Things to do in County Kilkenny

Embark on a guided day trip through the lush pastures of Ireland from Dublin. Admire the views of the sprawling Wicklow Mountains and visit picturesque monastery of Glendalough. Then, explore the charming the medieval lanes of the city of Kilkenny. Depart from Dublin and set off on a luxury bus to Glendalough. As you journey out of the city, your guide will fill you in on many interesting facts and fun stories about Dublin. Arrive at Glendalough, considered one of the most beautiful corners of Ireland. Enjoy an optional guided tour of the monastic settlement and some free time to explore the area or relax at a local café. The more adventurous can opt to take a hike to the Upper Lake and return via a boardwalk (approx. 2.5 km). Explore a route that takes you past the Lower Lake through a stunning nature trail that leads deep into the valley and on to the Upper Lake. Continue through the Wicklow Mountains. As you drive, your guide will tell you about its geology and history. Pass through famous movie locations featured in P.S. I Love You and Braveheart. Stop for a 10-minute photo opportunity at the Wicklow Gap before a scenic ride to Kilkenny. Once you reach Kilkenny, have free time to navigate the narrow lanes and historic buildings. Admire its extraordinary castle where you can picnic, or enjoy lunch in the local pubs. Then, join an optional guided tour of the city before making your way back to Dublin.

Step into the heart of Ireland’s rich past and rural beauty on this full-day tour from Dublin. Begin your journey with a visit to Glendalough, a serene monastic settlement nestled in a glacial valley. Walk among the ancient ruins of St. Kevin's monastery and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding lakes and forested hills. Next, travel through the rolling landscapes of the Wicklow Mountains, a region famed for its natural drama and cinematic connections—including scenes from Braveheart and P.S. I Love You. Stop at a working Irish sheep farm, where you’ll experience a live sheepdog demonstration. Watch in awe as expertly trained dogs respond to commands and herd sheep across open fields—an authentic slice of rural Irish life. If you lucky there could be some lambs to feed or even a few collie pups to play with! The journey continues to Kilkenny, one of Ireland’s most charming medieval cities. Here, you’ll have free time to explore. Wander through cobblestone streets, browse boutique shops, enjoy a local lunch, or wander through the gardens of Kilkenny Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Your guide will provide insight and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit. This tour is perfect for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the traditions and landscapes that define Ireland.

Enjoy a combined full-day sightseeing tour of some of Ireland’s most beautiful landscapes, including the 12th-century castle of Kilkenny (not included but you have time to visit if you wish to do so), the rugged Wicklow Mountains, and the 7th-century monastery of Glendalough. During the winter months (Nov- Feb) and on Sundays, we will go to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains first, and will visit Kilkenny City in the afternoon. generally, the first stop is Kilkenny, majestically located on the banks of the River Nore (walking tour included but optional). Known as the craft capital of Ireland, you can visit the Kilkenny Art and Design Centre to get a better appreciation of the craft traditions of goldsmiths, sculptors, painters and more. Stroll around the cobblestone streets, and visit Saint Frances Brewery, Ireland’s oldest. Admire the magnificent silk merchant’s mansion of Rothe House, containing priceless Viking artifacts. And walk in the medieval gardens to see historic varietals of fruit and veg, such as Gortahok cabbage and Blood of Boyne apples. Enjoy lunch in one of the city’s artisan cafés. Walking tour included. En route to Glendalough, drive into the wild Wicklow Mountains of County Carlow. Watch as the landscape changes from lush green pastures and gentle valleys, to the glacial valleys of Wicklow Gap, giving it a cinematic quality that made it a popular location to shoot movies such as “Braveheart” and “PS I Love You.” Continue over the mountains to explore the monastic site of Glendalough (meaning glen of two lakes), where Christianity was re-introduced to Ireland after the Dark Ages. Learn about Saint Kevin, founder of the 7th-century monastery. Follow your guide on a walking tour to see intact architecture, such as St. Kevin’s Kitchen, Church and Round Tower (walking tour included but optional). On the final part of your journey head through the highest village in Ireland, known as Roundwood. Marvel at the Sugarloaf Mountains, which were higher than the Alps before the Ice Age. Your guide will regale you with stories about Ireland, and be treated to some traditional Irish music on the drive back to Dublin.

