Unique Things To Do In Kilkenny

An Overview of Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a unique medieval city home to numerous castles, churches and old buildings. The town originally earned it’s name from the Irish priest St. Cainneach, who has an honored exhibition in St. Canice’s Cathedral in the city. The name “Kilkenny” directly translates to “Church of Cainnech” (Cill Chainnigh). The most recognizable landmark in the city is Kilkenny Castle, which serves as a major landmark in a town full of Irish architectural gems. There are many unique things to do in Kilkenny.

Unique Things To Do In Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle

A grand symbol of Norman occupation, this large structure looms over the rest of the town. The Kilkenny Castle is an important historical feature, built by Richard de Clare, commonly known as Strongbow. The castle is directly in the center of town, making it extremely easy to visit.

River Nore

The beautiful river flowing the center and side of the town.  Tourists often rent kayaks and paddle boards to explore it. The river passes several notable features, including the Nore Valley Walk Trailhead. Kilkenny Castle Park and several small swimming areas.

Cleere’s Bar & Theatre

An excellent traditional pub in downtown Kilkenny which hosts traditional Irish performances. Performances include instruments and Sean-nós singing, an unaccompanied traditional Irish vocal music. Listening to traditional Irish music while enjoying traditional ales is one of the most unique things to do in Kilkenny.

Fig Tree

This is an excellent breakfast option restaurant within a five minute walk from Kilkenny Castle.

Dunmore Caves

These are series of moss-caked caves outside the city. The caves are infamous for it’s historic slaughter of 1,000 women and children at the hands of invading Vikings. Despite the dark history of the subterranean hiding place, the ancient limestone chambers are beautiful to behold.

Jerpoint Abbey

This is a historically important Cistercian Abbey founded in the 12th century It currently exists as a series of stunning, semi-restored ruins. The architectural features are unique and the building hosts an extensive visitor center. There are also numerous ancient carvings marking the area as an ancient Irish religious site.

Kells Priory

The imposing walls and towers of a monastery crumble beneath Ireland’s rainy skies. The building is one of the largest medieval monuments in Ireland. The ruins are comprised of thick walls, previously equipped battle-towers and other defensive features to deter raiding.

Old Red Iron Bridge

Originally built in 1906, this was once the longest bridge in Ireland. The bridge was originally part of a train route which linked Cork and Karry to the Port of Rosslare. In the modern era, the train track has been long abandoned to rust and has been largely reclaimed by nature. The state of semi-decay makes it a pretty landmark to visit.

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum

This building is a rather pretty, minimalist interior museum which houses 800 years of Irish artifacts and history. The original building was the 13th-century St. Mary’s Church, home to stone structures, a walled graveyard and an added tower.

St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower

An impressive building with a narrow tower.  The tower can be climbed via a tight staircase on the interior for aerial pictures of the surrounding land. This is one of the only two round towers in Ireland where people are allowed to climb.

Brandon Hill

A scenic hill gazing over the farmlands and low hills surrounding Kilkenny. The hill is a major feature of a hiking route (Brandon Hill Loop), with the entry point located in the town of Graiguenamanagh.

Kilfane Glen and Waterfall

A small, rambling lush patch of greenery with a small waterfall and rushing stream. The area is considered a romantic and picturesque area with numerous easy walking trails passing babbling brooks.

Rothe House & Garden Heritage Museum

This 16th-century merchant’s townhouse complex is located in the heart of Kilkenny. The three houses, three enclosed courtyards, a reconstructed garden and attatched orchard make up the complex. The complex hosts a museum with artifacts regarding Irish culture with archeological displays referencing the ogham stone and the straw beehives of ancient Ireland.

Jenkinstown Wood And Walled Garden Walk

Located ten minutes driving outside of Kilkenny City, Jenkinstown Park was once a large, private estate. The parklands have survived into the modern era, with walking trails, a deer park, a craft center and a picnic site. The area also has a small garden commemorating Irish poet Thomas Moore, who wrote The Last Rose of Summer while staying on the estate.

Coill an Fhailtaigh Millennium Forest

Located outside of Kilkenny City, this is a protected forest area with oak woodland alongside ash, birch, cherry and spindle trees. The area is a popular zone for casual walks and short hikes thanks to it’s proximity to the city.

Market Cross Shopping Center

A popular shopping avenue in Kilkenny easily recognizable from the colorful umbrella artworks hanging over the street.

Kilkenny’s Medieval Village (The Medieval Mile)

The core of Kilkenny is a truly beautiful series of medieval buildings and cobbled street paths. These stretches of history are part of Ireland’s Medieval Mile, which extends from the Kilkenny Castle to St. Canice’s Cathedral. There are numerous historic gems along this walking path.

“Cat Laughs” Festival

Taking place on the first weekend of June each year, the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival is a large Irish comedy event in Kilkenny. While many of the comedians are Irish, comedians from all over the world attend this hilarious event.

Black Abbey

This building was once a establishment of the Dominican Order, who built their abbey on the tranquil grounds. The Black Abbey was one of the first houses of the Dominican Order founded in Ireland.

Saint Francis Abbey

The Abbey, often called the Kilkenny Grey Friary, is a medieval Franciscan Abbey and National Monument. The abbey, which has no roof or intact windows, has an interesting background history as an Irish red ale brewery.

Tullaherin Folk Museum and Round Tower

Located outside of Kilkenny in the small Irish townland of Tullaherin, there stands a famous historic landmark created from small buildings and an ancient round tower. The Folk Museum is unique, collecting and preserving a small museum which creates exhibitions using everyday household items from recent Irish history.

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