Things to do in Kilkenny

Not Just Any Hotel – Only the Best Things to do in Kilkenny, Selected for You!

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
2 adults, 1 room
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Good (786)

Black Abbey

10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Church
The Black Abbey Abbey Street
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Black Abbey in Kilkenny, Ireland, is a 14th-century Dominican priory known for its massive stained-glass east window and rich historical significance.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations welcome for informative leaflets and guided experiences.

Good (35)

Capuchin Friary Catholic Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
Saint Francis' Capuchin Friary Friary Street
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Capuchin Friary Catholic Church in Kilkenny, Ireland features unique chapel art and a rich history, offering insight into local Catholic heritage.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations for maintenance are appreciated.

Good (82)
The Stream Upr. John Street
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O'Loughlin Memorial Church of St John the Evangelist is a Catholic church in Kilkenny, Ireland, known for its rich history and unique architecture.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free admission. Donations are welcome during events.

Good (449)

St Marys Cathedral

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
Saint Mary's Cathedral James's Street
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St Mary's Cathedral in Kilkenny, Ireland, is a stately 19th-century Catholic church completed in 1857, offering stunning views and services to the public.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for maintenance.

Good (49)

Kilkenny Old Jail and Courthouse

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Public Building
12 Parliament Street
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Kilkenny Old Jail and Courthouse features historic architecture and significance as a former prison and courthouse, now a cultural landmark in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Good (3)

St Josephs Church

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
Waterford Road
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St Joseph's Church in Kilkenny, Ireland, features a striking design and a rich history dating back to its foundation in 1864. It serves as a key religious and cultural site.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcome for upkeep and maintenance.

Good (22)
Dublin Rd
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MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre in Kilkenny, Ireland, features a restored Union Workhouse and a poignant audio tour reflecting on the Famine experience.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Good (6)

St. John's Church of Ireland

9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
John St
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St. John's Church of Ireland, a Protestant church in Kilkenny, Ireland, is known for its rich history and architectural features that reflect its cultural significance.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations are welcome to support maintenance and community activities.

Good (233)

Kells Priory

Open all day
Monument
Kellsborough
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Kells Priory, situated beside King's River in Kilkenny, Ireland, is a significant medieval Augustinian monastery and among the largest historical ruins in the country.

Duration: 1 hour recommended.

Free. No entry fees required.

Good (5)

County Council Grounds

9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Public Building
Upper John St
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County Council Grounds in Kilkenny, Ireland, serves as the administrative hub for local governance, featuring well-maintained gardens and historical architecture.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may have associated costs.

Good (87)

Shankill Castle

10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Castle
Shankill Castle
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Shankill Castle, a castellated Queen Anne house in Kilkenny, Ireland, offers guided tours and events in its scenic parkland setting near Paulstown.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Admission fee of €10 for adults, €5 for children. Family discounts available.

Kilkenny Golf Club

8:00 AM–7:00 PM
Golf Course
Glendine
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Kilkenny Golf Club offers a challenging and well-maintained 18-hole course nestled in Ireland’s historical city, featuring scenic surroundings and excellent facilities.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours.

Green fees apply, with discounts for members and juniors available.

Good (852)

Medieval Mile Museum

We-Su 11:00-18:00
Museum
2 St Mary's Lane
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Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny, Ireland, located on a 13th-century church site, showcases local history, monastic heritage, and interactive exhibits.

Duration: Around 2 hours.

Paid. Discounts available for families and groups.

Good (454)

Dunmore Cave

10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Cave
Mohill (Castlecomer Rd)
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Dunmore Cave in Kilkenny, Ireland, features striking calcite formations and has historical significance as the site of a Viking massacre in 928 AD.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Paid. Guided tours are required for entry.

Good (13)

The Parade Tower Wing

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Event hall
1-10 The Parade
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The Parade Tower Wing in Kilkenny features unique architecture and a rich history, showcasing Irish culture and art through various exhibitions.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Market Cross Shopping Centre

Mo-We 09:00-18:00, Th-Fr 09:00-21:00, Sa 09:00-18:00, Su 12:00-18:00, PH 12:00-18:00
Mall
High St
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Market Cross Shopping Centre in Kilkenny, Ireland, features a variety of retail shops, eateries, and entertainment options in a modern architectural space.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some events may require a paid ticket.

