County Kilkenny, in Ireland’s southeast, offers a delightful mix of medieval history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions for travellers seeking a rewarding experience. With its historic castles, scenic rivers, and welcoming towns, this county provides a rich array of discoveries. From the ancient streets of Kilkenny city to serene woodlands and craft studios, Kilkenny invites visitors to explore its diverse offerings at their own pace.
Kilkenny Castle, a 12th-century fortress overlooking the River Nore, is a centrepiece of the county’s heritage. Visitors can tour its restored rooms, featuring elegant furnishings and tapestries, and wander the 21-hectare parkland with formal gardens and a rose walk. The castle’s basement gallery showcases local art, while guided tours bring its Norman origins to life, appealing to history enthusiasts.
The Medieval Mile, a trail through Kilkenny city, connects historic sites along its cobbled streets. Visitors can explore St Canice’s Cathedral, with its 9th-century round tower offering city views, and the Black Abbey, a 13th-century Dominican priory with intricate stained glass. The trail’s museums, like the Medieval Mile Museum, offer engaging displays on the city’s past, making it a leisurely way to uncover history.
Jerpoint Abbey, near Thomastown, is a 12th-century Cistercian ruin known for its carved cloister. Visitors can wander the abbey’s stone arches, admire medieval tomb effigies, and explore the visitor centre’s exhibits on monastic life. The surrounding meadows and riverside setting create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a quiet historical retreat.
Dunmore Cave, near Kilkenny city, offers a fascinating underground adventure. Guided tours lead through limestone chambers with stalactites and calcite formations, sharing tales of its Viking history. Visitors can descend 700 steps to explore the cave’s cool interior, with informative guides making it accessible for families and geology enthusiasts.
The Nore Valley Walking Trail follows the River Nore through lush countryside, offering scenic routes from Kilkenny city to Bennettsbridge. Visitors can walk or cycle the trail, passing woodlands, weirs, and historic mills, with opportunities to spot otters and kingfishers. The trail’s tranquil setting and village stops make it ideal for a relaxed outdoor day.
Woodstock Gardens, near Inistioge, is a 19th-century estate with 20 hectares of formal gardens and arboretum. Visitors can stroll through terraced flowerbeds, a walled garden, and a monkey puzzle avenue, enjoying views of the Nore Valley. The estate’s tearoom and picnic areas provide a restful spot, appealing to garden lovers and families.
Thomastown, a historic market town, offers a blend of heritage and craft. Visitors can explore Grennan Mill, a restored 13th-century mill, or visit the Jerpoint Glass Studio to watch artisans create handblown glassware. The town’s riverside walks and cosy cafés create a welcoming base for discovering the county’s creative side.
Kells Priory, near Stoneyford, is a sprawling 12th-century Augustinian ruin with seven towers, often called a “castle with a cross.
” Visitors can wander its fortified walls and cloisters, exploring its medieval layout with informative signs. The nearby King’s River adds a serene backdrop, making it a peaceful stop for history and photography enthusiasts.
The Craft Council of Ireland, based in Kilkenny city, showcases the county’s thriving artisan scene. Visitors can tour the National Design and Craft Gallery, viewing contemporary works in ceramics, textiles, and jewellery. Workshops and demonstrations allow hands-on experiences, while the craft shop offers unique souvenirs, appealing to those interested in Irish design.
Jenkinstown Park, a 1,600-acre woodland near Kilkenny city, offers tranquil trails through ancient oaks and conifers. Visitors can explore paths leading to a historic walled garden, spot deer and red squirrels, or enjoy a picnic by the stream. The park’s quiet beauty and accessible routes make it a relaxing retreat for nature lovers.
County Kilkenny’s blend of medieval landmarks, scenic trails, and creative hubs creates a rewarding destination. Whether touring historic castles, strolling riverside paths, or admiring local crafts, travellers will find plenty to enjoy in this inviting corner of Ireland.
County Kilkenny:
Ireland’s county Kilkenny is a county of medieval charm, with Kilkenny City’s castle and St Canice’s Cathedral showcasing well-preserved architecture and round towers. The Dunmore Cave offers intriguing limestone formations, while the Nore Valley’s walking trails provide scenic beauty. Other attractions include the historic Jerpoint Abbey’s intricate carvings. Kilkenny is Ireland’s 16th largest county by size (2,062 square km) and 21st largest by population (104,160). Population peaked at 202,420 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 60,463 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Kilkenny is Ireland’s eleventh most visited tourist county with around 207,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Things to do
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