Chapter III
Discover Kilkenny
Once the medieval capital of Ireland, Kilkenny wears its rich heritage in narrow streets, ancient buildings and landmarks. Best of all, it is compact enough to explore entirely on foot, just allow yourself enough time to experience it all.
Heritage
Within an easy walk of Butler Court
- 13th c.
St Canice's Cathedral
A showcase of ornate stonemasonry. Saint Canice, who gives Kilkenny its name, founded a monastic settlement here in the 6th century; the 9th-century round tower survives, and you can climb it.
- 12th c.
Kilkenny Castle
Strongbow built a fort here; his son-in-law William Marshal raised a stone castle and fortified the city walls. Don't miss the Rose Garden.
- 1225
The Black Abbey
One of the first Dominican houses in Ireland, named for the friars’ black habits. Look for the sepulchral slabs, carvings and the great rosary window.
- 1594
Rothe House & Garden
Home of merchant and Mayor John Rothe Fitz Piers: the only remaining example of its type in Ireland and the last burgage plot and garden within the city walls.
- c.1792
The Old Courthouse (Grace's Castle)
Built over a 16th-century castle and an 18th-century gaol, converted to a courthouse around 1792 and remodelled in 1828.
- St Mary’s
Medieval Mile Museum
Housed in old St Mary's church (the spire seen in old Patrick Street postcards). Great for rainy days.
Also worth a visit: The Tholsel (1761) · Shee Alms House (1582) · Medieval ‘slips’ between High Street and Kieran Street · Butler Gallery, behind the riverside library · Smithwick’s Experience brewery tour · Castle Yard, home of the 1960s Kilkenny Design workshops
On foot
Kilkenny walks
The city's compact scale makes for several medieval walks, while the county offers everything from leisurely riverside strolls to hilltop climbs. Our own visitor leaflet and map are waiting for you at Butler Court.
Our favourite loop
Irishtown to the Castle by the river
- 1Start in Irishtown and walk from the Black Abbey to St Canice’s Cathedral.
- 2Turn right across the new St Francis road bridge and take the steps down to the riverside.
- 3Pass the Butler Gallery and Carnegie Library on your left, following the river towards the Castle.
- 4Cross the footbridge to Kieran Street, or continue to John’s Bridge and up Rose Inn Street.
- 5Turn left for the Castle, then on to Patrick Street and home to Butler Court.
Thursday tip: the farmers' market is held near the Castle.
Living culture
Festivals, music & crafts
Today the city prides itself on a lively scene of live music and theatre in its pubs and venues, and Irishtown is home to some of the best traditional pubs.
The festival year
| Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots | Music | May |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Laughs | Comedy | June |
| Kilkenny Arts Festival | Classical, art, literature, jazz & folk | August |
| International Gospel Choir Festival | Choirs | Aug / Sept |
| Savour | Food | October |
| Kilkenomics | Economics & comedy | November |
A world-class craft centre
Kilkenny's craft tradition began with the Design workshops of the late 1960s, a story you can explore at the Castle Yard opposite the Castle. Follow the Kilkenny Craft Trail to Jerpoint Glass (glassblowing demonstrations on weekdays), Nicholas Mosse's world-famous tableware, Moth to a Flame's handmade candles – perfect Irish gifts – and local goldsmiths such as Chris Hertzel.
Kilkenny is also home to the Oscar-nominated animation studio Cartoon Saloon, whose artists find inspiration in these very streets.
Further afield
Day trips in County Kilkenny
Historic sites, craft centres, walking trails, golf courses, horse riding and cookery schools all lie within a short drive.
- Jerpoint Abbey
- 12th-century Cistercian ruin near Thomastown, famed for its carved "weepers". Visitor centre and seasonal tours. R700 to Thomastown, then R448 south for 2 km.
- Kells Priory
- Extensive monastic site founded in 1193, with defensive walls added in the turbulent 15th century.
- Kilfane Church
- Small medieval church with a remarkable crusader effigy.
- Edmund Rice House, Callan
- A beautifully restored traditional thatched farmhouse.
- Dunmore Caves
- Limestone caves just 10 km from the city.
- Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh
- Restored 13th-century Cistercian monastery in a riverside town, with Cushendale Woollen Mills nearby. 30 minutes on the R700.
- Bennettsbridge
- Nicholas Mosse pottery and Moth to a Flame candles, both beside the river, 7 km away.
- Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary
- The iconic hilltop complex, 45 minutes by car.