What to do in Kilkenny

Activities, attractions and tours

Ireland showing farmland, tranquil scenes and a small town or village
Ireland showing farmland, tranquil scenes and a small town or village
Inistioge which includes a river or creek, landscape views and a bridge
Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village
Kilkenny City Centre which includes a bridge and a river or creek

Kilkenny Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Kilkenny has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Kilkenny, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Kilkenny with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Kilkenny

Kilkenny is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Kilkenny, and make it a breeze to explore Kilkenny and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Kilkenny to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Kilkenny, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Kilkenny.

Kilkenny attractions

Kilkenny has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Kilkenny to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Kilkenny.

Looking for things to do in Kilkenny can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Kilkenny or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Kilkenny attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Kilkenny

Number of things to do
36
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Kilkenny: St Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower Climb: £9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Kilkenny

Popular places to visit

Kilkenny Castle which includes flowers, a river or creek and a small town or village

Kilkenny Castle

4.5/5(22 reviews)

After visiting Kilkenny Castle, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Kilkenny Castle
Aerial drone view on Galway city. River Corrib and rowing club. Dark dramatic sunset sky. Nobody. Popular tourist and business city with rich history.

The Hub

4/5(10 reviews)

There are two distinct sides to Kilkenny that combine to make it one of the best cities to visit in the Republic of Ireland. Recently voted Top Tourism Town by Failte Ireland, the medieval capital of Ireland boasts a rich historical heritage immediately apparent in the very architecture of the Marble City, while it is also a thriving cosmopolitan centre for the arts, for music and design, and host of the popular Cat Laughs Festival every May.

The Hub
St. Canice\'s Cathedral which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. Canice's Cathedral

4/5(4 reviews)

St. Canice's Cathedral is just one of the places to see in Kilkenny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

St. Canice's Cathedral
Black Abbey which includes heritage architecture

Black Abbey

You can find out about the history of Kilkenny when you stop by Black Abbey. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Black Abbey
Rothe House featuring outdoor eating, street scenes and a city

Rothe House

You can browse the exhibits at Rothe House, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Kilkenny. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Rothe House
St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum featuring interior views

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum during your trip to Kilkenny. While in this walkable area, you can savour the lively bars.

St. Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum
St. John the Evangelist Church featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

St. John the Evangelist Church

St. John the Evangelist Church is just one of the places to see in Kilkenny, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

St. John the Evangelist Church

Butler House

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Kilkenny with a stop at Butler House. While in this walkable area, you can savour the lively bars.

Butler House

St. Lukes General Hospital

If St. Lukes General Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Kilkenny.

St. Lukes General Hospital

Explore areas of Kilkenny

Kilkenny City Centre which includes a river or creek, a bridge and a small town or village

Kilkenny City Centre

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Kilkenny City Centre is known for its lively bars, and you can plan a trip to Smithwick's Brewery Tour and Black Abbey while you're in town.

Kilkenny City Centre
Castillo de Kilkenny. Ciudad de Kilkenny. Condado de Kilkenny. Sureste de Irlanda.

Newpark

Though Newpark may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Nowlan Park and The National Reptile Zoo.

Newpark
Kilkenny Castle

Talbotsinch

Talbotsinch might not have many top sights, but Black Abbey and Smithwick's Brewery Tour are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Talbotsinch
Kilkenny Castle during the day in Ireland

Walkinslough

While there might not be top attractions in Walkinslough, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Butler House and Black Abbey.

Walkinslough
Main facade of Kilkenny Castle, a historic landmark in the town of Kilkenny, Ireland.

Lyrath

While there might not be top attractions in Lyrath, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Hub and The National Reptile Zoo.

Lyrath
Main facade of Kilkenny Castle, a historic landmark in the town of Kilkenny, Ireland.

Smithsland

Though Smithsland may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Butler House and Kilkenny Golf Club.

Smithsland

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is Kilkenny worth visiting?
Kilkenny offers a unique blend of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or traditional food, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Kilkenny?
After you've checked off major attractions like The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave, spend the rest of your day exploring Kilkenny's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny?
Don't leave without checking out Smithwick's Brewery Tour, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kilkenny.
Is three days enough to stay in Kilkenny?
Three days in Kilkenny is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. Smithwick's Brewery Tour, The National Reptile Zoo and Dunmore Cave are top-rated sights. Want to see more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots like Waterford.
Is Kilkenny a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Kilkenny is a good destination to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between Smithwick's Brewery Tour and The National Reptile Zoo. Then take a stroll through Kilkenny City Centre, located 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) from the centre, and Lyrath, which is roughly 3 kms (2 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Kilkenny with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Kilkenny with kids.

What to do in Kilkenny for adults?
Smithwick's Brewery Tour and St. Mary's Medieval Mile Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Kilkenny. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Kilkenny?
From relaxing in parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Kilkenny. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. St. John the Evangelist Church is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travelling adventures.

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