Located southwest of Dublin, Kilkenny lies on the banks of the River Nore and is Ireland’s smallest city. Famed for its wonderful history and nightlife, this is a must-visit destination for tourists. The city’s popularity is not limited to foreign visitors – many Irish people use Kilkenny for weekend breaks throughout the year.
History buffs will have their hands full as Kilkenny is the pre-eminent medieval city in Ireland, with numerous attractions to visit such as St Canice Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle. The city was built on a site of a monastery, which is where the name is taken from. A delight of Kilkenny is that it is not over-run with tourists, especially in the low season when visitors can amble along the streets in peace, unlike in other cities of Ireland.
Nightlife in the city has boomed in recent times with the growth of a nightclub district. Head into one of the many pubs on Parliament street, which is one long line of bars and pubs, and settle down at a table sipping on a creamy pint of Guinness. Given the world-renowned Irish hospitality, a night out in Kilkenny is a great way to experience ‘the craic’ in Ireland, and if you are lucky, you’ll be able to find a pub with live Irish music to help you sing the night away.
Highlights
Kilkenny Castle: this is a must see attraction in Kilkenny. The original castle was built in the 13th century and it remained lived in until 1935. Due to the popularity of the castle, make sure you get there early to book your guided tour.
St Canice Cathedral: the cathedral is the second longest cathedral in Ireland and was built in the 13th century. A climb up the tower gives fantastic views over the city.
St Francis Abbey Brewery: John Smithwick, who gives his name to a popular beer, established this brewery in 1710 on the site of the 12th century Abbey of St Francis. During the summer, tours and free samples are on offer.
The Thosel: today the building serves as the City Hall but is worth a look for its architectural value. Built in 1761 as a marketplace, it existed as such until 1987 when it was damaged by fire.
Black Abbey: constructed in 1225, this abbey is famous for its amazing stained-glass windows, relics and statues that are on display.** **