Kick things off in Kilkenny city
The narrow medieval streets lined with historic buildings make Kilkenny city one of the most attractive urban centres on the island – and the ideal spot from which to explore the wider county.
The centrepiece of Kilkenny’s medieval footprint is Kilkenny Castle, built by the Normans and standing tall over the Marble City for over 800 years. Join a tour to learn about the powerful and wealthy Butler family, who ruled as the earls, marquesses and dukes of Ormond for six centuries – and turned Kilkenny into a regional powerhouse. On your tour, check out intriguing interiors like the delicate Chinese wallpaper in the ladies’ withdrawing room and the hand-painted roof in the Picture Gallery, decorated with Pre-Raphaelite ladies and naturalistic scenes.
For a deeper insight into Kilkenny’s rich history, the Medieval Mile Museum tells the story of the county's growth throughout the Middle Ages. Housed inside the 13th-century St Mary’s Church, highlights include exhibits on crusader, soldier and statesman William Marshall, aka ‘the greatest knight who ever lived’, and the Rothe Chapel, full of magnificent stone-carved tombs and a gorgeous 17th-century wooden roof. A huge interactive map helps you make sense of medieval Kilkenny.
Experience a selection of Irish design and crafts at the Kilkenny Design Centre, across the street from the castle. Take in this showcase of Irish and contemporary gifts, and shop for a memento from your trip or a gift for a loved one. You’ll find pottery produced by Nicholas Mosse, Enibas jewellery designed by Sabina Lenz, work by artist Sharon McDaid and more.
Next door, the National Design & Craft Gallery hosts exhibitions focused on contemporary craft and design. The gallery allows you to take in the work of talented makers and imaginative curators. One popular exhibit is dedicated to designer Orla Kiely, whose instantly recognisable patterns have garnered her global success.
A short stroll brings you to the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. This interactive, multi-sensory experience tells the tale of Ireland's oldest ale, brewed in Kilkenny since 1710. On the tour (all led by locals) you can mill the malt, stir the mash and smell the hops. Listen as they explain what makes this ale unique (spoiler alert: it’s the distinctive Ruby Red colour). Top your tour off with a pint of smooth and satisfying Smithwick's.
Once you've satisfied your thirst, explore the collection of 20th-century Irish art for free at the Butler Gallery. Alongside their permanent collections, discover their contemporary exhibitions, which reflect evolving visual art practices and the use of different media. Outside, feel free to wander the romantic secret garden and see contemporary Irish sculpture.
Where to eat and stay in Kilkenny city
For a taste of classic Italian fare, head to the award-winning Ristorante Rinuccini, located just steps from the castle. Explore its intimate wine cellar and pair your choice with a plate of homemade pasta. You’ll also find a tempting selection of fresh Irish seafood, from prawns and lobster to crab, sole, and salmon, as well as hearty dishes made with locally sourced meats.
The Left Bank is a beautifully restored bar and architectural gem on The Parade. Its seasonal menu highlights locally sourced ingredients – think slow-cooked pork cheek with pumpkin risotto and Guinness sauce, or a homemade bourbon burger with hand-cut fries.
For a slice of local history, head to The Marble City Bar and Tea Rooms, one of the oldest public houses in the county. Dating back to the early 1900s and named after Kilkenny’s famous limestone, this spot serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focus on fresh Irish produce. Try the pan-fried king prawns with chorizo and coriander cream reduction, or their signature Irish Hereford steak burger.
Langton's Bar and Restaurant is a Kilkenny staple, effortlessly blending great food, lively atmosphere and a touch of elegance. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back lunch or something a bit more refined, their options have you covered – and they have the seal of approval from the Irish Restaurant Association, who awarded them Kilkenny’s Best Gastro Pub in 2025. When the sun goes down, Langton’s 67 Bar keeps the energy high with live music every night of the week.
For a quiet moment with a literary twist, pop into The Book and Coffee Shop in the heart of the city. Browse rare second-hand books while sipping freshly brewed coffee and indulging in a slice of homemade cake. It’s also a cultural hub, regularly hosting poetry readings, lectures, book launches and plays.
At Mocha's Vintage Tea Rooms, the eclectic décor creates a cosy, welcoming vibe – perfect for a relaxing breakfast, lunch or Afternoon Tea. Enjoy a menu full of fresh salads, hot dishes, and homemade sandwiches in charming surroundings.
Whiskey enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Kilkenny Whiskey Guild. Its ten member establishments each stock a minimum of 60 Irish whiskeys. Knowledgeable staff guide guests through tastings, food pairings and cocktails, making it a great way to experience Kilkenny’s deep-rooted distilling heritage.
Wine, beer and Spanish food lovers will feel right at home at The Grapevine Wine & Tapas Bar. Their menu features a wide range of tapas, salads, bruschetta and antipasti, along with Irish craft beers and wines from both organic producers and renowned vineyards around the world.
