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In Kilkenny, often called the medieval capital of Ireland, the narrow streets tell the tales of Norman knights, Viking raiders, and rebellious witches.
Here, Norman warlords fortified their strongholds, carving their names into history at Kilkenny Castle. The Vikings left behind whispers of bloodshed and buried silver in the depths of Dunmore Cave. And St. Canice’s Cathedral houses the tombs of bishops, knights, and a notorious witch hunter who once ruled with fire and fear.
But Kilkenny today is so much more than just a relic. It’s a modern hub alive with food, culture, and adventure. Bakeries serve fresh sourdough, traditional pubs fill with music, and markets overflow with local flavours.
This is your guide to the most exhilarating things to do in Kilkenny today—so lace up your boots, bring your appetite, and step into the story.
Set within the 13th-century site of St. Mary’s Church and graveyard, the Medieval Mile Museum is where Kilkenny’s medieval legacy is brought to life. As you wander through this transformed space, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of Ireland’s finest medieval sculpture, including the country’s largest collection of Renaissance tombs. Glass floors reveal the massive foundations of a lost medieval tower, while an animated timeline in the St. Mary’s Room unveils centuries of untold stories.
Kilkenny’s civic treasures, illuminated manuscripts, and ancient records paint a vivid picture of life in a medieval city ruled by powerful merchant families. The Ossory High Cross exhibition introduces visitors to the High Kings of Ossory and the early monastic traditions that gave birth to Kilkenny itself. Intricately carved stone tombs tell the stories of knights, nobles, and wealthy traders who shaped the city’s destiny.
The museum’s Kilkenny Room, with its magnificent glass window overlooking the city, provides the perfect place to reflect on the history beneath your feet. As the starting point of the Medieval Mile trail, the Medieval Mile Museum offers not just a glimpse into the past, but a deeper appreciation of how Kilkenny became Ireland’s best-preserved medieval city.
Carved by glacial meltwaters over millions of years, Dunmore Cave is a rare geological wonder. Its limestone walls, sculpted by nature’s slow hand, are adorned with delicate stalactites and stalagmites—formations older than recorded history. As you descend the staircase, the temperature drops and the air thickens with the scent of stone and earth.
Beneath the surface lies a tale of Viking ambition and bloodshed. In AD 930, Dunmore witnessed a massacre—or so the legend claims. More than 1,000 people are said to have died here, trapped and suffocated by raiders. Yet, archaeology tells a different story. The remains of 50 individuals found in the cave show no signs of violent death, and no fire damage was ever discovered at the entrance. The cave’s chambers hold Viking hoards—silver, beads, and silk—suggesting a burial site, not just a battleground.
The silence inside is heavy and ancient. Light struggles against the darkness as your footsteps echo off cathedral-like chambers. Was this a grave, a hideout, or a shrine? Stand in its depths and decide for yourself—history breathes here, in the cold rock and whispering void.
Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 by William Marshall, the Earl of Pembroke, as a key defensive stronghold in Norman Ireland. Strategically positioned at the meeting of major trade routes and overlooking the River Nore, it played a crucial role in securing Norman control over the region. The castle’s original Motte and Bailey, built by Strongbow in 1172, was later replaced with a stone fortress, three of whose towers still stand today.
The castle became the seat of the powerful Butler family in 1391 and remained their home for centuries. Over time, it evolved from a military stronghold into an aristocratic residence, with extensive renovations reflecting Victorian grandeur. However, financial struggles led to its abandonment in 1935, before it was sold to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 for a symbolic £50, ensuring its preservation.
Today, visitors can explore the castle grounds free of charge, while guided tours of the opulent interiors offer insights into centuries of history. Kilkenny Castle remains one of Ireland’s finest Norman landmarks—a true time capsule of conquest, power, and resilience.
St Canice’s Cathedral, standing since 1285, is one of Ireland’s most significant medieval landmarks. The city of Kilkenny even takes its name from Cill Cainnigh, meaning ‘Church of Canice.’ The site has been a place of worship since the 6th century, with earlier ties to pre-Christian druidic traditions. Built under the patronage of William Marshal, the cathedral showcases stunning Gothic architecture, centuries-old tombs, and intricate craftsmanship.
