Before you go

Your trip to Kilkenny.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Kilkenny – Kilkenny Destination Kilkenny and the Rock of Cashel Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto de Dublin (Dublin Airport) (DUB) Dublin · 140 km
Estação de Kilkenny (Kilkenny MacDonagh Station) 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before buying. The Aeroporto de Dublin is about 140 km away. The train departs from Dublin Heuston and arrives at estação MacDonagh, a 10-minute walk from the centre, in about 1h30; there are also buses from Dublin and from Waterford. By car, Kilkenny is near the M9 motorway.

How many days

One day for the castle, the Medieval Mile and the cathedral. With one night you’ll have time for the city centre pubs and Rothe House at a relaxed pace. With two days, use the second day for the Rock of Cashel.

When to go

From May to September the days are long and the castle gardens are at their best. In August the Kilkenny Arts Festival usually takes place, and on the June holiday weekend the Cat Laughs comedy festival is held. In winter it gets dark around 16:30 and opening hours are reduced.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The centre is walkable and the train station is a 10-minute walk. A car is only useful for the Rock of Cashel, 55 km away, and for exploring the county interior. In Ireland you drive on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Kilkenny

Morning
Castelo de Kilkenny
Start at the castle when it opens and walk through the park down to the banks of the Nore.
Afternoon
Medieval Mile
Follow High Street and Parliament Street, passing the Medieval Mile Museum, Rothe House and the Smithwick's Experience.
Late afternoon
St Canice and the tower
Finish the Medieval Mile at the Catedral de St Canice and, if time allows, climb the round tower. Pass by the Black Abbey on the way.
Evening
City-centre pubs
Have dinner in the centre and look for a pub with live music on Parliament Street or John Street.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the Medieval Mile?

The roughly 1.6 km route through Kilkenny’s centre, from the castle to the Catedral de St Canice, taking in the city’s main medieval buildings. It is waymarked and done on foot.

Why is Kilkenny called the marble city?

Because of the dark limestone from the region, known as Kilkenny black marble, used for pavements, steps and building façades in the centre.

Does Kilkenny have festivals?

The Kilkenny Arts Festival usually takes place in August and the Cat Laughs comedy festival on the June holiday weekend. Hotels fill up on those dates.

Does Kilkenny have a nightlife?

Yes. Pubs on Parliament Street, High Street and John Street offer live music, especially at weekends.

Back to Kilkenny