- Kilkenny Castle: The Parade, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, R95 YRK1. Built c. 1195 by William Marshal, this Norman castle replaced an earlier motte-and-bailey. Home to the Butler family (Earls of Ormond) for centuries, it was a seat of power until 1935. Its medieval foundations and Viking-era artefacts reflect Kilkenny’s urban origins. Managed by the OPW, it offers guided tours and a visitor centre, showcasing Norman and medieval history.
- Jerpoint Abbey: Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, R95 W9K3. A Cistercian abbey founded c. 1160 by Donal Mac Gilla Patraic, king of Ossory. Renowned for its 15th-century cloister with carved figures, it was a major religious centre until its dissolution in 1540. Managed by the OPW, it’s accessible with guided tours, reflecting Kilkenny’s monastic and sculptural heritage.
- Kells Priory: Kells, Co. Kilkenny, R95 VY04. An Augustinian priory founded c. 1193 by Geoffrey FitzRobert, featuring seven towers and a fortified enclosure, earning the nickname “Seven Castles.” One of Ireland’s largest monastic sites, it was attacked during the 14th century. Managed by the OPW, it’s freely accessible, showcasing Kilkenny’s medieval ecclesiastical and defensive architecture.
- Dunmore Cave: Ballyfoyle, Co. Kilkenny, R95 E094. A limestone cave with archaeological significance, used as a refuge in the 10th century when Viking raids led to a massacre in 928 AD, as recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters. Excavations uncovered human remains and Viking coins. Managed by the OPW, it offers guided tours, highlighting Kilkenny’s Viking-era history and geological features.
- St. Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower: Coach Road, Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, R95 V63H. Founded c. 6th century by St. Canice, the 13th-century Gothic cathedral sits on a pre-Christian site. The 9th-century round tower, climbable for views, is one of Ireland’s oldest. A diocesan centre, it reflects Kilkenny’s early Christian heritage. Managed by the Church of Ireland, it’s accessible with a fee for tower access.
- Clara Castle: Clara, near Kilkenny City, Co. Kilkenny, R95 X7N3. A 15th-century tower house, built c. 1460 by the Shortall family, remarkably intact with original features like a murder hole and spiral stairs. It represents Gaelic and Norman domestic life. Privately managed but open for guided tours by appointment, it offers a rare glimpse into Kilkenny’s medieval architecture.
- Tullaherin Monastic Site: Tullaherin, near Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny, R95 KX27. An early Christian monastery, c. 6th-10th century, with a round tower, high cross, and church ruins. Founded by St. Ciarán, it features ogham stones, indicating pre-Christian influences. A state-care monument, it’s accessible via public paths, reflecting Kilkenny’s early ecclesiastical history.
- Grannagh Castle: Near Waterford (Kilkenny side of River Suir), Co. Kilkenny, R95 YX52. A 13th-century Norman castle, built by the le Poer family, with a tower and bawn overlooking the Suir. It controlled river trade and was later held by the Butlers. A state-care monument, it’s accessible via public paths on private land, showcasing Kilkenny’s Norman riverine heritage.
- Foulksrath Castle: Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny, R95 A9V6. A 14th-century tower house, built c. 1349 by the de la Freyne family, later acquired by the Butlers. Its five storeys and battlements reflect medieval defence. Now a hostel, it’s privately managed with limited public access, offering insight into Kilkenny’s feudal past.
- Ullard Church and High Cross: Ullard, near Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, R95 C9V3. An early Christian site, c. 7th-9th century, with a 9th-century high cross depicting biblical scenes and a 12th-century Romanesque church. Linked to St. Fiachra, it was a monastic centre. A state-care monument, it’s accessible via public paths, highlighting Kilkenny’s ecclesiastical art and history.
Archaeological sites
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
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.
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