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

Kilkenny stands unique among Irish cities with its preserved medieval street layout dating back to the 12th century. Unlike other Leinster towns that were significantly rebuilt during Victorian times, Kilkenny's narrow slipways and winding alleys remain largely unchanged since medieval merchants traveled these routes.

While many know Kilkenny for its famous castle, few realize it was once Ireland's medieval capital and home to the Statutes of Kilkenny in 1366 - laws that tried to prevent Norman settlers from adopting Irish customs. These failed statutes ironically highlight how Kilkenny has always been a place where different cultures blend together. Up the Cats!

Must-See Kilkenny Attractions

Kilkenny Castle

The city's crown jewel sits majestically above the River Nore. Built in 1195, this Norman fortress has been extensively restored and has authentically furnished rooms. One of the best things to do in Kilkenny is to walk the surrounding 50-acre parkland, which offers peaceful walks away from the city bustle.

Visitor info: Allow 2 hours to tour Kilkenny Castle. Come before 10am to beat tour buses, particularly during summer months. Unlike Trim Castle in Meath, Kilkenny Castle's interior is fully accessible with beautifully preserved period rooms rather than just the stone structure.

St. Canice's Cathedral and Round Tower

One of only two medieval towers in Ireland that visitors can climb. The 9th-century round tower offers the best panoramic views of Kilkenny's skyline.

Visitor info: The tower climb involves steep ladders and isn't suitable for everyone. Visit early afternoon for best lighting conditions for photography. Schedule 1 hour for the cathedral and an additional 30 minutes if climbing the tower.

Medieval Mile Museum

Housed in a 13th-century church, this museum chronicles Kilkenny's rich heritage through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, including the unique Kilkenny Civic Sword and Mace.

Visitor info: Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Medieval Mile, making it an ideal starting point for your Kilkenny exploration. The guided tour (offered hourly) is worth the extra few euros as guides reveal hidden details you'd otherwise miss.

Smithwick's Experience

Discover Ireland's oldest beer brand in its original 18th-century brewery site. While the brewing has moved elsewhere, the interactive tour explores 300+ years of brewing history.

Visitor info: Tours last approximately one hour. Book the 4 p.m. slot when crowds thin out. Unlike the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, this experience focuses more on brewing heritage and less on modern marketing.

Rothe House & Garden

This remarkably preserved 16th-century merchant's townhouse complex comprises three houses, three courtyards, and a recently reconstructed garden based on archaeological evidence.

Visitor info: Often overlooked by tourists rushing between the castle and St. Canice's. Allow 45-60 minutes to explore fully. The garden is particularly pleasant in late spring when heritage apple varieties bloom.

Hidden Kilkenny Gems

The Talbot Tower & City Walls

Few visitors realize that Kilkenny has substantial remains of its medieval defensive walls. The recently restored Talbot Tower offers insights into the city's military history and defensive strategies.

Local folklore claims that a network of tunnels connects this tower to Kilkenny Castle, used by residents to escape during sieges. While archaeologists haven't verified this tale, recent excavations have uncovered previously unknown underground passages in the area.

Dunmore Cave

Located just outside the city, this limestone cave system contains some of Ireland's finest calcite formations. More significantly, it was the site of a Viking massacre in 928 AD, with archaeological evidence including human remains and silver coins still being discovered.

What you won't read in guidebooks: locals know that during winter solstice, sunlight penetrates to specific chambers in a phenomenon similar to Newgrange but without the crowds.

Kyteler's Inn

More than just another Irish pub, this establishment was home to Alice Kyteler, Ireland's first recorded witch trial subject in 1324. While tourists enjoy the medieval atmosphere, few know about the concealed ritual room discovered during renovations in the 1980s, supposedly where Alice practiced her "dark arts."

The pub's stone floor near the fireplace has worn smooth from centuries of foot traffic, and staff will point out original 14th-century architectural elements if asked.

