Kilkenny Ireland - Touring Highlights

Kilkenny Ireland

Kilkenny Ireland, the jewel in the Emerald Isle’s crown, is an absolute haven for holidaymakers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a solo adventurer seeking an enlightening cultural tour, a family searching for a unique bonding experience, or a couple pining for a romantic getaway in Ireland, Kilkenny has something special that would tickle your fancy.

5 Reasons to Visit

  1. Spectacular Historic Sights: Lose yourselves in the narrative labyrinth of Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile. They provide a deeper understanding of Ireland’s rich history.
  2. Irish Gastronomy: Delight your taste buds with authentic Irish cuisine in the form of boxty, soda bread, and Irish stew at various eateries dotted around Kilkenny.
  3. Buzzing Festival Scene: Kilkenny is home to Ireland’s premier comedy festival, The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, and other exciting events throughout the year.
  4. Unmatched Craftsmanship: Visit local artisans and admire their skills in pottery, glass blowing and weaving in the heart of the ‘Craft Capital of Ireland’.
  5. Authentic Traditional Irish Pubs: Enjoy live music sessions in cosy, somewhat snug, but nonetheless welcoming traditional Irish pubs.

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At Touring Highlights, we provide cultural touring holidays to your dream destinations. You’ll stay in our hand-picked city-centre hotels and experience personalised, world-class excursions. All are delivered by expert local guides.


Book a call with one of our team below. Or simply view our tours and submit an online enquiry for more details.

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Did You Know?

Kilkenny is often referred to as the ‘Marble City’ because of its unique black marble! Interesting, innit?

When to Go on Your Kilkenny Ireland Holiday

While Kilkenny Ireland is splendid all year round, the best time to visit is between April and June when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush, making the Emerald Isle look even more vibrant. Plus, you’ll get to avoid the summer crowd!

Experiences

Quench your thirst for adventure with bike tours along River Nore or savour calmness of fishing and bird watching. Get a taste of culinary delights at Savour Kilkenny Festival or explore your creative side at the Kilkenny Arts Festival.

Typical Costs

The costs vary depending on your tastes and itinerary. That pint of Guinness will run you around €5, and a hearty main course in a mid-range eatery can cost between €15 to €25. Attractions, well they can range from being free (St. Canice’s Cathedral) to around €8 (Kilkenny Castle).

Travelling Around in Kilkenny Ireland

Walking is highly recommended in the city centre, while a car will provide the most flexibility for venturing farther. Bicycling and public transport are also viable options.

Getting to Kilkenny Ireland

Several flights operate to Dublin Airport from the UK, USA, and other European countries. From Dublin, Kilkenny is just a two-hour drive or a two-and-a-half-hour train ride. Bus routes are also readily available.

Access to the country

EU and EEA citizens do not require a tourist visa to enter Ireland. Some countries, like the US, may enter visa-free while others may need to apply through the online Irish Visa Application Service.

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Cities:

Hotels

Pembroke Hotel is a popular option with a 4.4 star-rating and a great city centre location. Langton House Hotel, offering a different style with its lively nightlife, ranks highly with reviewers at 4.3-stars. For a unique experience, there’s the 3-star Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel with its vintage decor and central location.

Things To Do

There are a huge number of things to do in Kilkenny Ireland, so many that we have made an article for things to do in Kilkenny Ireland

Top 5 Insider Tips for Your Kilkenny Ireland Break

  1. Local Haunts: Venture off the tourist trail and discover the locals’ favourite pubs and restaurants.
  2. Enjoy the ‘craic’: Embrace the Irish love of a good time – musicians can often be found performing impromptu sessions in pubs. Don’t be afraid to join in!
  3. Free Walking Tour: Taking a free walking tour at the start of your trip can provide a good overview of the city and its history.
  4. Off-season Bargains: Consider travelling in the shoulder season where there are fewer crowds and better deals on accommodation and flights.
  5. Local Crafts: Forgo typical souvenirs and buy local handcrafted items as a memento of your Kilkenny visit.

In a nutshell, Kilkenny Ireland offers a blend of medieval architecture, history, culture and outdoor adventures that’s hard to match. So, pack your bags, prepare your spirit for the Irish ‘craic’, and sally forth into this enchanting city. For more insider tips and tour packages, do check out our Ireland Tour page.

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Note: this content was generated by AI. Please contact us if any issues.

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