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County guide

Kilkenny

A medieval city surrounded by riverside villages, craft studios and historic estates.

ExploreKilkenny City
Best timeApril to October
Time needed2–4 days
Perfect forCulture, scenery, outdoor adventures and short breaks

Plan your visit

Why visit Kilkenny?

A medieval city surrounded by riverside villages, craft studios and historic estates.

Don’t miss

Top 20 landmarks and attractions

A curated starting point for planning your time in the county.

  1. 01Kilkenny Castle
  2. 02Medieval Mile
  3. 03St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower
  4. 04Smithwick’s Experience
  5. 05Rothe House
  6. 06Black Abbey
  7. 07Butler Gallery
  8. 08Kells Priory
  9. 09Jerpoint Abbey
  10. 10Dunmore Cave
  11. 11Woodstock Gardens
  12. 12Castlecomer Discovery Park
  13. 13Nore Valley Walk
  14. 14Inistioge
  15. 15Graiguenamanagh
  16. 16Brandon Hill
  17. 17Nicholas Mosse Pottery
  18. 18St Mary’s Medieval Mile Museum
  19. 19Kilfane Glen
  20. 20Mount Juliet Estate

Suggested route

A simple three-day itinerary

1

Day 1 — Begin with Kilkenny Castle, then continue to Medieval Mile and spend the evening exploring the nearest town.

2

Day 2 — Visit St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower before an afternoon at Smithwick’s Experience.

3

Day 3 — Combine Rothe House with Black Abbey, allowing extra time for local food, viewpoints and unplanned stops.

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