Event Calendar

Spring

Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival (May) This intimate music festival transforms the city's pubs and venues into showcases for folk, blues, and Americana music. Unlike larger festivals, the performances here often include impromptu sessions where internationally renowned musicians play alongside local talent.

Kilkenny Literary Festival (March): This weekend festival draws Irish writers and poets and includes readings in unusual venues like castle towers and medieval alleyways.

Summer

Kilkenny Arts Festival (August) For ten days, the city transforms into Ireland's cultural capital with classical music, theater, dance, visual arts, and literary events in historic venues throughout Kilkenny.

Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (June Bank Holiday) Ireland's premier comedy festival attracts international comedians and showcases emerging Irish talent. Shows take place in intimate venues where you might find yourself sitting next to the performers during other shows.

Autumn

Savour Kilkenny Food Festival (October) Celebrating local producers and culinary innovation, this festival showcases Kilkenny's growing reputation as a food destination. The riverside food market features over 100 producers and is considerably more authentic than similar events in Dublin.

Kilkenomics (November) The world's first economics and comedy festival combines serious economic discussion with comedy in a uniquely accessible format you won't find anywhere else in Europe.

Winter

Yulefest Kilkenny (December) Medieval Kilkenny provides the perfect backdrop for Christmas festivities, with markets in the castle parklands and light installations illuminating ancient buildings.

Subtitle European Film Festival (November) Europe's largest festival of popular subtitled films brings award-winning European movies that rarely get wide distribution in Ireland.

Family Activities

Castlecomer Discovery Park

This 80-acre activity park offers woodland walks, a junior woodland adventure course, Ireland's longest zipline, and coal mining exhibitions reflecting the area's industrial heritage.

Age ranges: Activities for toddlers through teens. The Elf and Fairy village delights younger children, while the challenging high ropes course appeals to teenagers.

National Reptile Zoo

Ireland's only reptile zoo houses over 50 species, including pythons, monitors, and alligators. Regular handling sessions let kids interact safely with suitable reptiles.

Age ranges: Particularly good for 5-12 year olds, though the conservation message appeals to teens too.

Kilkenny Cycling Tours

These family-friendly guided tours use comfortable bikes with options for child seats, trailers, and smaller bikes. Routes avoid busy roads while covering the city's major historic sites.

Age ranges: Adaptable for families with children as young as 2 (in seats/trailers) through teens.

Kilkenny Activity Centre

If you’re looking for indoor activies in Kilkenny, this indoor centree offers all-weather options including bowling, combat archery, and Ireland's largest inflatable obstacle course.

Age ranges: Best for energetic kids 8+ who need to burn off energy regardless of rain.

Local Kilkenny Business Highlights

Mocha's Vintage Tea Room & Bakery

This family-run café specializes in traditional Irish baking with a modern twist. Their Baileys cheesecake brownies have developed a cult following, while their savory cheese scones use local Knockdrinna farmhouse cheese that you won't find in other bakeries.

Brewery Corner

The spiritual successor to Kilkenny's brewing tradition, this craft beer bar showcases local O'Hara's brewery alongside international craft options. Their beer flight paired with local charcuterie gives you a taste of Kilkenny's food renaissance in one sitting.

Kilkenny Design Centre

Located in what was once the castle's stables, Kilkenny Design Centre showcases contemporary Irish craft and design. Unlike typical tourist shops, the center houses working studios where you can often see artists creating pieces and discuss their work directly.

The Little Green Grocer

This small but mighty shop specializes in locally grown and produced food, including vegetables from small farms within 15km of the city. Their Saturday morning sourdough bread often sells out within an hour of opening – locals queue from 8:30am to secure a loaf.

Visit County Kilkenny

Kilkenny rewards visitors who venture beyond the obvious landmarks. While its medieval heritage draws you in, it's the living culture, evolving food scene, and genuine local character that will have you planning a return visit.

Check out our guide about things to do in County Kildare.