Stop by The Hole In The Wall for live music and nighttime entertainment during your visit. One of Ireland’s oldest surviving Elizabethan townhouses, it is now an intimate tavern and year-round venue for gigs and events. With excellent natural acoustics and a modern sound system, the venue hosts over 100 different musical acts each year: rock bands, jazz performances, singer-songwriters, up-and-coming musicians and more.
There are plenty of places to stay in Kilkenny with options to suit every visitor, from cosy B&Bs and self-catering cottages to luxury hotels with all the trimmings.
Visit beautiful Bennettsbridge
Just 9km south of Kilkenny is handsome Bennettsbridge, named after the stone bridge that spans the Nore. Start with a gentle stroll along the O’Gorman’s Lane Loop walk, an easygoing trail that begins in the heart of the village. The hour-long walk takes you through quiet country roads, peaceful lanes and along the riverbank.
After your walk, pop into Crafted café for a hot drink and freshly baked treats. Their menu is full of tempting options, from light lunches and soups to fresh salads and hearty toasties.
While you're in the village, don’t miss Nicholas Mosse Pottery and Mill Café. Set inside a beautifully restored flour mill, this working pottery studio is home to the internationally loved work of master potter Nicholas Mosse. Using Irish clay and traditional designs, his handcrafted pieces are popular all over the world. Browse the range of intricately detailed pottery, linen and glass, then head upstairs for a bite in the café.
In the evening, settle in at O’Donnell’s bar, a warm, family-run pub and off-licence where you’ll find local hurling chat (you are in Kilkenny after all) and maybe even a bit of live music.
Where to stay in Bennnettsbridge
If you fancy overnighting in the area, the Nore Valley Park is a campsite with an open farm, fun activities and accommodation in the heart of Kilkenny’s peaceful countryside. Choose from a wooden lodge, a comfortable mobile home or a scenic tent pitch.
Take time out in Thomastown
A further 9km south is Thomastown, which has retained elements of its medieval origins but is best known these days for its picturesque setting on the Nore, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Just outside of town, 12th-century Jerpoint Abbey offers a remarkable glimpse into Ireland’s Cistercian heritage. Highlights include the beautifully preserved Romanesque church and the tomb of the abbey’s first abbot, Felix O’Dulany. As you explore the site, you’ll discover intricate carvings and sculptures, and gain insight into the daily life of the Cistercian monks who once lived and worked here.
Not far from here at Jerpoint Glass Studio, you can watch talented glassblowers at work, shaping molten glass into beautiful, handmade pieces. It’s fascinating to see the glowing red-hot glass come to life right in front of you.
Developed in the 1790s, Kilfane Glen and Waterfall is a Romantic-era garden with woodland paths and specially created contemporary art. Wander by the 30ft waterfall, rustic grotto and thatched summerhouse in this idyllic landscape.
Nature lovers will uncover more of Kilkenny’s natural beauty as they discover the Nore Valley Walk. This 10.8km trail takes three hours to complete and passes along a mix of riverbank, forest and road. The linear Inistioge to Thomastown trail is the third section of the three-leg Nore Valley Walk, so, if you fancy extending your hike, you can always take on the other instalments.
Practice your swing and play 18 holes at Mount Juliet Golf Club at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. The course is set across 180 acres of naturally beautiful countryside including specimen trees, miles of rushing river and green pastures. If golf isn't your thing, why not head to the nearby Mount Juliet Equestrian Centre, which caters for experienced riders and complete beginners. Enjoy the fresh air on a trek or trail-riding excursion in the surrounding pastures and parkland within and around the estate.
Goatsbridge Trout Farm is a Blas na hEireann/Irish Food Awards-winning provider of premium Irish trout to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and fish wholesalers. Visit their eco-friendly farm to learn about the trout’s lifecycle from eyed ova in the hatchery to maturity, and taste their premium fresh and smoked trout.
Book a table at the best Kilkenny restaurants
Kilkenny natives are immensely proud of their food culture, and with good reason. The city's cafés and restaurants invite you in with the promise of delicious local produce.
After a busy morning touring, have a bite at The Grapevine Wine & Tapas Bar or treat yourself to afternoon tea at Mocha's Vintage Tea Rooms. Visit the award-winning restaurant at the Kilkenny Design Centre – sit in, or take a picnic to Castle Park across the road.
Celebrate a special occasion with an unforgettable Italian meal prepared by the talented chefs at Ristorante Rinuccini in the buzzing city centre.
Kilkenny is not the kind of place you visit once and forget. There are so many different ways for you to enjoy a short break in the city and nearby towns, you'll return again and again. Check out our Kilkenny destination page to get more inspiration on places to visit in this vibrant county.
