One of the biggest mistakes a tourist in Ireland can make is to visit Dublin and forget everything else. There are tons of beautiful places in Ireland that beg to be discovered, especially the ones in Ireland’s Ancient East region. Kilkenny, which is only 1.5 to 2 hours away from Dublin, is one of the cities you should include on your Irish bucket list.
Known as the Marble City, the charming city of Kilkenny takes pride in its beautifully-preserved medieval heritage, visible through its narrow cobbled streetscapes, impressive architecture, and iconic landmarks. Taking a stroll through cobblestone alleyways will instantly take you back to the 13th century — thanks to the wealth of historic houses, castles, churches, museums, and other cultural attractions along the way.
If it’s your first time in Kilkenny, here are 7 activities you shouldn’t miss.
1. Start by visiting the heart of the city: Kilkenny Castle and Gardens
Your Kilkenny city trip will never be complete without stepping inside its most prominent buildings set right in the heart of the city: Kilkenny Castle. Thanks to the renovations and restorations, this massive Anglo-Norman castle dating back to 1195 is still standing tall for everyone to see. Certain parts of the castle can be visited on a self-guided tour. You can also unwind on the picturesque grounds.
For the best experience, why not book a Kilkenny hotel near this iconic castle? It’s not every day that you get to see a 13th-century castle from your hotel room, right?
2. Walk the Medieval Mile and travel back in time
Kilkenny city looks taken straight out of a historical drama film set in the medieval period. The cobbled streets, historic buildings like castles and merchant houses, and well-preserved churches with stained glass are enough to transport you back to the time lost long ago.
If you want to uncover the medieval heritage of Kilkenny in less than a day, the Medieval Mile is the place to be. The long stretch runs through the center of Kilkenny city, linking the iconic Anglo-Norman castle (Kilkenny Castle) and the 13th-century St. Canice’s Cathedral with a plethora of bewitching places in between.
One of the best ways to experience Kilkenny is to sign up for a guided walking tour. All you need is your walking shoes, camera, bottled water, and unparalleled energy. Kilkenny walking tours are hosted by friendly and humorous local expert guides. In less than 2 hours, you’ll not only be taken to must-see attractions — they’ll also bring the tales and characters of Kilkenny’s medieval history to life with the help of their local expertise and humour.
Want a self-guided tour? Get a Medieval Mile Pass
Want to visit the best attractions of the Medieval Mile at your own time and pace? You can save a bunch by getting a Medieval Mile Pass.
The pass will give you free access to the Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House, Smithwick’s Experience, Medieval Mile Museum, and St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower. You’ll also get free tours and even discounts when you visit various cafes, restaurants, and shops along the mile.
4. Explore Kilkenny’s well-preserved churches
Three of the most breathtaking architectural wonders in Kilkenny city are churches and no, you don’t have to be religious to step inside and appreciate their impressive architecture.
Black Abbey
If you’re a fan of impressive Norman architecture, a visit to the Black Abbey, a Dominican monastery dating back to 1225, is a must. What seems like a dark and moody edifice from the outside is a jaw-dropping sight from the inside, with striking colorful stained glass windows.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral, located on the highest point of the city is another must-visit place of worship. The cathedral is created from cut limestone, sourced locally when it was built in the 1800s.
St. Canice Cathedral
If you’re starting your tour at Kilkenny Castle, the cathedral on the other end of the Medieval mile is the best place to wrap up your afternoon trip. St. Canice Cathedral is a historic building with impressive stained glass windows and an impressive round tower,
5. Climb the St. Canice Cathedral Round Tower
Speaking of St, Canice, consider climbing the round tower beside the cathedral. It’s the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny city and reaching its peak allows you to see the panoramic view of the medieval city from above.
Speaking of St, Canice, consider climbing the round tower beside the cathedral. It’s the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny city and reaching its peak allows you to see the panoramic view of the medieval city from above.
6. Step inside the museums and galleries
No need to pay a dollar to time travel or see the best artworks in Ireland — the museums and galleries in Kilkenny are free of cost.
Start with the Medieval Mile Museum, housed in a former 13th-century church. Uncover 800 years of Kilkenny history through impressive exhibitions, including Kilkenny’s Civic Treasures and replicas of some of Ossory High Crosses.
If you’re an art buff, galleries including Butler Gallery, National Design, and Craft Gallery, should be on your list. These galleries feature collections of Irish and internatIonal art, which date from the 1800s.
7. After dark, visit a haunted pub
Interested in stories about hauntings, sorcery and witch trials in Ireland? Kytelers Inn, is a place you shouldn’t miss. The inn’s original owner, Dame Alice de Kyteler, is known as Ireland’s first witch. She was condemned for witchcraft in 1324. Today, the inn, which is one of the oldest ones in Ireland, is said to be haunted.
Taking aside its haunted past, Kytelers Inn is the perfect place for experiencing the best of Kilkenny’s nightlife and Ireland’s traditional music scene.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a travel and lifestyle writer. Aside from taking vibrant street photos, you can find her writing articles about travel, food, and lifestyle. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny.
