Aerial view of Kilkenny Castle.

Explore Kilkenny

From Trail Kilkenny to Outdoor Kilkenny there is a wealth of experiences for the culturally curious, all ages, historical and new.

St Canices Cathedral and Round Tower, Kilkenny at night.

Things to do

From Trail Kilkenny to Outdoor Kilkenny there is a wealth of experiences for the culturally curious, all ages, historical and new. Below is just a sample and don’t forget to look up the festival & event dates
https://vistkilkenny.ie

Shenanigans Walks

A modern twist on traditional tours, Shenanigans Walks local, expert guides will lead you on an entertaining, fun and informative adventure along Ireland’s Medieval Mile. The real magic of Shenanigans is an engaging and refreshing blend of history, compelling stories, interesting fun facts, with a clever sprinkle of magic effects which brings it all to life and all topped off with plenty of Shenanigans.

St Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower

St Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower is part of the heritage of the vibrant medieval city. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and today it is one of Kilkenny's must-see attractions. Climb the tower and see Kilkenny in all its glory!

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny Castle is open to visitors all year round and is largely a Victorian remodeling of the thirteenth century defensive Castle.

Kilkenny City Cycling Tour

Bike 'N' Hike. Hire a bike from us and enjoy the tranquility and scenery as you cycle from Kilkenny City via the “Sion road” to the picturesque village of Bennetsbridge

The Bridge Potteries

The hidden gem of hand painted ceramicsKilkenny pottery by Mark Campden and Caroline Dolan near Burnchurch Castle.

Jerpoint Glass Studios

Since 1979 the master craftsmen at Jerpoint Glass Studio have created beautiful Irish handmade glass for your home. Drawing on 2000 years of glass blowing.

Nore Valley Pet Farm

Take time out and stroll around the pet farm and allow the children to play in an interactive and relaxing setting. Bottle-feed lambs or goats and cuddle chicks and baby rabbits, feed the donkeys, as well as learning about the Irish heritage of farming.

Go With The Flow

Explore guided and self-guided canoe and kayak tours on the scenic River Barrow. Fun for all ages!

Cheese & Butter Making Course

Learn the art of Cheese Making with Helen. Helen has won major cheese awards over the years and is ready to share her skills with you. At Knockdrinna Farm house and Cafe

Interior of Victorian Pub. The Left Bank, Kilkenny City

Food and Beverage Recommendations

Many Kilkenny Restaurants, Bars and cafes support not only Highbank Orchards award winning artisan products but work with other locally produced foods Look out for them named on the menus!

Only a sample are offered below please see visitkilkenny.ie for more information from Michelin star restaurants to local cafes.

Dizzy Goats Restaurant

Farm-to fork Dining Dizzy Goat Restaurant is nestled in South Kilkenny celebrating local flavours and sustainable practices using fresh, locally sourced ingredients in season and working with nearby farmers and artisans. They raise their own goats and wild boars making their wonderful dizzy goats’ cheese. Yes! Highbank is on the menu!!

Hole in the Wall

A bar & former music venue situated in the heart of Kilkenny City, the Hole in the Wall is housed in the oldest surviving townhouse in Ireland – the 1582 Archer Inner House, 17 High Street. The Elizabethan building with its tavern, snug and archer room has been fully restored and is open to visitors. Just wonderful, full of banter, song and stories do capture the famous cardiologist Michael Conway if you can and sample Highbank special Seaweed Gin

The Kings Mill Restaurant

Situated in an old mill on the Kings River in Kells beside the Kells Priory, this is a wonderful rustic location for outside as well as inside dining. They offer authentic, sourdough based, stone-baked pizza as well as traditional Mediterranean food with local ingredients and of cause Highbank Medieval Cider and Highbank Drivers Cider (non-alcoholic).

Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro

A taste of wonder from all over the world Chef Bart and Nicole offer and incredible award-winning bistro experience in the heart of Kilkenny city. “Top food accessible to everyone” from local fresh ingredients cooked in season. Their stoneground flour comes from the local Little Mill, and their support of the local artisans is unrivalled. What they do with Highbank vinegar and syrup is amazing!!! If you haven’t enough time to stop in the bistro the bakery is flying along from early morning pastries not to miss.

Tapu Tapas

Come & share an evening of round the world tapas and cocktails in Thomastown, Kilkenny at this vibrant incredible restaurant sample amazing tapas prepared by Chilean Chef Rodrigo Gonzalez working with local suppliers and creativity unmatched. Look out for Highbank syrup in the cocktails!

Customer receiving Room key card. Mount Julliet Hotel, Kilkenny

Places to stay

So many choices from Camping to 5 star hotels. Below are a few samples below. For more detail and deals https://visitkilkenny.ie/meet-in-kilkenny-stay/

Mount Juliet Estate

This prestigious 5-star hotel transcends mere luxury accommodations and exquisite dining. Here, amidst the idyllic landscapes of Kilkenny, it blends Georgian grandeur with modern sophistication. Indulge in a round of golf or dine at the Michelin-starred restaurant with Chef John Kelly, or simply bask in the beauty of the historic estate, whilst enjoying the delicious signature Moongate Gin designed over two years tastings by Mt Juliet Chefs and Highbank Orchards.

Newlands Lodge Guest House

Newlands Lodge B&B is a Failte Ireland award winning guesthouse in an idyllic countryside setting, yet only 5 minutes from Kilkenny City centre

Newpark Hotel Kilkenny

Resting on the edge of medieval Kilkenny City, the Newpark Hotel offers award-winning service to visitors of all ages. On over 25 acres of parkland, offering luxurious accommodation, a Health Club & Spa and fun-filled kids’ activities, this family-friendly hotel is the ideal base for exploring Kilkenny Also home to  the delicious family Flynn Gin designed and produced at Highbank Orchards

Club House Kilkenny

in the historic heart of Kilkenny, just minutes from Kilkenny Castle.

Pembroke Hotel

Perfectly situated in the heart of Kilkenny city, just around the corner from the iconic Kilkenny Castle.

Zuni Restaurant, Boutique Hotel & Townhouse

Chic lodging, plus modern Irish dining

Lyrath Estate Hotel

A luxury 5 star hotel in the medieval heart of Ireland, Kilkenny. Lyrath Estate is celebrated for its gorgeous grounds that are spread across 170 acres of Irish countryside, complete with picturesque lakes, historic gardens

Nore Valley Park Caravan & Camp

Award-Winning family run camping site located in a quiet, peaceful valley. Situated on an open farm so patrons have free access to the farm wonderful for children

Aerial view of River barrow with woods and fields on the banks

VISIT KILKENNY

For full listings on what to do, where to go, where to eat & drink check out Visit Kilkenny and don’t forget to look up the festival & event dates.

visitkilkenny.ie

Thatched House. Edmund Ignatius Rice house in Callan

IRELANDS ANCIENT EAST

Experience Ireland’s Ancient East where vibrant history and modern life meet. Enjoy memorable food experiences, wander down the cobbled streets of medieval towns and explore the gorgeous gardens of this scenic region.

Irelands Ancient East