascinating glimpse into Kilkenny’s past. Its beautifully preserved interiors and garden offer a rare opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like for a wealthy merchant in 17th-century Ireland.

the cathedral features stunning Gothic architecture, including a magnificent west front and a beautiful stained glass window. The cathedral is named after St. Canice, a 6th-century Irish saint, and is the second-largest medieval cathedral in Ireland after St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Next to the cathedral stands a 9th-century round tower, one of only two remaining round towers in Ireland that are open to the public.

Location: St. Canice’s Cathedral is located in the heart of Kilkenny City, just a short walk from Kilkenny Castle and the city’s medieval streets.

How to Get There: Visitors can easily walk to the cathedral from anywhere in Kilkenny City. The cathedral is located in the city center, making it accessible by foot from the main bus and train stations.

What Can See: Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire the stunning Gothic architecture, including the beautiful stained glass window and the intricate carvings on the choir stalls. The round tower offers panoramic views of Kilkenny City from its summit, which is accessible via a spiral staircase.

What Can Do: Visitors can attend a service at the cathedral or take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. The cathedral also hosts concerts and events throughout the year. The round tower is a unique opportunity to climb to the top of a 9th-century structure and enjoy stunning views of the city.

Conclusion: St. Canice’s Cathedral and round tower are two of Kilkenny’s most iconic landmarks. The cathedral’s stunning Gothic architecture and the round tower’s unique history make them must-visit destinations for anyone interested in Irish history and culture.

including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. It is also an important archaeological site, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the 9th century. The cave is 8 meters deep and features a series of chambers and passages that visitors can explore.

Location: Dunmore Cave is located in the village of Ballyfoyle, about 12 kilometers north of Kilkenny City.

How to Get There: Visitors can drive to Dunmore Cave from Kilkenny City in about 15 minutes. The cave is well-signposted from the main roads, and there is a large car park at the visitor center.

What Can See: Inside the cave, visitors can see a variety of stunning calcite formations, including the famous “Wishing Chair” and the “Fairy Castle.” The cave also features a series of chambers and passages, each with its own unique features and formations.

What Can Do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave, which lasts about 35 minutes. The tour includes a visit to the main chamber and a chance to see some of the cave’s most impressive formations. The visitor center also features exhibits on the cave’s history and geology.

Conclusion: Dunmore Cave is a fascinating and beautiful natural wonder that offers a glimpse into the geological history of Ireland. Its stunning calcite formations and its archaeological significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and history.

The park covers an area of 120 hectares and features a variety of landscapes, including mature woodland, open grassland, and a lake. The park is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including red deer, pine martens, and a variety of bird species.

Location: Jenkinstown Park is located in the village of Jenkinstown, about 10 kilometers north of Kilkenny City, off the N78 road.

How to Get There: Visitors can drive to Jenkinstown Park from Kilkenny City in about 15 minutes. The park is well-signposted from the main roads, and there is a large car park at the visitor center.

What Can See: Inside the park, visitors can see a variety of landscapes, including mature woodland, open grassland, and a lake. The park is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, and visitors may be lucky enough to spot red deer, pine martens, or a variety of bird species.

What Can Do: Visitors can explore the park’s walking trails, which range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The park also features a children’s playground and a picnic area. The visitor center offers information on the park’s history and ecology.

Conclusion: Jenkinstown Park is a beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Kilkenny City. Its varied landscapes and rich biodiversity make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Dating back to the 13th century, the priory features a series of stone buildings, including a church, a chapter house, and a number of domestic buildings. The priory is famous for its unique defensive towers, which were built to protect the site from attack. The priory is now a ruin, but its impressive scale and architectural details make it a fascinating place to explore.

Location: Kells Priory is located in the village of Kells, about 15 kilometers from Kilkenny City.

How to Get There: Visitors can drive to Kells Priory from Kilkenny City in about 20 minutes. The priory is well-signposted from the main roads, and there is a small car park at the site.

What Can See: Inside the priory, visitors can see the impressive remains of the church, the chapter house, and the defensive towers. The priory’s architectural details, including its carved doorways and windows, are particularly impressive.

What Can Do: Visitors can explore the priory at their own pace, wandering through the ruins and taking in the impressive scale and atmosphere of the site. The priory is open to the public free of charge, and visitors can visit at any time during daylight hours.

Conclusion: Kells Priory is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in medieval history and architecture. Its impressive scale, unique defensive towers, and beautiful architectural details make it a fascinating place to explore and learn about Ireland’s past.