Journey Overview:

 

Located in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, Kilkenny offers a truly unique visitor experience where heritage meets cosmopolitan chic. By day, wander cobbled streets, explore the Medieval Mile and visit the restored Kilkenny Castle. Then by night enjoy the vibrant nightlife and Michelin starred restaurants or indulge in a spot of retail therapy at one of the design studios.

 

 

Medieval Mile Museum

Kilkenny's Medieval Mile Museum is Irelands newest visitor attraction, located on the 13th century site of St Mary's cruciform church and graveyard. As the starting point of the 'Medieval Mile' trail, it brings to life Kilkenny's history as Ireland's premier medieval city. Displays of Kilkenny's civic treasures and replicas of some of the High Crosses of Ossory illustrate the local Gaelic monastic heritage and the ancient city's historic role in Ireland.

Medieval Mile

More tales await along the city’s Medieval Mile, where history meets the here and now. You’ll pass the Shee Alms House, built in 1582 to “accommodate 12 poor persons”; Kyteler’s Inn, owned by Alice Kyteler – the first person in Ireland to be accused of witchcraft; and St Canice’s Cathedral, one of only two round towers in the county that you can climb. The grandeur of this 13th century Cathedral is breath-taking.

St. Canice’s Cathedral

A must see in Kilkenny, the Cathedral has wonderful stained glass that includes two windows from the Harry Clarke Studio, Dublin.  The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in the city offering great views and has become a popular spot for marriage proposals!

Rothe House and Garden

Rothe House is a unique, early 17th-century, Irish merchant’s townhouse and garden, set in the centre of Kilkenny City. It is also the base of genealogical research on Kilkenny ancestry. Rothe House is also home to a vast collection of over 300 artefacts from Sir John Lavery paintings to a 1894 wedding dress.

Woodstock Gardens

The beautiful Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum are located overlooking the River NoreValley and the picturesque village of Inistioge.  Stroll through the gardens or take a walk through the tranquil woodland then relax and enjoy tea at the Tea Rooms in the wonderfully restored Turner Conservatory.

Dunmore Cave

A short journey outside Kilkenny city, you can descend into legend at the fascinating site of the Dunmore Cave.  History tells of a grisly Viking massacre here in the 10th century, but the cave is also famed for the archaeological treasures it has yielded in the past.  And that’s not to mention its rumoured connection to an elaborate system of underground passageways.

If you have more time…

Walk, canoe or cycle from Graiguenamanagh to the ecclesiastical village of St Mullins along the River Barrow.  It’s an easy trail of about 7km past weirs and loughs with wonderful views.

 

 

Location Kilkenny

Distance from ports. 

  • Dublin 88 miles / 141 km
  • Rosslare 58 miles / 93 km