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Kilkenny City

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.

Explore Kilkenny City

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kilkenny City.

  • Cathedral

    St Canice's Cathedral

    Ireland's second-largest medieval cathedral (after St Patrick's in Dublin) has a long and fascinating history. The first monastery was built here in the…

  • Castle

    Kilkenny Castle

    Rising above the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland's most visited heritage sites. Stronghold of the powerful Butler family, it has a history…

  • Museum

    Medieval Mile Museum

    Dating from the early 13th century, St Mary's Church has been converted into a fascinating modern museum that charts the history of Kilkenny in medieval…

  • Museum

    Rothe House & Garden

    Dating from 1594, this is Ireland's finest example of a Tudor merchant's house, complete with a restored medieval garden. Built around a series of…

  • Gallery

    National Design & Craft Gallery

    Contemporary Irish crafts are showcased at the imaginative National Design & Craft Gallery, set in former stables across the road from Kilkenny Castle,…

  • Brewery

    Smithwick's Experience

    Until its closure, Smithwick's was Ireland’s oldest working brewery. John Smithwick founded the business in 1710 on the site of Kilkenny's 13th-century St…

  • Abbey

    Black Abbey

    Founded in 1225 by William Marshal, this Dominican abbey takes its name from the monks' black habits. Much of what survives dates from the 18th and 19th…

  • Gallery

    Butler Gallery

    The Butler Gallery is one of the country’s most important art galleries outside Dublin. Small exhibitions featuring the work of contemporary artists are…

  • Park

    Kilkenny Castle Park

    These 21 hectares of public parkland extend to the southeast of Kilkenny Castle, framing a fine view of Mt Leinster, while a Celtic-cross-shaped rose…

  • Gardens

    Butler House Gardens

    The beautiful Butler House gardens are home to an unusual water feature constructed from remnants of the British-built Nelson's Pillar, blown up by…

  • Historic Building

    Tholsel

    Kilkenny's Tholsel (City Hall) was built in 1761 on the spot where Dame Alice Kyteler’s maid Petronella was burned at the stake in 1324 for witchcraft …

  • Historic Site

    Black Freren Gate

    This is the only gate from the old Norman city walls still standing, albeit with the help of metal bracing these days. Crumbling sections of the old walls…

  • Ruins

    Talbot's Tower

    One of the surviving corner towers of Kilkenny's medieval city walls.

  • Ruins

    Maudlin Tower

    One of the surviving corner towers of Kilkenny's medieval city walls.

  • Historic Building

    Maudlin Castle

    This substantial tower house, dating from around 1500, once formed part of the city's defences, protecting the approach from the east.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Kilkenny City.

  • Activities