The cathedral houses one of Ireland’s largest collections of medieval tombs, including knights in armour, noblewomen in elaborate headdresses, and even the infamous witch hunter, Bishop Ledrede. The 30-metre round tower, dating back 900 years, is one of only two in Ireland still climbable, rewarding visitors with breathtaking views of Kilkenny.
From the striking stained-glass windows by Harry Clarke to the ancient bishop’s throne, St Canice’s is a masterpiece of faith and history. Whether exploring its monuments or ascending the tower, visitors step into a story spanning over 1,500 years, written in stone.
Rothe House & Garden is a rare 17th-century merchant’s townhouse, standing as Kilkenny’s only surviving example of its kind. Built in stages between 1594 and 1610 by wealthy merchant John Rothe Fitz-Piers, this architectural gem is a journey through history. Behind its weathered stone façade lie three houses, courtyards, and an urban garden, each whispering stories of commerce, family life, and resilience.
By the 19th century, Rothe House had fallen into disrepair, its courtyards filled with workshops, foundries, and even a cockfighting ring. Painstakingly restored, it now stands as a museum where visitors can admire original fireplaces, Jacobean windows, and an impressive collection of medieval artefacts, including Kilkenny’s famed Confederation flag.
Beyond the stone walls, a Renaissance garden stretches to the city’s medieval boundary. Orchards of pear and quince, fragrant rows of rosemary and lavender, and vegetable plots of artichokes and leeks recreate a 17th-century urban retreat. Once a private sanctuary for the Rothe family, this tranquil oasis is now open for all to wander, breathe in the scents of history, and escape into Kilkenny’s past.
There’s no better way to savour Kilkenny than through its food, stories, and hidden gems. The Kilkenny Culinary Tour is the must-do experience for food lovers—a guided journey through the city’s flavours, where history and cuisine blend seamlessly.
Led by local experts, the tour introduces you to Kilkenny’s finest artisans, bakers, brewers, and chefs. Wander through medieval streets while uncovering the city’s secret food spots, meet the makers behind the meals, and, of course, taste your way through Kilkenny’s legendary produce.
What to Expect:
Tours run daily (except Sundays) at 11 AM and 2:30 PM.
Book an Irish Culinary Tour today.
From medieval castles to lively food markets, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Kilkenny for history lovers and foodies alike. For those looking to keep the feast going after the tour, Kilkenny’s vibrant food scene offers something for every palate.
Twice a week, Kilkenny’s Farmers’ Market transforms The Parade into a food lover’s paradise. Stalls overflow with fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, handmade breads, and locally raised meats. Stop by and taste the best of Kilkenny’s land and sea, from organic fruit to just-caught fish tacos.
Nestled in Thomastown, Tābú Tapas brings a South American twist to traditional Spanish tapas. Helmed by Spanish chef Rodrigo Gonzalez, dishes range from crispy pan de yuca (cheesy tapioca bread) to wood-fired pizzas in a stunning garden setting. The perfect place to unwind with a glass of Tempranillo and a plate of Iberian delights.
At Nicholas Mosse Pottery & Café, dining is more than just a meal—it’s an immersive experience. Set in a working pottery studio, the café serves homemade quiches, hearty soups, and rustic tarts on handcrafted stoneware made on-site. Pro tip: Browse the pottery shop after your meal to take home a piece of Kilkenny craftsmanship.
Kilkenny’s passion for food isn’t limited to its markets and restaurants. Every October, Savour Kilkenny turns the city into a food festival like no other. With over 100 food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, and exclusive dining events, it’s a once-a-year chance to experience Kilkenny’s food culture at its peak.
But you don’t have to wait for the festival to savour Kilkenny—the Kilkenny Culinary Tour brings that same excitement every day of the year. Book your spot and taste the best of Kilkenny today!
Hidden in County Kilkenny, this 18th-century Romantic-era garden is a masterpiece of nature’s gentlest gestures. When people read about a waterfall in a brochure, they usually expect it would be big, loud, and violent.