Boats depart from Canal Square and head upstream on the river Nore. Along the route, passengers will view the medieval architecture of Kilkenny, hear of the local history and take in sites such as the WW1 Memorial, St Canice’s Catheral and Kilkenny’s Round Tower. Turning at Greens Bridge, boats then travels back down stream, under Lady Desert bridge and St Johns Bridge, pass the boarding point, and beneath the shadow of the ever imposing, Kilkenny Castle. Continuing south, boats travels along the crest of Castle Weir through lush greenery to the ruins of Ormonde Woollen Mill. Here, boats turn once more and return passengers to the boarding pontoon at Canal Square. This Guided Boat Tours takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes. For private trips or for groups larger than 12 people, see www.boattrips.ie Upon boarding, all passengers will need to sign our Terms & Conditions of participation which is available on our website at https://boattrips.ie/terms-and-conditions/

Begin your journey with the Franciscan monks who first started brewing on this site in the 13th-century and whose resourcefulness began the tradition of brewing at St. Francis Abbey. Continue on to learn the history of the Smithwick family, told as only they know how. Learn about how John Smithwick established his brewery in 1710 and over 300 years the family made a name for themselves in Kilkenny and further afield as brewers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and benefactors. On the brewing floor, experience a reproduction of the brewing process right down to the smell of the hops and the taste of the sweet wort. Learn about the 4 ingredients that go into every pint of Smithwick's, including the secret ingredient which is kept under lock and key. The final stage of the tour is, for many, the best - sample a pint of your favorite Smithwick's ale in the tasting bar or upgrade to a Tasting Paddle where you can sample 3 different ales on offer. Learn what makes Smithwick's one of Ireland's favorite ales that is famous all over the world. Sit back, relax and enjoy, this fun and informative tour.

Travel back in time as you explore Kilkenny city’s history-rich Medieval Mile on a fascinating and exciting walking tour that has been devised by one of Ireland’s leading magicians and raconteurs. With your passionate guide, Nevin Cody, embark on a journey to discover the wonders that are hidden in one of Ireland’s most historic locations. The tour begins at the main gates of Kilkenny Castle where you’ll weave your way through the picturesque streets of the Medieval Mile whilst listening to unique anecdotes and stories about the land. Listen to your guide blend history, magic, whimsical fun, and a dollop of irreverent humor that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Against the backdrop of Ireland’s famous Medieval Mile, watch as the veil of history is lifted and the hidden secrets that lie within the city are discovered. The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes and covers just over one mile of walking. The group maintains a moderate pace of walking and there are plenty of stops along the way. The tour runs rain or shine so please come prepared for all weather forecasts.

The Irish Experience (theirishexperience.com) offers you this fantastic and unique Sea Kayaking Experience along Ireland's visually stunning southern coastline. Soak up and take in the best Atlantic Ocean location in Ireland with this truly unique way of exploring this magical coastline. The stunning and natural area of The Hook Peninsula is just 90 minutes from Dublin and steeped in jaw-dropping historical stories, rich with heritage and has diverse wildlife, which this tour will bring to life through your expert local guide! We take you to explore golden sandy beaches, beautiful craggy coves, cliff cracks and crevasses, which comprise an impressive variety of Sea Caves. The Experience includes one of the most amazing natural Sea Caves you will ever have the pleasure of entering by kayak. If you are in Ireland and you love "off-the-beaten-track" adventure, this is not something you can miss! Drive Time from Popular Locations : Dublin - 90mins Cork - 90mins Kilkenny - 40mins Waterford - 30mins Wexford Town - 30mins New Ross Town - 30mins Taxi can be arranged on request

Explore Kilkenny's fascinating past on a walking tour with a certified guide. Walk through the city's historic streets, hearing stories about Kilkenny Castle, St. John's Priory, and more, as you stand in front of these impressive sights. Kick-start your historical adventure by the Kilkenny Crystal Shop. Then, cross the River Nore towards Kilkenny County Hall, where you will find out about the most famous scholar in Kilkenny's history. From there, head to St. John's Priory and the Butler Gallery. Continue on to Kilkenny County Library and the Great War Memorial. Cross into Irishtown and St. Canice's Cathedral, where the city's history began. See many other fascinating sights along the tour, including Kieran and Parliament streets, the Black Abbey, and more. Finish your tour in front of the stunning Kilkenny Castle, home to the Butler family for 600 years.

A walking tour through a terrible historical past. Last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. chilling stories of Kilkennys slips and laneways. The dark characters who once roamed our streets. The Kilkenny witch trials are but a few of our cities stories Walk with us through Kilkennys dark and creepy areas .Listen to the dark stories of Kilkenny. Let us share with you a terrible hidden darkside to this magnificent city. The grisly end for many and an area where hangings took and still take place .Brace yourself for the true facts behind all these stories. You never know you may even experience a tingling feeling whilst visiting one of Kilkennys most spots. This tour is easy to do. Some content not suitable for younger children. Hail,rain or snow. An evening of dark tales and historical facts. Starting at Kilkenny Castles main gates. No delays please. Try to be at gates five minutes before tour begins. Tour starts promptly with no acception to delays of guests.

St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower are an essential part of the structural heritage in the vibrant medieval city of Kilkenny. This ecclesiastical site was founded in the 6th century and named after St Canice. Cill Channigh is the Gaelic for the Church of Canice, the church that originally stood on the site in the 6th century. The Round Tower is the oldest standing structure in Kilkenny City. Visitors can enjoy climbing the Round Tower capturing great views of the city (weather permitting). St Canice’s Round Tower is one of only two Round Towers that people can climb in Ireland.