A Quick Guide to Kilkenny City

Ireland's smallest city Kilkenny has long punched above its weight and at one time was even, briefly, the capital of Ireland.

Although founded in early Christian times, when St Canice established the church that gives it its name, the city owes its fine buildings and narrow streets to the Normans. William Marshell, a powerful Norman lord, built Kilkenny Castle which stands at the city's heart, starting in 1192, and a busy prosperous center of commerce quickly grew up around it.

For almost five centuries the Castle was home to the Butlers of Ormonde, until they gave it to the people of Kilkenny and its grounds to the nation in 1967.

There is much to see, and the best part of a very pleasant day can be spent exploring the city centre, small as it is. The Castle and its grounds are a must see, as is Rothe House, a fine 16th century merchant's house and its now restored 17th century garden.

St Canice's Cathedral, high on a hill overlooking the city, dates back to the 13th century and has a number of fascinating tombs inside. Outside the round tower, which predates the cathedral by at least 3 centuries, is the only one in Ireland which visitors can climb.

The Black Abbey has had a chequered history since first established by Dominican Friars in 1225, but remarkably they are still in residence there. It is well worth visiting to feel the antiquity of the interior and see its excellent stained glass windows

There is a lot more - history is visible at every turn in Kilkenny, whether you are visiting its landmark buildings or exploring the narrow lanes that radiate from the High St.

However the city wears its history remarkably lightly and is in many ways a throughly modern product of the Celtic Tiger, with a rapidly growing and young population, many immigrants now settled there and a very lively nightlife. There are good restaurants and bars and all sorts of music in the pubs and nightclubs.

A downside is its incredible popularity with visiting Hen and Stag parties, which can be something of a scourge on weekend nights. Our recommendation is that unless you are up for a fairly wild night out, you are out of the city centre before 10pm on weekend nights

Things to do and see

A selection of places and activities that are in Kilkenny City or that can be visited while using Kilkenny as a base. For more activities that may be in reach see our Area Guides.

The Watergarden
This small and beautiful garden in Thomastown Co Kilkenny is managed by the Camphill Community.

Inistioge, Co Kilkenny
Inistioge is a romantic village beautifully located on the banks of the River Nore in South Kilkenny.

St Canice's Cathedral
St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny dates to the early 13th century. It is built on the site of an earlier monastery, of which only the 10th century round tower remains.

Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Castle is a 13th century Norman castle that dominates the city which grew up around it. It is one of the best preserved and largest castles in Ireland.

Festival and Events

Castlecomer Wellie Race Miscellaneous | Date: Jan 1st

Kilkenny Arts Festival Arts Festival | Date: Aug 8th-17th

Kilkenny Celtic Festival Festival | Date: Sept 26th - Oct 5th

National Ploughing Championships Exhibitions | Date: September 23th-25th

Irish Conker Championships Miscellaneous | Date: Oct 26th

Tour Itineraries

Some tour itineraries which explore in or include Co Kilkenny:

Walking Tour of Kilkenny City
A walking tour of the medieval city of Kilkenny, Ireland, including a visit to Kilkenny Castle.