This one, however, does not crash or roar; it descends like a bride’s veil, its silken streams caressing the rocks below. Tiny footbridges arch over babbling waters, wild foxgloves and ferns bow gracefully in the breeze, and pathways unfurl beneath towering beech and chestnut trees. Every step is an invitation to leave the hurried world behind.
Designed in the 1790s by the cultured Power family, Kilfane is a place of both wildness and refinement. The woodland glen, untouched for over two centuries, cradles a thatched cottage orné, a whimsical retreat overlooking the waterfall. The landscape was shaped to embrace the Romantic ideals of Rousseau—where nature, in all its serene imperfection, stirs the soul. Today, contemporary artists add new whispers to this timeless scene, their works blending seamlessly with Kilfane’s natural grace.
A must on every list of things to do in Kilkenny, this particular spot really ought to be savoured. Forget schedules, and ditch your awareness of the ticking of the clock. Do not be embarrassed to stop and touch the damp moss of ancient stones, inhale the fragrance of wildflowers clinging to their roots, and listen to the hush of water and wind. Kilfane is not a stop on an itinerary; it is a world apart, waiting for you to step inside and stay.
Few places in Kilkenny embody its medieval history as fully as Kyteler’s Inn, an establishment that has stood since 1263. Founded by the infamous Dame Alice de Kyteler, this inn has witnessed centuries of revelry, whispers of treachery, and the echoes of an Irish witch trial that shook Europe. Alice, a wealthy Norman merchant’s daughter, married four times, amassing a fortune that drew the envy of her rivals. Accused of sorcery and poisoning, she was sentenced to burn at the stake—but she vanished before the sentence could be carried out.
Kyteler’s Inn has ebbed and flowed with history—thriving in times of prosperity, abandoned in times of decline. Today, thanks to careful restoration, its medieval stone walls, wooden beams, and grand Top Bar transport visitors back in time. Live music and traditional Irish hospitality fill the air, just as they have for centuries, while visitors gather beneath the historic rafters for food, drink, and storytelling.
The menu honours Ireland’s culinary heritage, serving up hearty Irish stew, bacon and cabbage, and pints of locally brewed Kilkenny and Smithwick’s. Whether you come for the music, the atmosphere, or the legend of Dame Alice herself, a visit to Kyteler’s Inn is an experience woven from Kilkenny’s past—one where every sip and every note of music feels like a step deeper into history.
The Smithwick’s Experience is one of the must-visit things to do in Kilkenny City, offering a deep dive into Ireland’s brewing heritage. Over 300 years of innovation and tradition come alive here. From its medieval origins in St. Francis Abbey to its 18th-century reinvention by the Smithwick family, this tour reveals secrets behind Ireland’s most beloved ale.
Feel the balance of hops, malt, and barley in your hands, breathe in the rich aroma of brewing, and witness history unfold through holograms, stories, and living portraits.
Located in a restored Victorian brewing building just minutes from Kilkenny Castle, this tour takes you through time—from Franciscan monks crafting beer in the 1200s to the master brewers of today. Explore the delicate art of brewing, how Smithwick’s has adapted and thrived for centuries, and finish with a perfectly poured pint or a tasting flight of their signature ales.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a unique slice of Irish history, the Smithwick’s Experience is an unforgettable stop on your Kilkenny adventure.
Reserve your spot today for a taste of brewing mastery!
You’ll leave Kilkenny with more than photos and souvenirs. You’ll remember the echo of your footsteps in a cathedral older than the city itself. The hush of a cave where Vikings once hid their silver. The way a waterfall moves like silk over ancient rocks.
You’ll carry the taste of the perfect pint of Smithwick’s, the warmth of a pub where strangers became friends, and the scent of freshly baked sourdough lingering in the air.
But most of all, you’ll leave knowing that Kilkenny has never really left you. And whenever you’re ready to return, there will always be new things to do in Kilkenny—another hidden alley to wander, another dish to savour, and another piece of history waiting to be uncovered