Kilkenny Castle

Oct-Feb 09:30-16:30; Mar 09:30-17:00; Apr, May 09:30-17:30; Jun-Aug 09:00-17:30; Sep 09:30-17:30
Castle
Caisleán Chill Chainnigh
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Kilkenny Castle, built in 1195, stands as a historic landmark in Kilkenny, Ireland, showcasing Norman architecture and beautiful gardens.

Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. There may be charges for specific guided tours and events.

Good (6)

St Francis Abbey

Open all day
Church
31 Parliament Street
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St Francis Abbey, or Kilkenny Grey Friary, is a medieval Franciscan abbey and National Monument in Kilkenny City, Ireland, known for its historical significance and unique architecture.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Donations welcome for maintenance.

Foulkstown Church

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
Waterford Rd
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Foulkstown Church in Kilkenny, Ireland, is a historic site established in the 19th century, known for its unique architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free admission.

Saint Fiacre's Church

10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Church
Kilkenny
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Saint Fiacre's Church in Kilkenny, Ireland, is a historic Catholic church founded in 1759, known for its beautiful architecture and rich community heritage.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free.

Kilkenny Presbyterian Church

10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Church
Kilkenny
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Kilkenny Presbyterian Church, established in 1818, is notable for its Georgian architecture and vibrant community activities in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. Some events may require advance registration or donations.

Good (11)

Kilkenny Design Centre Ltd

10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Mall
Castle Yard
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Kilkenny Design Centre Ltd features top-end Irish crafts and artworks from local artisans, including wool blankets, scarves, and cutting boards.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special workshops may require a paid ticket.

Good (2187)

St Canices Cathedral and Round Tower

10:00 AM–1:00 PM, 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Church
Coach Rd The Close
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St Canices Cathedral and Round Tower in Kilkenny, Ireland, features a 6th-century history, impressive medieval architecture, and a climbable round tower for scenic city views.

Duration: About 1.5 hours.

Admission fee applies for access to the Cathedral and Round Tower.

Nore Valley Camping Park

9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Camping
Ireland
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Nore Valley Camping Park, located in Kilkenny, Ireland, offers family-friendly activities, petting farm animals, and camping on a 73-hectare site.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Entry included with camping: €10 per adult, €5 per child, €4 for additional kids.

Lyrath Oasis Spa

9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Spa Center
Co Kilkenny
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Lyrath Oasis Spa in Kilkenny, Ireland, offers luxurious treatments, modern amenities, and serene surroundings for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Duration: 2-3 hours to fully experience treatments and relaxation.

Paid. Treatment prices vary based on services selected.

Kilkenny Community Church

10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Church
17 Irishtown
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Kilkenny Community Church, a vibrant place of worship in Kilkenny, Ireland, offers community activities and events suitable for all ages.

Duration: 1 hour.

Free. Special events may require tickets.

Good (596)

Rothe House and Garden

10:00 AM–5:30 PM
Museum
Rothe House & Gardens Parliament Street
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Rothe House and Garden is a restored 17th-century merchant townhouse and museum in Kilkenny, Ireland, featuring a genealogy center and a medieval garden.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

€5 for adults, €3 for children, with family tickets available. Discounts may apply for groups.

Good (13)

Saint John's Priory

10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Church
Saint John's John Street Lower
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Saint John's Priory is an Augustinian abbey in Kilkenny, Ireland, recognized for its historical significance and unique architectural features.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free.

The Set Theater

12:00 PM–5:00 PM
Theater
71 Lwr John St
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The Set Theater in Kilkenny, Ireland, is a prominent venue for live performances, known for its intimate atmosphere and diverse programming since its foundation in 2006.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours for main performances.

Tickets vary by event. General admission ranges from €10 to €20.