Kilkenny City

Ireland

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Overview

Kilkenny is the Ireland of many visitors' imaginations. Built from dark-grey limestone flecked with fossil seashells, Kilkenny (from the Irish 'Cill Chainnigh', meaning the Church of St Canice) is also known as 'the marble city'. Its picturesque 'Medieval Mile' of narrow lanes and historic buildings strung between castle and cathedral along the bank of the River Nore is one of the southeast's biggest tourist draws. It's worth braving the crowds to soak up the atmosphere of one of Ireland's creative crucibles – Kilkenny is a centre for arts and crafts, and home to a host of fine restaurants, cafes, pubs and shops.

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Icons of Southern Ireland: 12 Days in Dublin, Kinsale, Cork, and Tipperary

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  1. 1Viewing the illuminated Book of Kells in Trinity College Dublin’s Old Library
  2. 2Partaking in a traditional afternoon tea inside Waterford’s famous crystal factory
  3. 3Foraging for wild seaweed with an expert guide on the Ring of Kerry
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