Kilkenny City Guide: top things to do, eat and drink in Kilkenny, Ireland

Kilkenny, one of the many fascinating cities of the so-called Ireland’s Ancient East, with its history, its myths, its native beer and a cultural and nightlife worthy of any major European capitals. Kilkenny, about 90 minutes drive from Dublin, is a small jewel whose main attraction is the castle around which all commercial and cultural activities are developed. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, add Kilkenny to the list of things to see and you won’t regret it. Check our Kilkenny City Guide and plan your trip.

Kilkenny: useful information

Kilkenny is located in the South East of Ireland and it is crossed by the Nore River. To get to Kilkenny you can opt for renting a car or for public transport: by train, it takes 1 hour and a half to get to the center while the bus takes up to 2 hours (which can become 2 half an hour if there is traffic or bad weather). Although you can easily visit the town on a full day, I recommend that you sleep in Kilkenny at least one night to fully enjoy nightlife and social life: at weekends the city is literally assaulted by the hen and stags parties who can in some way ruin the atmosphere but if you stay in town during the week or if you really want to experience Kilkenny’s experience at best you cannot consider at least one night, possibly outside the center.

Curiosity on Kilkenny

Kilkenny is considered the town of witches and there are many legends about this myth: the most famous is Alice Kyteler’s legacy, who, after losing 4 husbands in mysterious circumstances, was accused in 1324 of witchcraft. Alice was sentenced to death on fire but managed to escape and her maid was executed publicly in her place. Nobody ever knew where Alice went so it is said that her spirit is still inside Kyteler’s Inn, the historic pub she owned, and nowadays she has also dedicated a statue right at the entrance of the pub.

What to see in Kilkenny

Kilkenny is known for its medieval architecture, its cobbled streets and its secret passages. Not being big, walking on foot is easy and things to see relatively few but the visit is worth it.

Kilkenny’s Castle

Probably the most famous attraction in Kilkenny, the castle dates back to the beginning of the 13th century and was inhabited until 1935. The glorious interior can be loved by those who love this type of architecture but the visit and a walk in the gardens it is worthwhile, especially during sunny days;

Black Abbey Church

Built in 1225, the Black Abbey Church closely resembles the Franciscan and Dominican monasteries and despite being completely restored at the end of 1866, it is one of Ireland’s most fascinating churches;

Smithwick’s Brewery

Closely tied to Kilkenny is its historic beer, the Smithwick, which in most of the world is known just like Kilkenny. The toasted product is Red Beer, an Irish red ale, but for some years Smithwick’s, now part of Diageo along with Guinness, also produces others. An article about the Smithwick’s brewery in Kilkenny is on its way;

St. Canice’s Cathedral

The Kilkenny cathedral is all made in Gothic style and in dark colors. The uphill on the circular tower after 160 steps will allow you to admire the whole city from above.

Eating out in Kilkenny

As with all the extremely touristic towns, even in Kilkenny to eat well you need to know where to go to avoid eating poor quality food and return home thinking that in Ireland the food is bad. Here is a list of the unmarked restaurants in Kilkenny, including a Michelin star who, of course, raises the price bar.

Langton’s

A classic in Kilkenny to eat at lunch and dinner: simple, traditional but genuine. If you are looking for traditional Irish and quality food this is the right place in Kilkenny.

Vintage Tea Rooms

Simple food, sweets, a decadent atmosphere and a lot of coffee: for a different lunch or an afternoon based on good and typical things, Vintage Tea Rooms cannot be missed.

Campagne

One Michelin star, a precious atmosphere, and French influences – this is Campagne, the portrait of the new Kilkenny, for the ones who like to eat well and pamper themselves.

Lady Helen

Located within Mount Juliet Estate, Lady Helen with her Michelin star returns back in time. The room is opulent, the food presented as an artistic creation and the whole experience is definitely worth spending.

Hound Restaurant

Still inside Mount Juliet Summer, this is an informal restaurant where to stop for lunch and dinner to savor Irish cuisine made of good things and genuine flavors.

Best pubs in Kilkenny

Over 70 pubs just in Kilkenny’s Old Town: this is one of Kilkenny’s most important features, known to be one of the liveliest and ideal places for people who love the nightlife. It is mainly antique pubs, with period furnishings, where different generations meet, and for this reason, they are not only frequented by tourists but also by locals. Here are the unmissable ones:

The Hole in the Wall

Considered Kilkenny’s par excellence pub, it is most beloved by the locals for having fun. The location is spectacular: the ancient Archer Inner House dating from 1582 and the so narrow spaces will make you reconsider the concept of “privacy”.

Bridie’s Bar

As soon as you enter the Bridie’s Bar you find yourself immersed in another era and, above all, in a place that seems all but a bar. At the entrance, there is a sweets shop but as soon as the last door goes, you enter the real pub, a surprise for everyone.

Matt The Millers

The location of Matt The Millers is simply sublime, especially when the weather is good: overlooking the Nore River bank, it’s not just pub but also a restaurant.

Brewery Corner

A small blue entrance features the Brewery Corner which offers a huge selection of artisan beers from all over the world and attracts most of all the locals and beer enthusiasts.

Kyteler’s Inn

A historic but tourist pub because linked to the legend of Alice Kyteler. Be prepared to long queues at the counter and, often, no place to sit or even stand.

Where to sleep in Kilkenny

In recent years, many new hotels have been born in Kilkenny to meet the needs of tourists, including local ones. These include:

The Pembroke

In the center of the city, The Pembroke is characterized by spacious rooms, fantastic views of the Castle, a generous and genuine breakfast and the presence of a restaurant where you can dine with revisited local produce.

Mount Juliet

A true experience, Mount Juliet is located about 20 minutes from downtown Kilkenny within a park with so much golf and stellar restaurant. High prices but the experience is definitely worth it.

Lyrath Estate Hotel

Another hotel located off Kilkenny in an old mansion. Spa, restaurant and a huge park to relax and recharge.

What to see around Kilkenny

If you are planning to stay in Kilkenny one night, the following day I recommend you two experiences you will love.

Highbank Orchards

Highbank is about 30 minutes from Kilkenny, in Cuffsgrange, and is a real organic farming company dedicated to apples: it is run by Rod and Julie who produce many apple products including cider, distillates (gin, vodka, etc), syrup and so on. The company can be visited, you can take part in the many organized events and also sleep in the renovated and available apartment for rent.

Truffle Fairy

Truffle Fairy is in Thomastown and is owned by Mary Teehan: Mary once worked as a chef but then decided to follow her primary passion, chocolate, and opened this chocolate place near Kilkenny where she produces truffles of all kinds and chocolate warm in the most varied ways.

Come with me to Kilkenny, a foodie and nightlife lovers heaven in Ireland: