Things to Do in Kilkenny: The Marble City's Best-Kept Secrets

Kilkenny stands apart from other Leinster towns with its remarkably intact medieval streetscape. While Dublin and Wexford have their historic quarters, Kilkenny preserved its medieval core, earning it the nickname "the Marble City" from the distinctive black limestone quarried nearby that gives its buildings their unique character.

The city's brewing tradition dates back to the 13th century when Franciscan monks first brewed ale along the banks of the River Nore. This legacy continued unbroken for over 800 years, making Kilkenny one of the few Irish cities with a brewing heritage that survived the Reformation and industrialization.

Kilkenny Attractions: The Must-Sees

Kilkenny Castle

The imposing Norman fortress dominates the city skyline and perfectly introduces Kilkenny's rich history. Unlike Trim Castle in Meath, which remains largely a shell, Kilkenny Castle has been extensively restored to showcase how its noble residents lived.

Visitor Info: Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience, including the extensive gardens. The Long Gallery exhibition changes seasonally, so it's worth visiting at different times of year. Skip the guided tour if you're short on time and instead grab the excellent audio guide.

St. Canice's Cathedral & Round Tower

This 13th-century cathedral houses ancient grave slabs and monuments that tell the story of Kilkenny's powerful families. The real highlight is climbing the 9th-century round tower – one of only two in Ireland that visitors can scale.

Visitor Info: The tower climb isn't for the faint-hearted (or those with mobility issues), as you'll ascend via steep ladders. Allow 1-2 hours for both the cathedral and tower. Early morning visits avoid the tour groups.

Medieval Mile Museum

Housed in a converted 13th-century church, this museum displays Kilkenny's best medieval artifacts. The highlight is the collection of ornately carved Renaissance tombs of the Butler family.

Visitor Info: The museum offers excellent 45-minute guided tours, which are included in the ticket price. These run hourly and provide fascinating insights you'd miss on a self-guided visit.

Smithwick's Experience

The tour explores Ireland's oldest commercial brewery site, with tasting sessions of Smithwick's famous red ale.

Visitor Info: The new experience promises interactive elements focusing on the brewing process. Plan for a 1-hour visit, and don't rush off after – the tasting room often features experimental brews not available elsewhere.

Rothe House & Garden

Rothe House is a remarkably preserved 16th-century merchant's townhouse. It consists of three houses with internal courtyards and a reconstructed period garden growing plants known to exist in 17th-century Ireland.

Visitor Info: The house reveals how wealthy merchants lived during Kilkenny's commercial heyday. Allow 1 hour. The garden is particularly lovely in spring when heritage apple varieties blossom.

Kilkenny Attractions: Local Secrets

The Butter Slip

This narrow medieval alleyway connecting High Street to St. Kieran's Street was once where butter vendors set up shop. The cool, shaded passage naturally refrigerated their products. Look for the worn grooves in the limestone floor – evidence of centuries of foot traffic.

Most tourists walk through without understanding its significance, but locals know to look up for the original medieval timber beams still visible in sections.

Talbot's Tower & City Walls

While most visitors stick to the Medieval Mile, the remains of Kilkenny's city walls offer a peaceful alternative. Talbot's Tower was recently restored and provides access to a section of the wallwalk with views across the city that few tourists ever see.

The tower contains archaeological finds from excavations, including medieval pottery and arrowheads from the 1650 Cromwellian siege – items not displayed in any of the major museums.

Kilfane Glen and Waterfall

Just 15 minutes outside the city lies this restored Romantic-era garden featuring a man-made waterfall. Created in the 1790s and carefully restored, Kilfane represents a pristine example of the period's approach to "wild" landscaping.

Local folklore claims the glen is home to a fairy community, and many Kilkenny residents still leave small offerings by the waterfall. Look for coins pressed into tree bark and small trinkets by the water's edge – evidence of these continuing practices.

The Hole in the Wall

This tiny Tudor inn hidden down an alleyway off High Street is the oldest surviving townhouse in Ireland and now functions as an intimate bar. The building got its name when 18th-century owner John Comerford knocked a hole through the wall to serve drinks to thirsty locals.

If you visit on Wednesday evenings, you might catch an impromptu traditional music session where some of Kilkenny's best musicians gather – something not advertised but known to everyone local.

Event Calendar

Spring (March-May)

Kilkenny Tradfest (March): This traditional music festival brings together musicians from across Ireland. Unlike larger festivals, Tradfest features intimate sessions where you can sit elbow-to-elbow with master musicians.

(May Bank Holiday): While focusing on Americana and roots music, this festival transforms the city with over 40 free shows in pubs and unexpected venues – from barber shops to bookstores.

Summer (June-August)

Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (June Bank Holiday): Ireland's premier comedy festival attracts international names but maintains an intimate feel. The late-night club shows often feature surprise appearances from comedians testing new material.

Kilkenny Arts Festival (August): Unlike generic arts festivals, Kilkenny's version turns the entire medieval city into a venue, with performances in castle courtyards, gardens, and churches. The Classical Music in Historic Spaces program is particularly special.

Autumn (September-November)

Savour Kilkenny Food Festival (October Bank Holiday): This festival showcases local producers with a massive market along the Parade. The Craft Beer and Spirits Trail connects local pubs and lets you sample Kilkenny-produced beverages you won't find elsewhere.

Kilkenomics (November): The world's only economics and comedy festival combines serious economic discussion with stand-up comedy. Even if economics isn't your thing, the debates between economists and comedians create unexpectedly entertaining evenings.

Winter (December-February)

Yulefest Kilkenny (December): Beyond the standard Christmas market, Yulefest includes a Medieval Christmas experience in the castle grounds with traditional crafts and food from the period.

Subtitle European Film Festival (January): This under-the-radar festival screens the best European films that haven't been widely distributed in Ireland, with many directors and actors attending for Q&A sessions.

Family Activities

Castlecomer Discovery Park

This 80-acre activity park 20 minutes from Kilkenny city offers zip lines, high ropes courses, and woodland trails. The Elf and Fairy Walk entertains younger children while teens tackle the climbing wall. Castlecomer Discovery Park is worth a visit.

All Ages Tip: The coal mining exhibition provides a fascinating look at the area's industrial heritage with an underground experience that appeals to both children and adults.

Kilkenny Castle Park

The extensive grounds behind the castle include a huge playground with equipment for various ages, expansive lawns for picnics and ball games, and a serene canal walk.

Insider Tip: Local parents know to bring duck food for the canal and to visit the rose garden's hidden sundial – a natural learning opportunity about time and seasons for curious kids.

National Reptile Zoo

Housing over 50 species of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, this small but well-designed zoo offers handling experiences throughout the day.

All-Weather Option: Completely indoors, this is where Kilkenny families head on rainy days. The "Nile Crocodile Talk" at 2pm daily is excellent, with feeding demonstrations that fascinate even teens.

Kilkenny Aqua Dome

Newly renovated in 2024, this large indoor water park features slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. The separate toddler area makes it suitable for all ages.

Local Knowledge: Visit after 4pm on weekdays for significantly reduced crowds. The monthly "Splash Disco" nights with underwater lighting and music are surprisingly good fun for older kids and teens.

Kilkenny Business Highlights

Restaurants and Pubs

Butcher Restaurant: This farm-to-table restaurant works directly with local producers. Their signature dish, a 32-day aged Kilkenny ribeye with smoked bone marrow butter, uses beef exclusively from a farm 8km outside the city.

Kyteler's Inn: Operating on the same spot since 1324, this pub serves a medieval-inspired stew based on a recipe from the original owner, Alice Kyteler – famously accused of witchcraft. The medieval banquet nights include food, drink, and stories not found in the usual tourist-oriented medieval experiences.

Arán Bakery & Bistro: This bakery uses heritage grain varieties grown and milled in Kilkenny. Their sourdough bread has developed such a following that locals queue before opening on weekends. Their signature coffee blend is roasted specifically for them by a County Kilkenny roastery.

Unique Shops

Kilkenny Design Centre: This isn't just a typical craft shop located opposite the castle. Beyond the main retail area, visit the craft workshops in the courtyard where you can watch artisans create pieces and sometimes participate in impromptu mini-workshops.

The Book Centre: Housed in a former bank building with stunning period features, this independent bookshop hosts the county's best collection of books by Kilkenny authors and about Kilkenny history. The converted mezzanine banking floor coffee shop offers the perfect reading nook.

Visit Kilkenny

What sets Kilkenny apart from other destinations in Leinster is its combination of well-preserved history and contemporary cultural life. While tourists flock to the prominent attractions, the city rewards those who venture beyond the medieval mile with authentic experiences, seasonal events, and encounters with locals proud of their heritage but equally focused on creating new traditions.

Whether you spend a weekend or a week, Kilkenny offers layers of discovery that go far deeper than its postcard-perfect castle views and medieval streets. The real Kilkenny reveals itself through its people, seasonal rhythms, and the stories embedded in its limestone walls.

Check out our guide about things to do in Leixlip.