County Kilkenny

Fusing medieval history with a cosmopolitan city life, Kilkenny buzzes with an unforgettable energy. From the walls of the marble city, to the network of towns and villages that are dotted around the verdant countryside, this ancient county at the centre of Ireland’s Ancient East packs maximum wow-factor into an easily navigable space.

Kilkenny city

Right in the thick of the action is Kilkenny city’s Norman castle, gifted to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 by the Butler family for only £50. The castle is surrounded by a network of maze-like alleyways and lanes, so it’s an exciting adventure to see where, and in which century, you’ll end up. You might find yourself in St Canice’s Cathedral looking at the remarkable 700-year-old Red Book of Ossory, travelling through time at the restored 17th century Rothe House, or knocking about a sliotar while practicing hurling at Nowlan Park.

Beyond the city

Step out of the city, and the necklace of towns and villages along the River Nore waits to transport you to a fairytale landscape. Through Bennetsbridge, Thomastown, Inistioge and more, discover a landscape that harks back to ancient times and tales.

The countryside is suited to driving, cycling, or walking; take a tasty day trip with Kilkenny Culinary Tours or explore the county's cycling and walking trails – the Barrow Way from Goresbridge to St Mullins is a highlight. You can also take to the water with Go with the Flow for paddling trails on Kilkenny's waterways to suit all abilities.

Kilkenny always has something new to explore, another hidden gem that you just might have missed the first time around. Stumble across hidden galleries in the city, unearth Viking gold at Dunmore Cave or get up close and personal with the birds of prey at the Hawkeye School of Falconry based in gorgeous Lyrath Estate. In short, don’t just plan one trip to Kilkenny – plan a few!