Kilkenny is a city in County Kilkenny, Ireland. It is located in the South-East Region and in the province of Leinster. It is built on both banks of the River Nore. The 2022 census gave the population of Kilkenny as 27,184, the thirteenth-largest urban center in Ireland. Wikipedia
Population: 27,184 (2022)
Demonym: Cat
Eircode routing key: R95
Elevation: 60 m (200 ft)
Irish Grid Reference: S506563
Province: Leinster
Telephone area code: +353(0)56
May to September: Pleasant weather and lots of festivals.
August: Peak time for the Kilkenny Arts Festival, a major cultural event.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Quieter, festive during Christmas but colder and wetter.
From Dublin:
By train: ~1.5–2 hours from Heuston Station
By bus: Direct buses (JJ Kavanagh or Bus Éireann), ~2 hours
By car: ~90 minutes via M9 motorway
From Cork: ~2 hours by car or bus
From Shannon Airport: ~2.5 hours by car
Iconic 12th-century castle with lush gardens and a beautiful interior.
Don’t miss the Long Gallery and the rose garden.
A walkable route featuring cathedrals, towers, and townhouses.
Includes:
St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower (you can climb the tower)
Rothe House & Garden (a restored 17th-century merchant's house)
Brewery tour of Ireland’s oldest beer, with interactive exhibits and tastings.
Contemporary art museum housed in the old castle stables.
A 13th-century Dominican church with stunning stained glass.
Walking tours of the Medieval Mile or ghost tours at night.
Craft trail: Visit pottery studios, local artisan shops, and jewellers.
River Nore walks or kayaking for a scenic view of the city.
Catch a show at the Watergate Theatre or live music in a traditional pub.
Luxury:
Lyrath Estate Hotel & Spa – Set in a country estate, with spa and fine dining.
Kilkenny River Court Hotel – Great views of the castle, central.
Mid-range:
Pembroke Kilkenny – Modern boutique hotel in the city center.
Kilkenny Hibernian Hotel – Stylish, central, with excellent breakfast.
Budget:
Langton House Hotel – Affordable yet charming.
MacGabhainns Backpacker Hostel – Social and friendly.
Irish lamb dishes, steak and ale pie, and local cheeses.
Fresh baked goods from traditional Irish bakeries.
Local craft beers and Smithwick’s Red Ale.
Ristorante Rinuccini – Upscale Italian with Irish ingredients.
Campagne – Michelin-starred, French-inspired fine dining.
Zuni Restaurant – Chic contemporary Irish cuisine.
Kyteler’s Inn – Historic pub with hearty food and live music.
Kilkenny is a center of arts and heritage, hosting:
Kilkenny Arts Festival (August)
Cat Laughs Comedy Festival (June)
Savour Kilkenny Food Festival (October)
The town preserves a strong medieval character, but locals are easygoing and modern.
Crafts like ceramics, glasswork, and woodturning are part of the local economy.